(a) A nonparticipant spouse may apply for a retirement benefit, provided the participant or the nonparticipant spouse has attained the normal retirement age. The retirement benefit is a distribution of the balance of the nonparticipant spouse’s account.

(b) Application for a retirement benefit shall be made on an application form prescribed by the board.

(c) The retirement date shall be the date designated in the nonparticipant spouse’s application, or the day following the date of the court order dividing the community property of the participant and nonparticipant spouse, if later.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 820, Sec. 11. Effective September 25, 1998.)