Terms Used In Texas Government Code 814.011

  • Annuity: A periodic (usually annual) payment of a fixed sum of money for either the life of the recipient or for a fixed number of years. A series of payments under a contract from an insurance company, a trust company, or an individual. Annuity payments are made at regular intervals over a period of more than one full year.
  • Beneficiary: A person who is entitled to receive the benefits or proceeds of a will, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity, or other contract. Source: OCC

The retirement system may elect to make a lump-sum payment to a retiree or beneficiary in lieu of annuity payments if the actuarial present value of the annuity at the time of retirement or death does not exceed $20,000. Payment of a lump sum under this section does not affect eligibility for any other program administered by the retirement system.