19-2-902. Payment of benefits. (1) A retirement benefit or survivorship benefit granted under a retirement system subject to this chapter, other than a benefit under the defined contribution plan, must be payable in monthly installments, except as provided in this part.
     (2) If the total actuarial present value of a benefit payable to a member or beneficiary is equal to or less than $5,000, the board shall pay the present value of the benefit to the member or beneficiary in a single lump sum unless the member or beneficiary chooses to receive a monthly benefit. The lump sum must be paid at the time the initial monthly benefit would otherwise be payable. An election to receive a monthly benefit must be made at least 30 days prior to the first payment date.
     (3) If a benefit recipient dies before the last day of the month, a smaller pro rata amount otherwise payable to the payment recipient must be paid to the designated beneficiary, statutory beneficiary, or contingent annuitant or to the benefit recipient's estate, as appropriate.

     History: En. 68-2501 by Sec. 49, Ch. 323, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 16, Ch. 332, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 68-2501(1); amd. Sec. 31, Ch. 265, L. 1993; Sec. , MCA 1991; redes. by Sec. 238, Ch. 265, L. 1993; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 58, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 18, Ch. 471, L. 1999.