Measure C

DISABLED CHILDREN SURVIVOR BENEFIT OF THE FIRE AND POLICE PENSION PLAN

WHAT WOULD IT DO? Measure C would make it so that the disabled children of deceased members of the Fire and Police Pension Plan could get married or be adopted by someone else without losing their dependent child benefits.

It would also allow monetary benefits to be paid directly to the dependent child or to the Dependent Children Special Needs Trust.

WHAT ARE THE 'DEPENDENT CHILD BENEFITS'? Under the current Fire and Police Pension Plan, offspring of deceased pensioners are eligible for "dependent child" benefits if they become disabled before they turn 21 and have not married. They receive certain benefits based on the deceased parent's plan; the amount is 25% to 50% of what the deceased member's spouse or partner receives. If a surviving disabled child gets marred or is adopted, he or she loses those benefits.

HOW ARE THE BENEFITS PAID NOW? The law states that the benefits a dependent child receives must go to a guardian or conservator. However, in accordance with other state laws, dependent children have been able to have the benefits paid directly to them. The current plan does not allow the benefits to be given directly to the Dependent Children Special Needs Trust. With Measure C, that would be allowed.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST? Passing this measure will not increase any taxes. It is intended to change the bylaws of the FIre and Police Pension Plan related to payment for disabled children.

WHAT DOES MY VOTE MEAN?  A Yes vote on Measure C will allow the disabled children of deceased FPPA members (fire fighters, police officers, et cetera) to still get pension benefits even if they get married or are adopted. A No vote on Measure C will mean the surviving disabled children of FPPA members will not receive pension benefits once they get married or are adopted.

WHAT DOES THE LOS ANGELES TIMES THINK? The Times editorial board urged a Yes vote on Measure C.