When you retire you pick how your SCRS pension is paid. Option A pays the most. B and C pay less so that your beneficiary keeps getting a check after you die.
Maximum lifetime benefit. At death, any remaining member contributions and interest (including working-retiree contributions) not used up by benefits are paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary or estate.
Nothing continues monthly after you die.
Reduced lifetime benefit; the same amount (including granted benefit adjustments) continues for the beneficiary's life. Reverts to Option A if all beneficiaries die first. Non-spouse single beneficiary must be within the IRC age-difference limits.
Your beneficiary gets 100% of your payment for life.
Reduced lifetime benefit; half continues for the beneficiary's life. Reverts to Option A if all beneficiaries die first. No IRC age restriction.
Your beneficiary gets 50% of your payment for life.
Option A is the amount the SCRS formula gives.
Options B and C are the actuarial equivalent of Option A; PEBA does not publish the reduction factors (they depend on both ages; for multiple beneficiaries, the average age). Member Access benefit estimates show them. S.C. Code 9-1-1620(A), Options B and C; SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 7, Online access to your account
PEBA doesn't publish how much Options B and C reduce your check. It depends on your age and your beneficiary's.
We only show Options B and C if you enter a factor from your PEBA estimate.
S.C. Code 9-1-1620(A); SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 20What else a beneficiary may get is in survivor and death benefits.
Options B and C with multiple beneficiaries: divided equally; does not change if one beneficiary dies. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 20, Choosing Option B or Option C
Option B with a sole non-spouse beneficiary is allowed only within the 10-year age-difference limits of an IRC formula (does not apply if the beneficiary is older, or for disability or death benefits). SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 20, Option B; Retirement processes: service retirement (FY2027), PDF p. 3, Option B beneficiary age restrictions
Form of payment can change at most twice (reversion to Option A counts). Option A beneficiaries can change at any time. After a change in marital status, a new option and beneficiary can be chosen within five years. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 26, Beneficiary and payment option changes; S.C. Code 9-1-1620(B)
PEBA doesn't publish the factors. They depend on your age and your beneficiary's. Your Member Access estimate shows the dollar amounts.
Under B or C your payment goes up to the Option A amount starting the month after the last beneficiary dies. Tell PEBA.
Only after a change in marital status (within five years), and no more than twice in total. A reversion to Option A counts as one change.
Related: how your payments are taxed, in taxes on an SCRS pension, and the yearly benefit adjustment.
Source: South Carolina Retirement System Member Handbook, Fiscal year 2027 (SCPEBA 082026, expires June 30, 2027), pp. 7, 20, 26. Also: Get Set for Retirement: Payment options (FY2027); Retirement processes: service retirement (FY2027); S.C. Code 9-1-1620, 9-1-1650. Last reviewed .