STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2024) – Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved it, according to State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron).
This legislation, co-authored by Aylesworth, would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired public employees like teachers, state excise police, gaming agents, gaming control officers, conservation officers and state police officers who are a part of Indiana’s public pension program would receive a 13th check.
"Indiana should provide this supplemental payment to help these Hoosier public retirees," Aylesworth said. "This 13th check can help cover some of the increased costs for everyday items and services, especially during this time of high inflation."
Payments would be based on an employee's number of years vested in their retirement plan. Aylesworth said the state would use existing, dedicated funds to make one-time payments to retirees, which would average about $360 per recipient.
As of early 2024, there are nearly 100,000 retired public employees who would qualify for a 13th check under this legislation.
House Bill 1004 now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. In 2023, House lawmakers supported similar legislation, but the bill ultimately died in the Senate. Learn more about the bill and track it through the legislative process at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
