STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 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. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville).
The legislation, which Borders co-authored, 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.
"There are so many retired Hoosiers who worked for our state that could use this payment to help make ends meet," Borders said. "I hope to see this legislation become law so we can help them with rising costs caused by inflation."
Payments would be based on an employee's number of years vested in their retirement plan. Borders 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. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
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