Pfaff celebrates unanimous votes in favor of thirteenth check

INDIANAPOLIS – On Jan. 11, the House Ways and Means Committee convened to discuss House Bill 1004 establishing a 13th check for PRF and TRF retirees. Members of the committee unanimously voted in favor of the bill.

If passed into law, it would provide a supplemental one-time payment based on an individual's number of years vested in their retirement plan.  

“The benefits introduced by HB 1004 would help ensure retired Hoosiers are able to keep up with the inflated costs of living,” said Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) said. “For many retired Hoosiers, pension payouts are not enough to live off.”

“Just over a decade ago, our legislature passed both a 13th check and a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). When discussions of reviving the 13th check were revisited in 2021, House Republicans blocked the legislation. Despite this, I have received numerous calls and from folks frustrated with this outcome. Hoosiers are understandably concerned about having access to post-retirement funds. We owe it to our retired teachers and public servants to make good our promises to ensure their continued financial well-being.”