Maryland § 21-404

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 21-404, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21-404.

    (a)    This section does not apply to the Judges’ Retirement System.

    (b)    To change a designated beneficiary, a retiree shall:

        (1)    complete the appropriate form that the Board of Trustees provides; and

        (2)    file the form with the Board of Trustees.

    (c)    Subject to subsections (d) and (e) of this section, if a retiree changes a designated beneficiary, the Board of Trustees shall recompute the allowance for the election based on the value of the balance in the retiree’s annuity reserve and pension reserve when the change is made.

    (d)    (1)    This subsection applies only to a retiree who elected the optional form of allowance payable under § 21–403(b) (Option 2), § 21–403(c) (Option 3), § 21–403(e) (Option 5), or § 21–403(f) (Option 6) of this subtitle.

        (2)    A retiree may rescind a request to change the designated beneficiary and restore the retiree’s prior designation of beneficiary by sending written notice to the State Retirement Agency that is received by the State Retirement Agency before the second allowance payment normally becomes due after the change of beneficiary.

        (3)    A retiree who rescinds a change of designated beneficiary in a timely manner under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall receive, after the rescission, the allowance payable prior to the change of designated beneficiary, without retroactive adjustment of any allowance payment made while the rescinded designation of beneficiary was in effect.

    (e)    (1)    This subsection applies to a retiree if:

            (i)    the retiree elected the optional form of allowance payable under § 21–403(e) (Option 5) or § 21–403(f) (Option 6) of this subtitle;

            (ii)    the retiree’s designated beneficiary dies before the retiree; and

            (iii)    after the death of the designated beneficiary, the retiree elects to change the designated beneficiary.

        (2)    The Board of Trustees shall recompute the reduced allowance payable to a retiree and the retiree’s new designated beneficiary using:

            (i)    the retiree’s basic allowance at the time of the new beneficiary designation;

            (ii)    the retiree’s age at the time of the new beneficiary designation; and

            (iii)    the age of the new designated beneficiary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 21-404

What does Maryland Code § 21-404 cover?

Section 21-404 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 21-404?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 21-404" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 21-404 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.