Section 10-11-118.1 - Adjustment of benefits. - New Mexico Statutes

10-11-118.1. Adjustment of benefits.

A.     If payment of a pension or other retirement benefit causes a decrease in the amount of monetary payments or other needs-based benefits due to a payee from any other governmental agency, the pension or other retirement benefit shall be reduced for the period during which the pension or other retirement benefit prevents payment of another needs-based benefit to result in payment of the maximum amount possible by the association and the other governmental agency to the payee. Any amounts which would otherwise be paid out which are not paid in accordance with the provisions of this section shall not be recoverable by a payee at any later date.   

B.     If there is a change in the effect of a pension or other retirement benefit on any monetary payments or other needs-based benefits due to a payee from any other governmental agency, the pension or other retirement benefits shall be adjusted to result in the maximum total benefit to the payee. In no event shall any pension be increased in an amount greater than that authorized by the Public Employees Retirement Act [this article].   

C.     The provisions of this section are mandatory and may not be waived or declined by a payee. Each payee shall provide the association with all information necessary for the association to carry out the requirements imposed by this section.   

D.     If the payee fails to provide all the facts necessary to comply with the requirements imposed by this section and payment of a pension or other retirement benefit is made without making the adjustment required by this section, neither the board, the executive director nor any officer or employee of the association or the board shall be liable to any third party because the adjustment was not made as required.   

E.     As used in this section:   

(1)     "pension" means a normal retirement, survivor or disability retirement pension payable to a retired member or survivor beneficiary pursuant to the Public Employees Retirement Act;   

(2)     "governmental agency" means the federal government, any department or agency of the federal government, any state and any department, agency or political subdivision of a state;   

(3)     "total benefits" means pensions plus any other monetary payments or other needs-based benefits due to the payee from any governmental agency;   

(4)     "needs-based benefit" means monetary or other benefits for which a determination of eligibility is based upon the recipient's level of income and resources; and   

(5)     "payee" means a retired member or the refund beneficiary or survivor beneficiary of a retired member.