ensure uniformity in member identification provisions governing the South Dakota Retirement System.

South Dakota workers’ retirement payment rules

South Dakota Retirement System members can withdraw their accumulated contributions after leaving covered work. They must apply to the executive director on a system-approved form, with a spouse’s signature if married. Withdrawing forfeits all credited service and benefits under this retirement chapter. The withdrawal right ends when members return to covered work with a participating employer. Retirement benefits require a completed, system-approved application sent to the executive director, including the chosen benefit option. Married members need their spouse’s signature on that application unless they certify an exception under penalty of perjury. The exceptions are an unknown spouse location despite a good-faith search, or exceptional circumstances making a signature inappropriate. Members using either exception must provide supporting documents and choose the 60% joint and survivor benefit.