The South Carolina Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement is a retirement plan aimed at providing eligible state employees with a secure and predictable retirement income. This plan is designed to help individuals maintain their financial well-being during their retirement years. The South Carolina Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement ensures that eligible participants receive a predetermined and guaranteed monthly payment based on their years of service, final average salary, and a specific formula established by the state legislature. This means that the benefit amount is not dependent on market performance, but rather on factors such as salary history and tenure. There are several types of South Carolina Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreements available based on the category of employment: 1. State Employee's Retirement System (SEES): This plan covers employees who work for state government agencies, excluding public school teachers and public safety officers. 2. Police Officers Retirement System (PORT): PORT is exclusively designed for law enforcement officers working at the local and state levels, providing retirement benefits tailored to their specific needs and risks. 3. Firefighter Parents and Widows Fund (FPF): FPF offers survivor benefits to a firefighter's spouse or dependent children in case of the firefighter's death due to injuries sustained while on duty. 4. Judges' and Solicitors' Retirement System (JARS): This plan caters to judges, magistrates, and solicitors, serving as their retirement vehicle. The South Carolina Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement ensures that plan participants have peace of mind, knowing that their retirement income is secure and will last throughout their lifetime. It offers a reliable source of income that is not influenced by market uncertainties, providing retirees with financial stability and a sense of security.