The South Dakota Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement is a comprehensive retirement plan designed to provide financial security to eligible employees in South Dakota. It is a type of pension plan that guarantees a predefined benefit amount upon retirement, based on factors such as salary and years of service. This pension plan operates through a trust agreement, which serves as the legal framework for managing and administering the funds. The trust agreement ensures that the pension assets are held and invested responsibly to maximize the return on investment and ensure the long-term sustainability of the plan. There are various types of South Dakota Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreements, each catering to specific groups of employees. Some of them include: 1. State Employees Retirement System (SEES): This plan covers state government employees, including teachers, public safety personnel, and administrative staff. It offers retirement benefits based on a formula considering the average salary and years of service. 2. Teachers Retirement System (TRS): Specifically designed for educators, this plan provides retirement benefits to teachers, administrators, and education professionals working in public schools and universities within South Dakota. The formula for calculation may vary depending on factors such as years of teaching experience and final average salary. 3. Judicial Retirement System (JR): The Judicial Retirement System caters to judges and justices serving in the South Dakota court system. It offers retirement benefits based on a formula considering years of service and the average final compensation. 4. Dakota Retirement Plan (DRP): The Dakota Retirement Plan is a defined-benefit pension specifically designed for private sector employees. It enables employers to provide retirement benefits to their workforce in a structured manner. The plan is customizable to meet the specific needs of each employer and may include different investment options. All these South Dakota Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreements are regulated by the South Dakota Retirement System (SARS), which oversees the contribution management, investment decisions, and benefit distribution, ensuring compliance with state laws and policies. Eligible employees can contribute a portion of their salary into the plan throughout their employment, with the promise of a secure retirement income based on their years of service and other relevant factors. Overall, the South Dakota Defined-Benefit Pension Plan and Trust Agreement offer a reliable and proven method for public and private sector employees in South Dakota to secure their financial future by establishing a stable income stream in retirement.