The Maryland State Retirement & Pension administers death, disability and retirement benefits on behalf of more than 279,000 active and former state employees, teachers, state police, judges, law enforcement officers, correctional officers and legislators. The State of Maryland is the primary sponsor of the multiemployer-defined benefit system, and more than 100 eligible governmental agencies voluntarily participate in the system as well. Benefits and services include survivor protection if a member dies before retirement; disability coverage in the event that a member cannot continue working due to a disabling injury or illness; a basic monthly retirement allowance based on the member s age, service and salary upon retirement; options for payment of a continuing allowance to the member s survivor; and annual cost of living adjustments.