19-20-701. Benefits. (1) The retirement, disability, and other benefits of the retirement system must be granted on the basis of the provisions of this chapter. A member's written application for benefits must include a statement certifying that there has been a bona fide separation from service, including whether there are any intentions to be reemployed with the same employer that would be prohibited under the Internal Revenue Code.

(2) If a member applies for a retirement benefit but dies before receiving the first monthly benefit allowance, benefits must be paid to the joint annuitant or beneficiary designated on the member's written application for a retirement allowance in the manner provided in 19-20-1001. If the member's written application did not include a designation of a joint annuitant or beneficiary, benefits must be paid to the beneficiary of record in the manner provided in 19-20-1001.