(1) Eligible members who wish to participate in the DROP must file a DROP information request with the MPERA.

(2) The information request must include the member's:

(a) full name;

(b) social security number;

(c) mailing address;

(d) date of birth; and

(e) anticipated date to start the DROP period.

(3) The MPERA will calculate estimates of monthly DROP accruals and the DROP benefit. The estimates and a DROP application will be sent to the member.

(4) An eligible member who wishes to participate must complete the DROP application and return it to the MPERA.

(a) Except as provided in (4) (b) , MPERA must receive the completed application at least two weeks before the first day of the month the member wants the DROP period to be effective; otherwise MPERA will notify the member that the DROP period will be effective the following month. If a birth certificate or other acceptable proof of age is required by the application, it must accompany the application for the application to be complete.

(b) An eligible member who retroactively applies to participate in the DROP within the window provided for in 19-9-1204 (6) , MCA, must file the application on or before October 1, 2003.

(5) Once the application is received by the MPERA, the election to participate in the DROP is irrevocable.