Scranton double pensioners sue to regain benefits

Scranton retirees who were stripped of double pension benefits they received for more than a decade filed a new court action seeking to force the city and nonuniform pension board to restore the additional money.

A recently filed lawsuit, on behalf of 22 retirees, claims several ordinances passed in 2003 obligate the pension board to continue paying the excess benefits.

The suit, filed in Lackawanna County Court, is the second legal action the retirees have taken. In April, they filed a lawsuit appealing the pension board’s March decision to cut their benefits in half. That decision was based on the findings of two hearing examiners who determined that neither the pension board nor city properly authorized the perk. That case remains pending.

The outcome of the cases will have significant ramifications for the city and retirees. The cut in benefits is saving the pension fund about $173,000 annually. Should the retirees prevail, the benefits would be restored.

Read more: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-double-pensioners-sue-to-regain-benefits-1.2208422