STEUBENVILLE — Members of the Public Employees Retirement Inc.’s Jefferson County Chapter met March 12 at Froehlich’s Classic Corner restaurant. The opening prayer was led by Joyce Summers and the Pledge of Allegiance by John McDevitt.

Co-President Pat Horton welcomed the day’s guest, District 9 Rep. Jim Range, who discussed with those in attendance that PERI life members will not be receiving a renewal invoice from the main office. They still must pay $5 to their local chapter, he noted.

Range stated as of Feb. 24, the Social Security Administration began paying retroactive benefits and will increase monthly benefit payments to those retirees whose benefits have been affected by WEP and GPO. Range reminded everyone to be sure their e-mail and banking information is up-to-date, in order for timely deposits of their Social Security back payment can be made. Visit ssa.gov/myccount or call (800) 772-1213.

Officials announced PERI District 9, which is composed of Belmont, Carroll, Coshocton, Harrison, Holmes, Jefferson, Tuscarawas and Guernsey counties, will hold an annual meeting May 15 at the John M. Abdalla Municipal Building in Stratton.

Speakers will include State Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville; State Rep. Jodi Salvo, R-Wintersville; Tim Steitz, retired representative for OPERS; PERI Board Chair Rich Ross and PERI Executive Director Leslie Garcia.

The next Jefferson County Chapter meeting is scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Wednesday in the Fiesta Room of Froehlich’s Classic Corner, located at 501 Washington St.