Ala. Code § 36-27-185

Commencing October 1, 2002, beneficiaries of Employees’ Retirement System pensioners shall receive an increase of three percent of their gross monthly benefit, but not less than fifteen dollars ($15) per month, provided the date of death for the deceased pensioner, or the effective date of retirement for the deceased pensioner was prior to October 1, 2001, and the local units elect to fund the increase.