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Pension checks are typically distributed on a regular schedule based on the terms of the pension plan, not political events. Your father's pension likely started due to reaching retirement age or years of service requirements, coinciding with the 2016 election timing by chance. Government pensions, including those for police officers, are managed by state or local pension systems, not the federal government.

Detailed Information for references:

1. Pension Eligibility:

Police pensions usually become payable when an officer reaches a certain age (often 50-55) and/or completes a specific number of years of service (typically 20-25 years). Your father's pension likely started because he met these criteria, not due to the election.

2. Pension Management:

State and local governments manage their own pension systems. Arizona's public safety personnel retirement system (PSPRS) would handle your father's pension, not the federal government or the president.

3. Distribution Schedule:

Pension checks are typically distributed monthly on a fixed schedule. The start date is determined by when the retiree becomes eligible and completes the necessary paperwork, not by political events.

4. Pension Funding:

Pensions are funded through a combination of employee contributions, employer contributions, and investment returns over many years. They're not suddenly “released” by a new administration.

5. Federal vs. State Control:

Police pensions are typically managed at the state or local level, so federal elections generally don't directly impact their distribution.

6. Pension Portability:

If your father moved between states, his Arizona pension would likely continue to be paid by Arizona's system, regardless of his current residence.

7. Timing Coincidence:

The timing of your father's first pension check coinciding with the 2016 election was likely a coincidence, not a causal relationship.

8. Pension Information:

Your father can contact the Arizona PSPRS for specific details about his pension, including when and why payments began.

In conclusion, while the timing may have seemed significant to your father, pension payments are based on predetermined eligibility criteria and schedules, not on political events or presidential actions. The coincidence of timing does not imply causation in this case.