Frequently Asked Questions

Upon my death, what should my family do about my retirement benefit?

Upon your death, your survivors should contact the Retirement Systems Division immediately. We will need to be provided with your name, last four digits of your Social Security Number or your Member ID number, and a copy of your death certificate. In addition, if you have elected to provide survivor benefits after your death, we will need to be provided with the Social Security number and current mailing address of your survivor. If your estate is your beneficiary, we must be provided with Papers of Administration or Letters of Testamentary. The monthly benefit that is payable in the month of your death belongs to your estate and can be kept. Any benefits made payable to you after your month of death must be returned to the Retirement Systems Division. (Please remember to keep your beneficiary designation(s) up-to-date.)