We understand this can be a difficult topic for our members, but it’s important to know what survivor benefits are available if you pass away before retirement. Your pension plan will determine if, and when, survivor benefits will be paid.

Below is a simple overview of survivor benefits for members who are actively employed.

If you have at least five years of service (vested) and pass away, a survivor benefit will be paid to your eligible spouse or child(ren). Survivor benefit payments are not automatic; the benefit recipient must submit an Application for Survivor Benefits with the required documentation.

• Spouse Survivor Benefit - An eligible surviving spouse must be married to you on your date of death. Their monthly benefit will be based on the benefit you have accrued as of the day you pass away and calculated as the Joint and 100% Survivor Option. The survivor benefit will be paid for the rest of your spouse’s life.
• Child Survivor Benefit – If there is no surviving spouse, 80% of your monthly base benefit will be paid to your natural or adopted child(ren) under age 21. This benefit depends on the law in effect when you were terminated. If you have more than one eligible child, the benefit will be divided equally among them. This benefit will stop when the child turns 21 (unless a child is totally incapacitated by court decree and you terminated service with the state on or after August 28, 2001.)

If you pass away while actively employed and your death is determined to be duty-related, your eligible spouse or child(ren) will receive a survivor benefit equal to the non-duty-related death survivor benefit described above. This benefit amount will never be less than 50% of your average monthly pay. There is no service requirement for a duty-related death.

Additionally, if it is determined by The Standard Insurance Company that your death is a result of personal injury or illness arising out of and in the course of performing your duties as an employee, your designated beneficiary(ies) will receive an amount equal to three times your basic life insurance coverage.

Please see the Members page for more information and next steps.

If you are a member of the Judicial Plan or Judicial Plan 2011, please see the Judges’ Retirement Handbook for information about survivor benefits specific to your plan.