Make sure your survivor is aware of this:
The death benefit is paid from the pension plan. It is a benefit, not an insurance policy and is in fact separate from any insurance payments to which you are entitled. The death benefit is paid only to surviving dependents at the time of death. If you have no dependents, there will be no death benefit paid. This benefit will be paid only when the survivor notifies the benefit office of the retiree’s death. A form will be mailed to the survivor who will then fill out the form and return it along with a copy of the death certificate to the benefit office.
If you are eligible for a sickness/accidental death benefit at the time of your death, it will be paid to your qualified beneficiaries as follows:
-100% to your surviving spouse. If you have dependent children not living in your spouse’s household at the time of death, the death benefit is divided equally between spouse and all dependent children. Children away at school/college will be considered member of the household where they normally reside, or previously resided prior to leaving for school.
-If no surviving spouse, 100% in equal shares to all eligible dependent children. Dependent children are defined as your dependent and unmarried children (natural and adopted); under the age of 23, or if over age 23 are unmarried, disabled and dependent upon you for support. Unborn children at time of participant’s death are not eligible.
-If no surviving spouse or eligible dependent children, 100% in equal shares to dependent parents.
-If no surviving spouse, no eligible dependent children, or no eligible dependent parents, 100% in equal shares to other eligible dependent relatives. (Dependent relatives are defined as grandchildren, brother, sister, grandparents, deceased spouse’s parents, and deceased spouse’s grandparents dependent on you for support.
-If no surviving spouse, no eligible dependent children, no eligible dependent parents, or eligible dependent relatives, as described above, no sickness or accidental death benefit is paid.
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NOTE: Neither the sickness death benefit nor the accidental death benefit will be paid if a claim for benefits is received more than one year following the death of an eligible participant.
To report a death: Phone 1-800-729-7526, press 2 as retiree, press 3 to report a death.
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