Your beneficiary may be entitled to an ordinary death benefit, in lieu of a monthly pension, if your death is not attributable to an on-the-job accident. The beneficiaries of active (not retired) members generally are not entitled to a monthly pension benefit. The first $50,000 of this benefit is paid in the form of group term life insurance, which is currently exempt from federal income tax. Your accumulated contributions (if any) are also payable to your beneficiary.

Eligibility

An ordinary death benefit may be payable to your designated beneficiary if you have completed at least one year of service since last joining the Retirement System and your death occurs:

• While you are on the payroll;
• While you are on an authorized medical leave of absence (with or without pay);
• While you are receiving Workers’ Compensation or other employer-funded benefits, for up to two years (which may be extended for an additional two years) following the last date you were paid on the payroll, provided your employment has not been terminated by resignation, employer action, retirement or any other means while receiving those benefits; or
• Within 12 months of the last date you were receiving salary, on an authorized medical leave of absence or receiving Workers’ Compensation or other employer-funded benefits, provided you were not otherwise gainfully employed, or retired during that period.

Filing

Your family or employer should notify us of your death as soon as possible so we can send the appropriate forms to your beneficiary.