The ERS provides service-connected and non-service connected death benefits for participants who die in active service.
The Plan Document specifies the primary and contingent beneficiaries:
- The primary beneficiary is an eligible spouse.
- The contingent beneficiaries are eligible children (under the age of 18, under the age of 23, if a full-time student, or regardless of age, if permanently disabled).
A spouse may be excluded but eligible children cannot be excluded from benefits. If the participant does not leave a surviving spouse or eligible children, a lump sum benefit is paid to the participant's listed beneficiary (ies).
To exclude a spouse participants must complete the
Form, Spousal Exclusion.
To update or change beneficiary designations, complete the
Form, Revised Designation of Beneficiaries for Active Members.
Refer to the
Fact Sheet, Designating a Beneficiary – Active Members for additional information.
Death benefits vary by plan. To learn more, refer to the
Plan Document or the
Summary Plan Description.