Pensions and Benefits Information for
Retirees Surviving Family Members
If the retiree passes away, is a surviving family member (spouse or child) eligible to remain on the county health care plans? I understand that if the retiree is a participant in Medicare then there is no provision to cover children.
➢ Yes, if the surviving spouse/child was on the County’s health care plans at the time of the retiree’s death, all such eligible members are able to continue. It should be noted, a decision to terminate a plan(s) is irrevocable. Dependent children are able to remain until the end of the month in which they reach the age of 26.
Is there paperwork that the survivor will have to fill out to continue to receive benefits or coverage if applicable?
➢ Yes, an enrollment form is enclosed with the condolence letter to be completed by the survivor.
Will there be a change in the contribution required of the surviving spouse/family member?
➢ Yes, the rate changes from that of the retiree premium to that of a surviving dependent. Applicable rates, payment options and terms are included in the condolence letter.
Is that paperwork available online and what documents do you need from the survivor to facilitate continued payments/coverage?
➢ The enrollment form is the paperwork required to continue coverage and it is one of the enclosures that is mailed to the beneficiary with the condolence letter. The County currently does not offer online payment options; thus, a check (personal or cashier’s) or money order are acceptable ways to make required monthly premium payments.
Life Insurance coverage. How does the surviving spouse/family member apply for that benefit?
➢ Within days of the notification of death, the surviving family will receive details concerning the current value of the life insurance, if applicable. Once the required documents are received from the beneficiary (ies), the paperwork is submitted for review and payout by the life insurance company.
Does the survivor’s annuity only apply if the retiree has elected to take a reduced monthly benefit upon their separation from the department?
➢ Upon RETIREMENT the answer is YES.
If they have elected to receive the entire monthly retirement benefit would the surviving spouse/family member stop receiving payments upon the death of the retiree?
➢ If Retiree selected SINGLE LIFE ONLY payment option at retirement, there is NO survivor annuity upon death of the retiree.
If there is a survivor’s annuity, does that only apply to the first beneficiary or beneficiaries or would that annuity get passed down to the next generation?
Example: retiree dies; spouse receives the survivor’s annuity, the surviving spouse then dies would that annuity be passed to the child/children?
➢ Survivor Annuity options allow ONLY 1 beneficiary to be designated and the retiree makes that designation when they complete their application for the pension.
Is there paperwork that the survivor will have to fill out to continue to receive benefits or annuities if applicable?
➢ Yes.
Is that paperwork available online and what documents do you need from the survivor to facilitate continued payments/coverage?
➢ No. Not currently available online. An application, completed tax form and direct deposit forms are usually need to facilitate continued payments for the pension.
These are some links that may be helpful to you as you navigate this process:
Frequently requested documents link
