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Every member of ERSRI or MERS, active or retired, is entitled to leave a death benefit to a beneficiary when they pass away.
If you are retired, your beneficiary is still entitled to a death benefit, even if you have selected a retirement option that does not include a survivor benefit. If you do not name a beneficiary, a death benefit will be issued to your estate. To name a beneficiary, you can submit a completed and notarized Beneficiary Designation Form to ERSRI.
Retiree Death and Survivor Benefits FAQ
The death benefit is a one-time payment of $800 per year of completed service, up to a maximum of $16,000. This benefit is reduced by 25% every year after retirement, with a minimum benefit of $4,000.
If you chose Option #1 (100% Survivor option) or Option #2 (50% Survivor option) your beneficiary will also receive a monthly survivor benefit.
Retired teachers with a Teacher Survivors’ Benefit should refer to page 20 of the Member Handbook for more information on survivor eligibility or contact ERSRI using the link below.
If you chose the SRA Plan or SRA PLUS plan, and if you pass away before you have received monthly benefits that total an amount equal to your contributions, your beneficiary is entitled to a return of any unused contributions made into the fund, in addition to the death benefit.
Report a death using the link below or call the Member Service Center at (401) 462- 7600 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
