State Public Pensions in Alaska: when someone dies

The benefit that continues depends on the payment option the retiree elected. A joint-and-survivor option pays a surviving spouse a set percentage of the reduced benefit for life; other options pay any remaining contribution balance or the final check rather than an ongoing pension.

Yes. A nonoccupational death pays the member's contribution account balance plus a lump-sum death benefit. An occupational death may instead pay a monthly survivor pension to the surviving spouse and eligible dependent children.