State Public Pensions in Arizona
The Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) covers most state, school, and local government employees, while the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) covers police, firefighters, and other public-safety members. Survivor and death benefits depend on the system, whether the member was active or retired, and the beneficiary designation on file.
Administering agency
Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS)
Authority
A.R.S. §§ 38-762, 38-763
State Public Pensions in Arizona: key facts
- Systems
- ASRS for most state, school, and local government workers; PSPRS for police officers, firefighters, and other public-safety personnel.
- ASRS pre-retirement death
- The designated beneficiary receives a survivor benefit equal to double the member's contributions, including accrued interest, plus any service-purchase payments (A.R.S. § 38-762). The beneficiary may take it as a lump sum or elect the actuarial equivalent as monthly income for life.
- ASRS retiree death
- The continuing benefit depends on the annuity option the retiree elected. Whatever the option, the estate or beneficiary is entitled to at least the member's contributions plus interest, less the benefits already distributed (A.R.S. § 38-763(B)).
- ASRS documents required
- An original certified death certificate, a copy of the beneficiary's Social Security card, and a notarized ASRS application to claim survivor benefits. If the beneficiary is an estate or trust: a copy of the court-appointed personal representative's documentation, a copy of the trust, and a W-9.
- ASRS retiree payments after death
- The pension payment for the month in which the retiree died does not have to be returned, but any later payments made into the member's account do.
- Contacts
- ASRS at 602-240-2000 (Phoenix), 520-239-3100 (Tucson), or 800-621-3778 elsewhere; PSPRS at (602) 255-5575 or (877) 925-5575.
Governing law: A.R.S. §§ 38-762, 38-763
When someone dies
Steps after a death in Arizona
4-step process for Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS).
View details →
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Arizona primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) and Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS)
Authority
A.R.S. §§ 38-762, 38-763