State Public Pensions in Hawaii

The State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System is the defined-benefit pension system for state and county employees, including teachers, police officers, firefighters, judiciary employees, judges, and elected officials. Survivor and death benefits depend on the member's plan, the beneficiary on file, and the retirement option elected.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Hawaii

ers.ehawaii.gov→

Administering agency

State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS)

Phone(808) 586-1735

WebsiteVisit website →

Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in Hawaii: key facts

Membership plans: Noncontributory, Contributory, and Hybrid members across the State and the counties of Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai.
Reporting a death: Call ERS at (808) 586-1735 with the deceased's full name, Social Security number, status, date of death, and a contact person.
Claim documents: An original death certificate plus the death-claim forms ERS sends to the beneficiary, including tax and direct-deposit forms.
Filing window: A beneficiary has three years to file for death benefits; payments are processed within 1-2 months after all required forms are received.

When someone dies