State Public Pensions in Hawaii: when someone dies

A 4-step process for State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS) after a death in Hawaii.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Hawaii

ers.ehawaii.gov

Administering agency

State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS)

Verified Jul 2026

Steps to take

  1. Call ERS at (808) 586-1735 to report the death and provide the deceased's name, Social Security number, status, and date of death.
  2. Wait for the letter ERS sends to the beneficiary explaining any death benefits payable and the required claim forms.
  3. Submit an original death certificate and the completed death-claim, tax, and direct-deposit forms.
  4. ERS processes any death payment within 1-2 months after all required forms and documents are received.

State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System (ERS)

Phone: (808) 586-1735

Visit the agency website →

Frequently asked questions

Contact the State of Hawaii Employees' Retirement System at (808) 586-1735. ERS covers state and county employees, teachers, police, firefighters, and judiciary staff, and handles survivor and death-benefit claims.

After the death is reported, ERS sends the beneficiary a letter and claim forms. The beneficiary submits an original death certificate along with the death-claim, tax, and direct-deposit forms.

A beneficiary has three years to file for death benefits. Once ERS receives all required forms and documents, the death payment is processed within 1-2 months.

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Sources

Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Hawaii primary sources (3 pages reviewed). How we research.