State Public Pensions in Idaho

PERSI runs the retirement plan for Idaho state and local government employees, teachers, police, and firefighters. PERSI is not automatically notified of a death, so a representative of the estate must call; what is payable depends on whether the member died before or after retirement and which retirement option they elected.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Idaho

persi.idaho.gov/retirees/reporting-a-death→

Administering agency

Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI)

Phone1-800-451-8228

WebsiteVisit website →

Authority

Idaho Code 59-1361

Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in Idaho: key facts

System: Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) — Base Plan plus the Choice 401(k) Plan. A single beneficiary designation applies to both accounts.
Reporting a death: PERSI is NOT automatically notified of a member's death. Call the PERSI Answer Center at 1-800-451-8228 or 208-334-3365. PERSI then reviews and finalizes the account and writes to the surviving spouse, estate representative, or estate.
Death before retirement: A non-vested member's beneficiary receives the member's contributions plus interest. A vested member's death benefit equals 200% of accumulated contributions (the "double death benefit"); if the spouse is the sole primary beneficiary, they may instead elect a lifetime monthly benefit calculated as an Option 1 retirement benefit.
Death after retirement: If the retiree elected a Contingent Annuitant Option, the contingent annuitant receives a monthly allowance for the rest of their life. If the retiree elected a Regular retirement option and a balance remains in the account, it is paid to the beneficiary as a lump sum.
Overpayments: Benefit overpayments — which arise from the timing of the death relative to notification — must be returned to PERSI.
Member services: PERSI Answer Center: 1-800-451-8228 or 208-334-3365. Choice 401(k) Plan beneficiary claims are handled by Empower's Beneficiary Support Service Team: 866-442-3888.

Governing law: Idaho Code 59-1361

When someone dies

Steps after a death in Idaho

5-step process for Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI).

View details →

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Sources

Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Idaho primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.

Public Pensions

Idaho

persi.idaho.gov/retirees/reporting-a-death→

Administering agency

Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI)

Phone1-800-451-8228

WebsiteVisit website →

Authority

Idaho Code 59-1361

Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in Idaho: key facts

System

Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) — Base Plan plus the Choice 401(k) Plan. A single beneficiary designation applies to both accounts.

Reporting a death

PERSI is NOT automatically notified of a member's death. Call the PERSI Answer Center at 1-800-451-8228 or 208-334-3365. PERSI then reviews and finalizes the account and writes to the surviving spouse, estate representative, or estate.

Death before retirement

A non-vested member's beneficiary receives the member's contributions plus interest. A vested member's death benefit equals 200% of accumulated contributions (the "double death benefit"); if the spouse is the sole primary beneficiary, they may instead elect a lifetime monthly benefit calculated as an Option 1 retirement benefit.

Death after retirement

If the retiree elected a Contingent Annuitant Option, the contingent annuitant receives a monthly allowance for the rest of their life. If the retiree elected a Regular retirement option and a balance remains in the account, it is paid to the beneficiary as a lump sum.

Overpayments

Benefit overpayments — which arise from the timing of the death relative to notification — must be returned to PERSI.

Member services

PERSI Answer Center: 1-800-451-8228 or 208-334-3365. Choice 401(k) Plan beneficiary claims are handled by Empower's Beneficiary Support Service Team: 866-442-3888.

Governing law: Idaho Code 59-1361