State Public Pensions in Idaho: when someone dies
A 5-step process for Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) after a death in Idaho.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Administering agency
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI)
Phone1-800-451-8228
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
Idaho Code 59-1361
Verified Jul 2026
Steps to take
- Call the PERSI Answer Center at 1-800-451-8228 or 208-334-3365 to report the member's or retiree's death — PERSI is not notified automatically.
- PERSI reviews and finalizes the account, then sends correspondence to the surviving spouse, estate representative, or estate explaining the process, what further information PERSI needs, whether benefits are owed, and the status of any benefit overpayment.
- Return any benefit overpayment to PERSI.
- Confirm the beneficiary designation on file — under Idaho Code 59-1361(4), if no beneficiary was designated or the beneficiary predeceased the member, the death benefit is paid to the surviving spouse, and if there is none, under Idaho's laws of descent and distribution.
- For a Choice 401(k) Plan balance, contact Empower's Beneficiary Support Service Team at 866-442-3888.
Frequently asked questions
Call the PERSI Answer Center at 1-800-451-8228 or 208-334-3365. PERSI is not automatically notified of a member's death, so a representative of the estate must report it to start the review of the account and any death benefit.
It depends on the option elected at retirement. If the retiree chose a Contingent Annuitant Option, the contingent annuitant receives a monthly allowance for the rest of their life. If the retiree chose a Regular retirement option and a balance remains in the account, it is paid to the beneficiary as a lump sum. Any benefit overpayment issued because of the timing of the death must be returned to PERSI.
A non-vested member's beneficiary receives the member's contributions plus interest. A vested member's death benefit equals 200% of accumulated contributions under Idaho Code 59-1361(3); if the spouse was the sole primary beneficiary, they may elect a lifetime monthly benefit instead, calculated as an Option 1 retirement benefit.
The full value of the Choice 401(k) account is available to the beneficiary. Empower is the plan's record keeper and handles Choice Plan death benefit claims; beneficiaries contact Empower's Beneficiary Support Service Team at 866-442-3888, separately from the PERSI Base Plan process.
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Idaho primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI)
Phone1-800-451-8228
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
Idaho Code 59-1361
Verified Jul 2026