State Public Pensions in Indiana
The Indiana Public Retirement System runs the Public Employees' Retirement Fund (PERF) and the Teachers' Retirement Fund (TRF), among other funds. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired, the plan they were in, and the option they elected.
Steps to take when someone dies
Required Documents
- Copy of the death certificate: Identifies the member. Sent to INPRS in person, by mail, email, or fax; it starts the 30-day review.
- Birth certificates: for the member and each survivor, if INPRS asks for them after the review
- Marriage certificate or court decree: for a surviving spouse, if INPRS asks for it after the review
- Direct-deposit information: if INPRS asks for it after the review
Timeline
After it receives the death certificate, INPRS completes a 30-day review, then mails eligibility results and the required paperwork to the survivor or representative.
State Public Pensions in Indiana: key facts
What Indiana says3
- Reporting a death
Anyone can report a death to INPRS. INPRS asks for a copy of the death certificate, sent in person, by mail, email, or fax.1
INPRS will only discuss death benefits with a limited set of people.1
- Death after retirement
When a retiree dies, the continuing benefit depends on the payment option the member elected at retirement.1
A surviving beneficiary may receive a continuing monthly benefit, the remaining payments under a period-certain option, or a lump sum.1
- Death before retirement
Funds in the defined-contribution account and Rollover Savings Account are disbursed to the beneficiary on file, or to the member's estate if no beneficiary is named.1
A surviving spouse or dependent children may also be entitled to the member's pension benefit if the member died after June 30, 2018, had at least 10 years of creditable service, and had not applied for retirement; the spouse must have been married to the member for at least two years.1
Deadlines1
- Notify INPRS of the death
as soon as possible1
Forms Indiana uses1
- Survivor benefit application
Claiming a survivor benefit. INPRS mails it with the required paperwork to the survivor or representative after its 30-day review.1
Retirement systems3
- Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS)
PERF, TRF, and funds for police and firefighters, judges, prosecuting attorneys, legislators, and excise, gaming, and conservation officers2
Phone: 1-844-464-6777
Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Public Employees' Retirement Fund (PERF)
Indiana public employees2
- Teachers' Retirement Fund (TRF)
Indiana teachers2
Indiana public pension benefits
Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS)
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Indiana
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Indiana: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Indiana: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysIC 29-1-12-1, IC 29-1-7.5-3.2Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsIC 29-1-14-1, 29-1-7-7, 29-1-14-9, 29-1-14-10Verified Sep 15, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?
Indiana automatically revokes an ex-spouse as beneficiary at divorceIC 29-1-5-8; IC 30-4-2-15; IC 32-17-14-23; IC 32-17-14-2(c); IC 32-17-14-2.5Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; employer plans under ERISA follow federal rules either way, so a 401(k) beneficiary changes only by a new designation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Indiana, a surviving spouse takes half of the estateIC § 29-1-2-1Verified Sep 10, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationIC § 29-1-2-1(d)(1)Verified Sep 10, 2026View source.
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