State Public Pensions in Louisiana

The benefit that continues after a retiree's death depends on the option the retiree elected at retirement. The lifetime survivor options continue a monthly benefit to the named beneficiary.^{1, 2}

Under the LASERS Maximum Option, no lifetime monthly benefit continues to a beneficiary. At the member's death the named beneficiary receives a one-time lump sum of any remaining employee contributions.¹

Under the TRSL Maximum Option, all benefits cease at death. Only the member contributions not yet paid out are due to the member's estate.²

Survivor benefits may be payable to a surviving spouse, minor children, and physically handicapped or mentally disabled children when an eligible active or inactive member dies before retirement. The amount depends on the member's service and the system's rules.³

If no survivor benefit is due, a refund of contributions goes to the named beneficiary or the estate.³

LASERS pays no survivor benefit without a survivor application on file.³

State employees⁵

Teachers and other education employees⁶