State Public Pensions in Mississippi

PERS covers state government, public schools, universities, community colleges, municipalities, counties, the Legislature, the highway patrol, and other public entities. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired, whether the member was vested, and the payment option the member elected.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Mississippi

pers.ms.gov→

Administering agency

Public Employees' Retirement System of Mississippi (PERS)

Phone800-444-7377

WebsiteVisit website →

Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in Mississippi: key facts

Who is covered: State government, public schools, universities, community colleges, municipalities, counties, the Legislature, highway patrol, and other public entities.
Pre-retirement death: A vested member's eligible spouse or dependent child may receive monthly survivor benefits; a spouse may instead waive monthly benefits for a lump-sum refund of contributions and interest.
Retiree death: Under the Maximum Retirement Allowance Option no monthly benefit is payable to a beneficiary; Options 2, 3, 4, and 4A are joint-and-survivor options that continue a benefit to a designated beneficiary.
Refund of contributions: If total benefits paid before the retiree's death are less than the member's contributions and interest, the remainder is refunded to the designated beneficiaries.

When someone dies