State Public Pensions in New Jersey

The New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits administers the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), among other state-administered systems. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired and the retirement option the member elected.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

New Jersey

nj.gov/treasury/pensions→

Administering agency

New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits (NJDPB)

Phone609-292-7524

WebsiteVisit website →

Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in New Jersey: key facts

Systems: Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), and other state-administered retirement systems.
Active member death: The beneficiary receives group life insurance plus, in PERS and TPAF, a return of the contributions the member made to the retirement system. In PFRS, SPRS, and JRS, a survivor's pension is instead payable to a surviving spouse, civil union partner, or same-sex domestic partner. The employer must first file a Certification of Service and Final Salary — Death Claim (Form P-29).
Retired member death: The continuing benefit depends on the payment option elected at retirement. The Maximum Option ends at the retiree's death and pays survivors no pension allowance; Option 1 pays a beneficiary any balance left in the retirement reserve; Options A, B, C, and D (Options 2, 3, and 4) pay the named beneficiary a lifetime monthly pension. Group life insurance is in effect for a retiree only if the member had coverage while an active member and retired with at least 10 years of pension membership credit or on a Disability Retirement.
Reporting a death: Notify NJDPB at 609-292-7524 with the deceased's name, Social Security or retirement number, date of death, and the contact handling the estate. A certified death certificate and completed claim forms are required.

When someone dies

Steps after a death in New Jersey

4-step process for New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits (NJDPB).

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SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Sources

nj.gov

Data sourced from State Public Pensions in New Jersey primary sources (3 pages reviewed). How we research.

Public Pensions

New Jersey

nj.gov/treasury/pensions→

Administering agency

New Jersey Division of Pensions & Benefits (NJDPB)

Phone609-292-7524

WebsiteVisit website →

Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in New Jersey: key facts

Systems

Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), and other state-administered retirement systems.

Active member death

The beneficiary receives group life insurance plus, in PERS and TPAF, a return of the contributions the member made to the retirement system. In PFRS, SPRS, and JRS, a survivor's pension is instead payable to a surviving spouse, civil union partner, or same-sex domestic partner. The employer must first file a Certification of Service and Final Salary — Death Claim (Form P-29).

Retired member death

The continuing benefit depends on the payment option elected at retirement. The Maximum Option ends at the retiree's death and pays survivors no pension allowance; Option 1 pays a beneficiary any balance left in the retirement reserve; Options A, B, C, and D (Options 2, 3, and 4) pay the named beneficiary a lifetime monthly pension. Group life insurance is in effect for a retiree only if the member had coverage while an active member and retired with at least 10 years of pension membership credit or on a Disability Retirement.

Reporting a death

Notify NJDPB at 609-292-7524 with the deceased's name, Social Security or retirement number, date of death, and the contact handling the estate. A certified death certificate and completed claim forms are required.