State Public Pensions in New Mexico: when someone dies
A 5-step process for New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and Educational Retirement Board (NMERB) after a death in New Mexico.
Administering agency
New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and Educational Retirement Board (NMERB)
Steps to take
- Identify whether the deceased was a member of PERA or NMERB.
- Report the death to the system — PERA at 866-678-0670 (or through PERA's online death notification), NMERB at 1-866-691-2345 — so payments stop and the account can be reviewed.
- Send the documents the system requires: a copy of the death certificate showing cause or manner of death, a marriage certificate (or proof a marriage ended), birth certificates of a survivor or children to be paid, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration if the estate is to be paid.
- Return to PERA any warrant issued to a retiree or benefit recipient for the month after their death.
- Confirm the beneficiary designation on file and ask what survivor pension, refund of contributions, or lump-sum death benefit is payable. PERA processing can take up to 60 days after it receives all required documents.
New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and Educational Retirement Board (NMERB)
Phone: 1-866-678-0670
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
For state and local government employees, contact the Public Employees Retirement Association at 1-866-678-0670. For educators, contact the Educational Retirement Board at 1-866-691-2345. A copy of the death certificate is required to process the account.
The survivor beneficiary designation becomes effective once the member is vested, or if the member dies from duty-related causes before vesting — it pays a monthly lifetime pension to the designated survivor beneficiary. If the member dies before vesting and the death is not duty-related, their member contributions plus interest are paid in a lump sum to the designated refund beneficiary, or to the estate if none was designated.
It depends on the option elected at retirement. NMERB Option A (straight life) ends payments at death; Option B continues a 100% survivor benefit and Option C a 50% survivor benefit to the designated beneficiary for life. Survivors of a retired NMERB member may also qualify for a one-time lump-sum death benefit based on the retiree's years of service.
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in New Mexico primary sources (3 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
New Mexico Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and Educational Retirement Board (NMERB)