State Public Pensions in New York: when someone dies
A 4-step process for New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) after a death in New York.
Administering agency
New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS)
Steps to take
- Identify whether the deceased was a member of NYSLRS or NYSTRS.
- Report the death — NYSLRS at 866-805-0990 (press 3, then 1) or online; NYSTRS at (800) 348-7298, ext. 6110 for an active member or ext. 6140 for a retired member — and provide a certified death certificate.
- Confirm the beneficiary designation on file and ask what ordinary, accidental, or survivor death benefit is payable.
- Complete and return the benefit-claim forms the retirement system mails to the beneficiaries.
Frequently asked questions
For a state or local government employee, contact the New York State and Local Retirement System at 866-805-0990 (press 3, then 1) or use its online death report form. For a public educator, contact the New York State Teachers' Retirement System at (800) 348-7298 — extension 6110 if the member was still working, extension 6140 if the member had retired. A certified death certificate is required.
A member with at least one year of service who dies in active service from a non-work cause may leave a beneficiary an ordinary death benefit, up to $50,000 of which is paid as tax-exempt group term life insurance, along with the member's accumulated contributions.
Whether a benefit continues depends on the payment option the retiree elected. A Single Life Allowance pays the maximum amount for the retiree's life and stops at death, with no continuing benefit to a beneficiary. Joint allowance options continue monthly payments to the named beneficiary; Five Year Certain and Ten Year Certain options pay a beneficiary for the balance of that period. NYSLRS also pays an eligible retiree's beneficiary a one-time post-retirement death benefit that steps down each of the first years of retirement.
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in New York primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS)