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Home→Agencies→Public Pensions→Washington→When someone dies

State Public Pensions in Washington: when someone dies

A 5-step process for Washington Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) after a death in Washington.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Washington

drs.wa.gov/life/death→

Administering agency

Washington Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

Phone360-664-7081 (Option 1)
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026

Steps to take

  1. Identify the deceased's plan (PERS, TRS, SERS, LEOFF, WSPRS, PSERS, or Judicial) and whether they were active or retired.
  2. Report the death to DRS online at drs.wa.gov/reportadeath, by phone at 360-664-7081 (Option 1), or by email to drs.moddnd@drs.wa.gov.
  3. Provide the deceased's full name, Social Security number, and date of death, and tell DRS if the death may be work-related.
  4. For retirees, confirm whether a survivor option was elected so DRS can either continue the survivor benefit or stop monthly payments to avoid an overpayment.
  5. For active or vested members who died before retiring, file the beneficiary or survivor claim with the documents DRS requests; DCP and Plan 3 investment-account balances are handled through the DRS record keeper.

Washington Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

Phone: 360-664-7081 (Option 1)

Visit the agency website →

Frequently asked questions

Contact the Washington Department of Retirement Systems at 360-664-7081, Option 1, or drs.moddnd@drs.wa.gov. DRS runs PERS, TRS, SERS, LEOFF, WSPRS, PSERS, and the closed judicial plans, and handles survivor and beneficiary claims.

The continuing benefit depends on the option the retiree elected at retirement. A named survivor receives 100% (Option 2), 66.67% (Option 4), or 50% (Option 3) of the member's monthly benefit for life. If the retiree chose Option 1, Single Life, there is no continuing benefit for a survivor; the named beneficiaries receive a lump-sum payment of any remaining account balance.

Yes. The member's contribution balance plus interest is paid to the named beneficiaries. If the member worked at least ten years, or reached vested status in Plan 3, the surviving spouse or partner may instead have the option to inherit the account as monthly pension payments. Contact DRS about eligibility and retirement timing.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Sources

  • drs.wa.gov

Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Washington primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.

Public Pensions

Washington

drs.wa.gov/life/death→

Administering agency

Washington Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

Phone360-664-7081 (Option 1)
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026
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