What to do when an OPERS account holder dies
Report the death to OPERS at 1-800-222-7377
What happens to OPERS pension benefits after the account holder dies depends on how each account was titled. Beneficiary-designated and trust-owned accounts transfer directly. Accounts in the deceased's name alone go through the estate, and the executor or administrator works with OPERS (1-800-222-7377) to claim the funds.
To start, call OPERS at 1-800-222-7377. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate ready before you call.
Death claim process
The death claim process at OPERS works as follows:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Copy of the death certificateOPERS states that a copy of the member's death certificate is required before any benefit can be paid.
- The deceased person's OPERS ID and/or Social Security number
- Completed forms OPERS sends to the beneficiaries
Forms OPERS issues1
- Forms OPERS sends to the beneficiaries after it is notified of the death
Completed by the beneficiaries. Sent by the institution on request.1
What happens to each kind of account1
- Pension
Benefits and health care are paid to the beneficiaries according to the payment plan the retiree chose. Under the Single Life Plan the beneficiaries receive no pension benefits or health care; under a Joint Life or Multiple Life Plan they receive both.1
Accounts handled elsewhere2
- Via Benefits
Medical plans of Medicare-eligible benefit recipients covered through Via Benefits; the death is reported to it as well2
Phone: 1-844-287-9945
- Ohio Deferred Compensation
Ohio Deferred Compensation accounts; the family contacts Ohio Deferred Compensation separately2
What OPERS's agreement and guidance say6
- Telling the institution
OPERS must be notified when a member, a benefit recipient or a beneficiary dies, so it can process the account, including any payment due to the beneficiaries.1
- What it does when notified
When OPERS is notified that a retiree or disability benefit recipient has died, the account is shut down and benefit payments and health care for the member and dependents end.1
- Online access
Once OPERS is notified of a member's death, the online account is locked, and family members or caregivers with the username and password can no longer access it.1
- Payments after the death
Notice of a retiree's death lets OPERS stop benefit payments and prevent overpayment. Beneficiaries are responsible for repaying OPERS for any overpayment.2
- Debts owed to the institution
All outstanding overpayments must be resolved before any benefits are released, and a remaining overpayment is deducted from benefits payable to the beneficiary.1
- How proceeds are paid
Qualified survivors' benefits may start the first of the month after the member's death or the first of the month after the survivor first becomes eligible.3
Not in OPERS's published guidance1
- A fax number for claim documents
For a retired member, about 25 business days to process and issue survivor payments once all paperwork is received.
OPERS can be reached by phone at 1-800-222-7377 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from OPERS primary sources (17 pages reviewed). How we research.
OPERS death claims support
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
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