Survivor Benefits
Lump Sum Death Benefit
Your heirs or estate are entitled to receive a one-time death benefit of $12,000 upon your death.
Survivors of Active Members (Non Line of Duty)
If you die as either an active member of the 1977 Fund, or after leaving employment with at least 20 years of creditable service but are not yet retired and receiving benefits, the following survivor benefits will be paid.
- Your surviving spouse is entitled to a monthly benefit equal to 60% of your monthly retirement benefit payable for the spouse’s lifetime. Your retirement benefit will be calculated as though you were receiving retirement benefits at age 52 with 20 years of service. If you have more than 20 years of service, your benefit will be increased by 1% for each six months of additional service. Your spouse may remarry without the risk of losing the benefit.
- Each of your surviving children are entitled to a monthly benefit equal to 20% of your monthly retirement benefit until the child reaches the age of 18 or until the age of 23 if the child is enrolled in and regularly attending a secondary school or is a full-time student at an accredited college or university. Your retirement benefit will be calculated as though you were receiving retirement benefits at age 52 with 20 years of service. If you have more than 20 years of service, your benefit will be increased by 1% for each six months of additional service.
- If you have no surviving eligible child or spouse, upon submission of satisfactory proof that your parent or parents were wholly dependent on you, your surviving parent or parents, if qualified, are entitled jointly to receive 50% of your monthly benefit during their lifetime. Your retirement benefit will be calculated as though you were receiving retirement benefits at age 52 with 20 years of service. If you have more than 20 years of service, your benefit will be increased by 1% for each six months of additional service.
Survivors of Retirees
If you die while receiving retirement or disability benefits:
- Your surviving spouse is entitled to a monthly benefit equal to 60% of your monthly retirement or disability benefit payable for the spouse’s lifetime. Your spouse may remarry without the risk of losing the benefit; and
- Each of your surviving children are entitled to a monthly benefit equal to 20% of your monthly retirement or disability benefit until the child reaches the age of 18 or until the age of 23 if the child is enrolled in and regularly attending a secondary school or is a full-time student at an accredited college or university.
