Death

When you experience a loss in your family, designated beneficiaries receive benefits. The death must be reported to ERS as soon as possible. A personalized packet of information and instructions will be mailed to the beneficiary. A death certificate will be required.

If you die as an active employee, your beneficiaries could receive:

• Payment of any retirement contribution remaining in your account
• Continue health and dental coverage by paying the entire premium cost
• $5,000 life insurance payment (if enrolled in health insurance)
• Payment of additional optional term life insurance (if applicable)
• Texa$aver accounts funds will be paid to the designated beneficiary for those accounts
• Death Benefit Plan and Occupational Death Benefit (if applicable)

If an employee is killed in the line-of-duty, eligible surviving spouses may qualify for Chapter 615 benefits.

Coverage for your family

In the event of your death, family members can continue coverage by paying the entire premium costs and meeting the residency requirements (service area) of the plan. If you have less than 10 years of service credit, your spouse and children may continue health and dental coverage for up to 36 months under COBRA.

If you have more than 10 years of service credit, your eligible spouse may continue coverage for life, and your eligible children may continue coverage until age 26.

Make sure to designate your beneficiaries

Several benefits options are available to your beneficiaries.