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 a retiree, your beneficiaries could receive:

  • Payment of any retirement contribution remaining in your account if you chose the Standard Annuity option when you retired
  • A monthly annuity for the remainder of his or her lifetime if you chose Option 1, 2 or 5 when you retired
  • The remainder of 60 monthly annuity payments if you chose Option 3 when you retired
  • The remainder of 120 monthly annuity payments if you chose Option 4 when you retired 
  • Continue health and dental coverage by paying the entire premium cost
  • $2,500 basic term life insurance payment (if you are enrolled in health insurance)
  • Payment of additional optional term life insurance (if applicable)
  • Texa$aver accounts funds will be paid to the designated beneficiary for those accounts

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. 

Benefits for Retirees & Survivors

As a retiree, your spouse or eligible dependents may be entitled to certain benefits upon your death.