Planning for the Unexpected

Why Planning Matters

Life is unpredictable. Having your personal, financial, and retirement information organized can ease the burden on your family and ensure your wishes are honored. We cannot stress enough the importance of documenting key information and keeping it accessible.

Record of Important Documents

A downloadable guide to help you gather and organize essential information, including:

• Personal identification (SSN, birth/marriage certificates)
• MPERS benefit details
• Insurance policies
• Will or trust documents
• Contact list for legal, financial, and retirement advisors
• Login credentials for key accounts

Download the Record of Important Documents →

Death After Retirement

At retirement, you elected a benefit payment option on your Retirement Application. This election determines whether or not a benefit will be paid to a beneficiary after your death. The payment option selected cannot be changed once you retire, except under certain circumstances (see Designation of New Spouse for Survivor Option).

If you elected a survivor benefit, payments begin on the first of the month following your date of death. However, they are not automatic. Each eligible benefit recipient must submit a Survivor Application, accompanied by the required documentation. A death certificate is only required if a survivor benefit is payable.

Learn more about survivor benefits. →

Checklist for Survivors

A step-by-step guide for beneficiaries and loved ones after a member passes:

• Notify MPERS
• Determine if a survivor benefit is payable
• If applicable, submit a Survivor Application and death certificate
• Contact Social Security and insurance providers
• Locate and review the member’s will or estate plan
• Seek legal or financial advice if needed