Survivor Benefits

Benefit Payment Options

At retirement, you choose a benefit payment option on your Retirement Application. This election determines whether a benefit will be paid to a beneficiary after your death. Once selected, your option cannot be changed after retirement, except under specific circumstances (see Designation of New Spouse below).

• Life Income Annuity – No survivor benefit is paid after your death.
• Joint & 50% Survivor – Your spouse receives 50% of your base benefit for life.
• Joint & 100% Survivor – Your spouse receives 100% of your base benefit for life.
• Life Income with Guaranteed Payments – A beneficiary receives any remaining guaranteed payments if you pass away before the guarantee period ends.

Learn more about the retirement process →

Receiving Survivor Benefits

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

Learn more about planning for the unexpected →

Pop-Up Provision

If you elected the Joint & 50% or Joint & 100% Survivor option and your spouse precedes you in death, your benefit will revert (“pop up”) to the life income annuity amount. This change is not automatic. You must complete a Pop-Up Application and provide a copy of your spouse’s death certificate.

Designation of New Spouse

In limited cases, you may reelect your benefit payment option to provide for a new spouse:

• If you were single at retirement and later marry, you may elect a joint and survivor option within one year of marriage.
• If your original spouse passes away and you remarry, you may reelect a joint and survivor option for your new spouse within one year of marriage.

Access forms and publications →