What Should My Family Do If I Pass Away?

If a SCERS member passes away before retirement, it’s important that SCERS is notified as soon as possible. This allows us to begin reviewing eligibility and, if applicable, process death benefits for survivors or designated beneficiaries.

We understand this may be a difficult time. SCERS is committed to supporting your family with care, clarity, and professionalism.

1

Report the Death

The most efficient way to report a member’s death is by using SCERS’s secure online notification tool:

Go to: Member Resources → Tools & Calculators → Report a Death

This tool guides you through the process of submitting the necessary information safely and securely.

When submitting the notification, you’ll be asked to provide:

About the Deceased Member:

    • Full name
    • Last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN)
    • Date of birth
    • Date of death

About the Person Reporting:

    • Your full name
    • Your email address
    • Your phone number
    • Your relationship to the deceased
    • Mailing address (optional)

If you are unable to use the online tool, you may also report the death by contacting SCERS by phone, email, or in person.

2

Gather and Submit Documentation

Once the death is reported, SCERS will review the member’s record. If additional documentation is required to confirm eligibility or process a benefit, SCERS will contact the appropriate individual with next steps.

This may include:

    • A certified copy of the death certificate
    • A marriage certificate or domestic partnership registration
    • Birth certificate(s) for minor children
    • Government-issued ID for eligible survivors or beneficiaries

Secure Document Submission

If documents are needed, SCERS staff will send a secure upload link via email. This is part of our Secure File Upload system and allows you to transmit documents safely online.

    • The upload link is unique and valid for 48 hours
    • You can upload all requested documents at once
    • No special software is required

If you are unable to use the Secure File Upload system, alternative submission options will be provided.

What SCERS Will Do

After receiving the notification and verifying required documentation:

  • SCERS will determine which death benefit applies (Basic, Alternative, or Service-Connected)
  • We will apply the legal rules to determine who is eligible to receive benefits
  • Eligible survivors or beneficiaries will be contacted with instructions and forms

What to Expect

  • Monthly survivor benefits (if applicable) generally begin within 45 days after SCERS receives all required documentation.
  • Lump-sum benefits may be processed more quickly.
  • If there is a possibility that the death was service-connected, SCERS may need to conduct a formal review before finalizing the benefit.

Support During a Difficult Time

We understand that reporting a death and managing financial matters can feel overwhelming. SCERS staff is here to help you through each step.

For assistance at any point:

Other Considerations

Your family should also contact your employer’s HR department for information regarding any other available benefits such as final payment, life insurance, continuing insurance benefits, or other financial accounts.