The passing of a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and amidst the sorrow, there are many tasks to be undertaken. One such task is notifying pension providers, such as the Idaho Public Employee Retirement System (PERSI), if your loved one was receiving a pension from them. This step is vital to stop pension payments and to understand potential survivor benefits.
Who Should Be Notified
PERSI should be notified if your loved one was a retired public employee in Idaho receiving a pension. This includes any retirees who were part of the PERSI Base Plan or the PERSI Choice 401(k) Plan.
When to Notify
You should notify PERSI as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. Prompt notification can prevent overpayment of benefits, which could lead to potential issues.
How to Notify
You can notify PERSI of the death of a retiree by contacting PERSI directly. Their contact information can be found on the PERSI website. You will likely be asked to provide a copy of the death certificate, either by mail or by fax. Additional information such as the retiree's PERSI account number and Social Security number may also be required.
What to Expect After Notification
Once PERSI is notified of the death, they will stop any ongoing pension payments. They will also guide you through the process of applying for any potential survivor benefits, if applicable. The specific benefits available will depend on the retiree's selected retirement option at the time they retired.
Tips for Notification
When notifying PERSI, keep a detailed record of all correspondence, including the date and time of calls, the name of the representative you spoke with, and any actions taken. This could be helpful if there are any discrepancies or issues in the future.
Conclusion
While it's a difficult task during a time of grief, notifying PERSI about a loved one's passing is a necessary step in managing their financial affairs. This ensures the cessation of pension payments and facilitates the processing of potential survivor benefits.
FAQ
Q: What if I can't find the retiree's PERSI account number?
A: PERSI can usually locate the retiree's account using their name and other personal information. However, having the account number can speed up the process.
Q: What happens if pension payments were received after the retiree's death?
A: If pension payments were received after the retiree's death, those payments will likely need to be returned. PERSI will provide instructions on how to do this.
Q: Can the spouse continue to receive pension benefits?
A: Depending on the retiree's selected retirement option at the time they retired, the spouse may be eligible to continue receiving a portion of the pension benefits.
