Dealing with the death of a loved one is a difficult period, and there are numerous tasks to be carried out in the midst of grieving. One such responsibility is to inform various organizations and service providers, such as the Public School and Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri (PSRS/PEERS), if your loved one was a member. This is a crucial step in ensuring proper handling of their pension benefits.
Who Should Be Notified
PSRS/PEERS is a mandatory retirement system for all public school and education employees in Missouri. If your loved one was an active or retired public school or education employee in Missouri, you will need to notify PSRS/PEERS of their passing.
When to Notify
You should notify PSRS/PEERS as soon as possible following the death of a loved one. This will help prevent the overpayment of pension benefits and allow for the swift processing of any death benefits.
How to Notify
You can notify PSRS/PEERS of a member's passing by calling them at (800) 392-6848. You will also need to provide a copy of the death certificate, which can be mailed to their office. It's recommended to keep a copy of the death certificate and any correspondences for your records.
What to Expect After Notification
After notification, PSRS/PEERS will stop any ongoing pension payments and inform you about any death benefits for which you may be eligible. They can also guide you through any necessary paperwork and answer any questions you may have about the process.
Tips for Notification
When notifying PSRS/PEERS, it is essential to have the member's full name, Social Security number, and member ID if available. This information will help streamline the process and ensure the correct account is accessed.
Conclusion
While it's a challenging task, notifying PSRS/PEERS following the death of a loved one is an essential step in managing their pension benefits. With a little preparation and understanding of the process, you can navigate this task during a difficult time.
FAQ
Q: What if I don’t have the member's Social Security number or member ID?
A: PSRS/PEERS can often locate the member's account using their full name and date of birth. However, having the Social Security number or member ID can expedite the process.
Q: What happens if pension payments continue after the member's death?
A: If PSRS/PEERS was not notified promptly and continued to make payments, they would typically request the return of any funds paid after the member's death. It's therefore important to notify them as soon as possible.
Q: Can I notify PSRS/PEERS online?
A: Currently, notification of a member's death must be done via phone or mail. PSRS/PEERS does not offer an online notification service at this time.
