IMRF has developed a Death Benefit Application Check List to assist Authorized Agents.
Death of Member Prior to Retirement
Survivors should contact IMRF directly before any applications are submitted. To apply for death benefits when a member dies prior to retirement, the following forms and documents should be submitted (all documents submitted to IMRF should have the deceased’s Social Security number printed on them):
IMRF form entitled, "Notification of Deatht”, from the beneficiary
IMRF Form, ”Notice of Termination of IMRF Participation,” (see 6.30 To Close an Account), from the employer if the deceased was in a participating status at the date of death. (Effective August 1, 2008, employers with Internet access are required to submit member terminations via Online Termination in Employer Access.
Copy of certified death certificate
Copy of birth certificate of beneficiary
Copy of marriage license or civil union certificate - if the beneficiary is the surviving spouse
Copy of judgment of dissolution - if member was divorced at date of death
Death of Retired Member
If a spouse survives, he or she should contact IMRF to determine if any documents other than the IMRF Form entitled, "Notification of Death,” and a death certificate are needed. Often the other documents are already on file.
Any pension payments dated after the member’s death should be returned before the death benefit is paid.
If there is no surviving spouse, the survivors should contact IMRF to determine who the member designated as beneficiary(ies). IMRF will also advise what documents, if any, are needed in addition to IMRF Form, "Notification of Death,” and the death certificate, and whether any pension payments are returnable.
Before IMRF can pay a death benefit to a surviving spouse, he or she must complete and return IMRF Form, "Distribution/Rollover Certificate.” To expedite payment, the spouse can request this form from IMRF and submit it with the death benefit application.
However, IMRF will mail the member a Distribution/Rollover Certificate with a letter informing the surviving spouse of the taxable and non-taxable amounts of the benefit.
Go to the Employer Access area to Terminate IMRF Participation
Applications for death benefits should be filed promptly. If an application is delayed, there may be a loss of benefits. IMRF does not pay interest on delayed payments. On a delayed lump sum payment, this loss of interest can be significant.