5.30 C. Application for IMRF Death Benefits

IMRF has developed a Death Benefit Application Check List to assist Authorized Agents.

  1. Application For Death Benefits

  1. 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):

  1. 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

  1. Delayed Applications

 

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.

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