Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Frequently Asked Questions by NCRSP Members
Q) Upon my death, what should my family do about my retirement benefit from the state? (Information taken from Retirement System’s Division)*
A) Upon your death, your survivors should contact the Retirement Systems Division (RSD) immediately. RSD will need to be provided with your name, last four digits of your Social Security Number or your Member ID number, and a copy of your death certificate. In addition, if you have elected to provide survivor benefits after your death, RSD will need to be provided with the Social Security number and current mailing address of your survivor. If your estate is your beneficiary, RSD must be provided with Papers of Administration or Letters of Testamentary. The monthly benefit that is payable in the month of your death belongs to your estate and can be kept. Any benefits made payable to you after your month of death must be returned to the Retirement Systems Division. (Please remember to keep your beneficiary designation(s) up-to-date.)
Family members should Contact:
NC Retirement Systems Division, Dept. of State Treasurer 1-877-733-4191
Q) What is the Contributory Death Benefit?
A) The Contributory Death Benefit is an optional benefit, administered by the NC Retirement Systems Division that provides a one-time death benefit of up to $10,000. It is offered when you first retire. Retirees who choose to participate pay a monthly contribution (premium). Upon the death of the covered retiree, the benefit is paid to the member’s surviving spouse, or if not survived by a spouse, to the administrator or executor of the member’s estate.
Survivors should Contact: NC Retirement Systems Division, Dept. of State Treasurer 1-877-733-4191
Q) Does my family need to contact the NCRSP state office upon my death?
A) NCRSP certainly wants to know about all of our members. We do most certainly want your family to contact us if you suffer an accidental death or dismemberment.
NCRSP members are automatically covered by Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance coverage (either $7,500 or $2,500 depending on method of dues payment). Once given the information from your family, the NCRSP office will verify membership and report the claim to the insurance company. Contact NCRSP: 1-800-662-7924 x 244
Of course it is always important to make a list of your insurance policies and policy numbers and include this list with all of your important documents. In the event of your death, your family will have all of this information located in one place. As an active or retired education association member, you may have purchased other insurance policies such as term or whole life, AD & D, long term care, or homeowners through the National Education Association (NEA). Your family may contact National Education Association Member Benefits (NEA-MB) if they are unclear whether you may have purchased any of these products.
Contact NEA Member Benefits: 1-800-637-4636
REMEMBER:
ADD THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR OTHER “IMPORTANT” PAPERS!!
Prepared by:
Pam Deardorff, Ex. Director, NC Retired School Personnel
1-800-662-7924
February 2010
