Survivor's Benefit Program for Retired Employees
In 1966, legislation was enacted establishing a $2,000 death benefit for State employees who retired on or after October 1, 1966. In 1970 the benefit was increased to $3,000 for those who retire on or after April 1, 1970. Payment is made from State funds without cost to employee.
Eligibility
You will be eligible to have a survivor's benefit paid on your behalf if:
1. while in State service, you either
- a. retire from any retirement system or pension plan supported by State funds, other than the State University optional retirement program,
OR
b. retire from the State University optional retirement program after age 55, and begin collecting a pension within 90 days
OR
c. leave state service after age 62,
AND
2.you had at least 10 years of full-time State service within the 15 years immediately prior to leaving or retiring from State service. State service includes only employment for which salary is paid directly by the State.
Amount of Benefit
If you retired between October 1, 1966 and March 31, 1970, the benefit is $2,000. If you retired on or after April 1, 1970, the benefit is $3,000.
Who is your beneficiary?
If you are a member of a retirement system and have selected a retirement option for which you designated a beneficiary to receive retirement benefits after you die (any retirement option other than 0), the survivor's benefit will be paid to that beneficiary. If you are not a member of a retirement system or if you are a member and have selected retirement option 0, you must designate a beneficiary for this program on Form RS 6355, Eligibility of Retired Employee for Survivor's Benefit, with your employer prior to retirement, or on Form RS 6361-B, Designation of Beneficiary with this System after your retirement.
How do you change your beneficiary?
If the beneficiary you designated to your retirement system dies or you wish to change your beneficiary for any other reason, write to the Survivor's Benefit Program for instructions. You should include your Social Security number and retirement registration number on any correspondence. If you have retired under retirement option 0, you may change your beneficiary at any time by completing Form RS 6361-B, Designation of Beneficiary, and sending it to the Survivor's Benefit Program.
What should your beneficiary do?
Upon your death, your beneficiary should immediately notify the New York State and Local Retirement Systems; Survivor's Benefit Program, 18th Floor, AESOB, Albany, New York 12244. An original or certified copy of the Certificate of Death must be provided to the Retirement System.
Where can I get more information?
Any questions you or your beneficiary have may be directed to the Suny Benefits Department of your former agency or to the New York State and Local Retirement Systems' Survivor's Benefit Program, 18th Floor, AESOB, Albany, New York 12244. Any correspondence should include the member's Social Security number and retirement registration number.