The death of a loved one brings with it a host of responsibilities, one of which includes notifying relevant organizations about the unfortunate event. If your loved one was a retired public school employee in Michigan and was receiving benefits from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS), it is important to inform them about the passing.
Who Should Be Notified
The Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) must be informed in case of a retiree's death. MPSERS handles the pensions and other benefits of retired public school employees in the state of Michigan. It is necessary to contact them to stop the pension payments and to discuss any potential survivor benefits.
When to Notify
You should notify MPSERS as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. This will help to prevent any overpayments of pension benefits and expedite the process of transferring any survivor benefits.
How to Notify
To notify MPSERS, call the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) at 1-800-381-5111. They will guide you through the process, which will require you to submit a certified copy of the death certificate along with your loved one's Social Security number and/or the MPSERS member ID.
What to Expect After Notification
Upon notification, MPSERS will stop the pension payments. If your loved one had chosen a survivor benefit option, MPSERS will guide you through the process of transferring the benefits. They will also provide information about any potential lump-sum payments or health insurance continuation, if applicable.
Tips for Notification
When notifying MPSERS, maintain a record of all correspondence, including a note of the date and time of your phone call, and keep a copy of the death certificate. This will be helpful in case of any discrepancies or issues later on. If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to ask the representative for clarification.
Conclusion
While it's a challenging task, notifying MPSERS after a loved one's passing is a crucial step. It ensures the smooth cessation of pension benefits and the potential continuation of survivor benefits. With careful preparation and an understanding of the process, you can successfully complete this task during a difficult time.
FAQ
Q: Can I notify MPSERS online?
A: Currently, MPSERS requires notification of a death to be done via phone. They do not accept notifications online.
Q: What if my loved one received overpayments after their death?
A: In the event that MPSERS continued to make pension payments due to a delay in notification, they will typically request the overpayments to be returned. You should discuss this situation directly with MPSERS.
Q: What happens if my loved one chose a survivor benefit?
A: If a survivor benefit was chosen, MPSERS will guide you through the process of transferring the benefits to the designated survivor once they receive the death notification.
