In the unfortunate event of a loved one's death, one of the important responsibilities you must undertake is to notify their pension provider. If your loved one was a member of the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS), it is crucial to inform them promptly to ensure the proper handling of your loved one's pension benefits.
Who Should Be Notified
The Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to Minnesota state employees. If your loved one was an employee of the state of Minnesota and a participant in this system, you would need to notify MSRS of their passing.
When to Notify
MSRS should be notified as soon as possible after the individual's death. This helps to prevent any overpayments of pension benefits and enables the organization to provide any necessary information regarding available survivor benefits.
How to Notify
To notify MSRS, contact their office via phone at 1-800-657-5757, or by mail. Be prepared to provide the deceased's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number if possible. Additionally, a copy of the death certificate will need to be sent. Mail can be addressed to: Minnesota State Retirement System, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 300, St. Paul, MN 55103.
What to Expect After Notification
Once MSRS has been informed of the death, they will stop any ongoing pension payments. If the deceased had set up survivor benefits, MSRS will explain the process of applying for these benefits. They will also provide information about any potential refunds of the deceased's contributions.
Tips for Notification
Maintain records of your communication with MSRS, including the date and time of the call or the mailing date of the letter. For peace of mind, consider sending any mail via certified mail, return receipt requested, to ensure it reaches the destination.
Conclusion
Dealing with the death of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and notifying pension providers such as MSRS is a critical part of the process. This notification ensures the proper administration of your loved one's account and also helps you understand any potential survivor benefits.
FAQ
Q: What if the deceased had not yet retired?
A: If the deceased was a current employee and a member of MSRS, notify MSRS of their death. They can provide information about any potential benefits, such as a refund of the deceased's contributions.
Q: What is the process for applying for survivor benefits?
A: MSRS will guide you through the process of applying for survivor benefits. This may require additional documentation and forms to be completed.
Q: How long does it take to receive survivor benefits?
A: The timeline for receiving survivor benefits can vary based on individual circumstances. MSRS can provide a more accurate timeline once they have been notified of the death.
