The passing of a loved one brings with it the difficult task of managing their affairs, including retirement accounts. If your loved one was a member of the Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS), it's crucial to notify them promptly. This will help manage the retirement account and facilitate any potential survivor benefits.
Who Should Be Notified
The Nebraska Public Employees Retirement Systems (NPERS) should be notified. NPERS manages retirement accounts for public employees in Nebraska, including state and county employees, school employees, judges, and state patrol. If your loved one belonged to any of these groups, you need to inform NPERS to manage their retirement account appropriately.
When to Notify
Notify NPERS as soon as possible after your loved one's death. This will prevent overpayments and allow NPERS to process any potential survivor benefits promptly.
How to Notify
You can notify NPERS by calling their office at (800) 245-5712 or (402) 471-2053. You will need to provide the deceased's name, social security number, date of birth, and a copy of the death certificate. Alternatively, you can write a letter to NPERS at P.O. Box 94816, Lincoln, NE 68509.
What to Expect After Notification
After notifying NPERS, they will stop any ongoing retirement payments. If there are survivor or beneficiary benefits associated with the account, NPERS will help you understand the process and requirements for claiming these benefits.
Tips for Notification
Keep copies of all correspondence with NPERS, including the date and time of calls and the name of the person you spoke with. If there are multiple beneficiaries, coordinate with them to ensure consistent communication with NPERS.
Conclusion
While it's a challenging task, notifying NPERS after the death of a loved one is a critical step in settling their retirement account and determining any survivor benefits. By understanding the process and acting promptly, you can navigate this task during a tough time.
FAQ
Q: What if there are no designated survivors or beneficiaries?
A: If no survivors or beneficiaries are designated, the remaining funds in the retirement account are typically paid to the deceased's estate.
Q: What if the retirement payments continue after death?
A: If retirement payments continue after death, you should notify NPERS immediately. Any payments made after death will likely need to be returned.
Q: What if I'm not sure if my loved one was a member of NPERS?
A: If you're unsure, you can still contact NPERS. They can look up the deceased's information and confirm if they had a retirement account.
