Estate Planning 101

Notifying the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) After a Loved One’s Passing

September 13, 2023

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Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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Snug makes it easy to create a Will or Trust in under 20 minutes. Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives are included for free with any Will or Trust, as is a year of free updates.
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In the event of a loved one's passing, one of the key responsibilities is to notify various institutions and organizations about the loss. If your loved one was a member of the New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS), notifying them is an important step in managing the deceased's benefits and ensuring any eligible survivors receive their due benefits.

Who Should Be Notified

The New Hampshire Retirement System (NHRS) should be notified if your loved one was a member of this system. The NHRS provides retirement, disability, and death benefits to its eligible members and their beneficiaries.

When to Notify

You should notify the NHRS as soon as possible after the death of your loved one. Prompt notification helps to prevent any overpayments and facilitates the timely processing of any survivor benefits.

How to Notify

Notification can be done by calling the NHRS directly at (603) 410-3500 or toll-free at 1-877-600-0158. You can also notify them by mail at the following address: NHRS, 54 Regional Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

You will need to provide a certified copy of the death certificate, the deceased's NHRS member ID or Social Security number, and your contact information.

What to Expect After Notification

After you notify NHRS, they will stop the deceased's pension payments and provide information about any potential survivor benefits. Depending on the terms of the NHRS plan, a spouse, minor children, or other eligible dependents may receive benefits.

Tips for Notification

When notifying NHRS, have all necessary information readily available. This includes the deceased's Social Security number, NHRS member ID, and a certified death certificate. It's also beneficial to request written confirmation of your notification to keep for your records.

Conclusion

Though it can be a difficult task, notifying the New Hampshire Retirement System after the death of a loved one is essential. This step ensures the correct handling of the deceased's pension benefits and the distribution of any survivor benefits in accordance with NHRS terms.

FAQ

Q: Can I notify NHRS online?
A: Currently, there is no online process to report a death to NHRS. You must call them or notify them by mail.

Q: What if I can't find the NHRS member ID?
A: If you cannot locate the NHRS member ID, NHRS can usually find the member's account using their full name and Social Security number.

Q: What if there is an overpayment after the member's death?
A: If NHRS continues to make payments after the member's death, they will usually request the return of any overpaid funds. Contact NHRS directly to discuss this situation.