Death of the Retiree

Is there a death benefit? 

No. However, NEBF may pay your estate any benefits for which you were eligible that were not paid to you during your lifetime.

When Should NEBF Be Notified of My Death?

It is important that NEBF be notified of your death and receive a copy of your death certificate as soon as possible.

NEBF understands that your death will be a difficult time for your spouse, family and friends. A Pension Services Representative will work with the person submitting your death certificate to help us to determine if and when any benefits are due.

If You Die Before Receiving a Benefit

If you die before receiving a benefit, your spouse may be eligible for a Pre-Retirement Spouse Benefit.

If You Die While Receiving a Benefit

What Happens After NEBF Is Notified of My Death?

Once NEBF receives a copy of your death certificate, NEBF reviews your record to determine the type of benefit you were receiving at the time of your death.

If you were receiving the Lifetime Option, your estate will receive the final benefit. That amount will be for the month in which you died, then no further benefits will be due.

If you were receiving the Joint and Survivor Option, your estate will receive the benefit amount for the month in which you died. Your spouse will begin receiving the Survivor Benefit the month following your death. This benefit will continue until your spouse dies; then no further benefits will be due.

What Happens If NEBF Is Not Notified of My Death?

If you were receiving the Lifetime Option and NEBF is not notified of your death, your estate or the person who received the benefits must repay all benefits paid after your death.

If you were receiving the Joint and Survivor Option and NEBF is not notified of your death, your spouse, your estate or the person who received the benefits must repay all benefits paid after your death. The Trustees may withhold your spouse’s Survivor Benefit until all benefits are repaid.

Death of a Spouse: If a retiree’s spouse dies while retiree is receiving a benefit

When Should NEBF Be Notified of My Spouse’s Death?

It is important that NEBF be notified of your spouse’s death and receives a copy of the death certificate as soon as possible.

What Happens After NEBF Is Notified of My Spouse’s Death? 

Once NEBF receives a copy of your spouse’s death certificate, NEBF reviews your record to determine the type of benefit you were receiving at the time of your spouse’s death.

Will My Benefit Change If My Spouse Dies While I Am Receiving the Lifetime Option?

If you are receiving the Lifetime Option, and your spouse dies, your benefit amount will not change.

Will My Benefit Change If My Spouse Dies While I Am Receiving the Joint and Survivor Option?

If you are receiving the Joint and Survivor Option and your spouse dies, your benefit amount may change depending on the date of your spouse’s death.

What Happens If NEBF Is Not Notified of My Spouse’s Death? 

If NEBF is not notified of your spouse’s death, any benefit increase owed to you may never be paid.

Death of a Spouse: If your spouse dies while receiving the Joint and Survivor Annuity Benefit

When Should NEBF Be Notified of My Spouse’s Death? 

It is important that NEBF be notified of your spouse’s death and receive a copy of the death certificate as soon as possible.

What Happens After NEBF Is Notified of My Spouse’s Death?

Your spouse’s estate will receive the benefit for the month in which your spouse died; then no further benefits will be due.

What Happens If NEBF Is Not Notified of My Spouse’s Death?

If NEBF is not notified of your spouse’s death, your spouse’s estate or the person who received the benefits must repay all benefits received after your spouse’s death.