Surviving family members must deal with important details, including settling the estate. To help make a difficult time less stressful, we offer the following information:
It is very important that you contact DRS as soon as possible. If the retiree chose to have a survivor receive benefits, there is paperwork that must be completed and processed in order for the account to be updated and payment to continue. If a survivor option was not selected, we will need to stop monthly benefits to avoid an overpayment. When you contact DRS, please be ready to provide the deceased retiree's full name and Social Security number. The member may also have accounts with other agencies. Here's a list of helpful contact information.
If the deceased was a member actively working in a public service position in Washington state or ever did work in such a position, it is possible that payment is due to the survivor(s).
See a list of public service employers who participate in DRS-administered retirement systems.
The member may also have accounts with other agencies. Here's a list of helpful contact information.
When you contact DRS, be ready to provide the deceased member's full name and Social Security Number.
If you are an active member, you can update your beneficiary designation at any time by completing a new Beneficiary Designation form and returning it to DRS.
If you are a retiree and your beneficiary dies before you, please contact DRS. For more information, see Can I Change My Benefit Option or Beneficiary Designation After I Retire? (Note: LEOFF Plan 1, WSPRS Plan 1, JRS, and JRF retirees should contact DRS.)
If you are managing the estate of a deceased beneficiary who was receiving a monthly benefit, please contact DRS.
