How does my selection of beneficaries affect my retirement benefits in the event I die before I retire?
If you die as an active member, PERS statute determines the eligibility of benefits payable to your survivors. Your spouse or registered domestic partner is first in line to receive any benefit available from your account as well as any dependent children. If you are not married and have no registered domestic partner at the time of your death, PERS will refer to the Survivor Beneficiary Designation form on file and pay survivor benefits based on your designations. Return to Question.
Named beneficiaries in the Beneficiary Designation section of the Survivor Beneficiary Designation form will receive any remaining employee contributions in a one-time payment in the event there are no family beneficiaries or designated survivor beneficiaries eligible for monthly benefits. If more than one beneficiary is named, contributions will be divided equally unless otherwise specified by you. Return to Question.
