Death of a Spouse
Steps
- Report the Death of Your Spouse or Other Dependent
- Return Requested Documents
Report the Death of Your Spouse or Other Dependent
If you are a benefit recipient, you must notify SURS when your spouse or insurance dependent passes away. SURS prefers to receive a report of death by phone in order to gather all necessary information; however, SURS will also accept reports of death by mail or fax.
Dial Toll Free: 800-275-7877
Dial Direct: 217-378-8800
Fax: 217-378-9800
Mail: 1901 Fox Drive, Champaign, IL 61820
Death and Survivor Benefit Assistance – This video is for Traditional and Portable plan members
The following information is needed when the death is reported:
- The date of death
- If you are actively employed, you will need to report the death to your employer.
Return Requested Documents
If you are in the Traditional or Portable Plan, SURS will send you a SURS Beneficiary Designation form. If assistance is needed with this form, contact a SURS Benefits Counselor toll free at 800-275-7877 or dial direct at 217-378-8800. SURS may also request a copy of the death certificate. If you are an annuitant under the Retirement Savings Plan, you must contact the providers to update your beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries – We encourage you to keep your SURS Beneficiary Designation Form current. This form is used to designate who you would like to receive your SURS death benefit and will help SURS locate your survivors and/or beneficiaries. You may access this form directly on the SURS Member Website.
If you are an annuitant under the Retirement Savings Plan, you must contact the providers to update your beneficiaries.
Reversionary Election – At retirement, if you elected to provide your dependent with a Reversionary Benefit under Option 2, and that dependent predeceases you, your benefit will be adjusted to remove the reduction for the reversionary election.
Insurance Information
If you are actively employed, this process will be handled by your employer. View a list of employers.
State of Illinois Insurance: To be eligible for the State of Illinois Group Insurance Plan, the original member must have at least five years of service credit with a state university or an agency of the State of Illinois.
- SURS will terminate the dependent’s insurance coverage. SURS may request a copy of the death certificate.
- If your spouse’s or child’s life insurance is payable, SURS and/or MyBenefits will notify MetLife. MetLife sends out life insurance applications. MetLife will require a certified copy of the death certificate with the application for life insurance.
College Insurance Program (CIP): To be eligible for CIP, the original member must have been a full-time employee of any SURS-participating community college and eligible for benefits.
SURS will terminate the dependent’s insurance coverage. SURS may request a copy of the death certificate.