The Retirement Systems Division should be contacted immediately in the event of an active member’s death so the necessary information can be provided to the beneficiary(ies). This can be done through an online form or by calling the Call Center (919-814-4590). 

Upon notification of the death of a member, the Retirement Systems Division will forward Form 253 (Reporting an Employee’s Work Record in the Event of Death) to the employer. 

If the survivor(s) of a retired member in receipt of a monthly LGERS benefit contacts you regarding the death of a retired member, please ask the survivor(s) to contact the Retirement Systems Division immediately. We will need to be provided with the deceased retiree’s name, Social Security number, and a copy of the death certificate. In addition, if the retiree elected to provide survivor benefits after his or her death, we will need to be provided with the Social Security number and current mailing address of the survivor. 

The monthly benefit that is payable in the month of death belongs to the retiree and can be kept. Any benefits made payable to the retiree after the month of his or her death must be returned to the Retirement Systems Division. 

It is a Class 1 Misdemeanor to fraudulently receive the retirement benefit of a deceased retiree or beneficiary for two months or longer after the recipient’s death.