DEATH OF YOUR SPOUSE

If you elected a joint & survivor payment option, and your spouse dies first, you may be eligible for a pop-up of your monthly pension benefit. Contact a benefit counselor so we can assist you.

MARRIAGE

Did you get married in retirement?

• If you were single at retirement (not eligible to elect a joint & survivor option), elected the Life Income Annuity, and got married in retirement, you may change your benefit payment option.
• If you elected one of the joint & survivor options and your spouse died, you may be able to provide a survivor benefit for your new spouse, if you remarry.

You have one year from your date of marriage to name your new spouse as your beneficiary.

DIVORCE

As of January 1, 2021, if you get divorced after retirement, you may remove your ex-spouse as the survivor beneficiary of your pension and receive an adjusted amount. You must obtain a divorce decree or amended divorce decree which includes specific language, from a court of competent jurisdiction to do so. See the Life Events section of our website or contact a benefit counselor for details.

UPDATE YOUR BENEFICIARIES

If your spouse dies, or you get married or divorced, remember to update your beneficiary designations with both MOSERS and MO Deferred Comp, as well as with any other life insurance or financial service providers.