We understand this can be a difficult topic for our members and their loved ones, but knowing what steps to take as a survivor is important for you and your beneficiaries. We encourage you to learn more about this process and to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Below is a simple overview of the initial steps to report the death of a spouse. Please see the Members page for more information and next steps.

What to do following the death of your spouse:

• Contact MOSERS. Let us know as soon as possible when anyone receiving (or eligible for) a MOSERS benefit dies. This includes active members, vested members who are inactive, and retired members.
• Review potential benefits. MOSERS will send you a letter explaining any benefits that are available to you. If a retiree dies, the benefit payment option they elected at retirement will determine if we pay survivor benefits.
• Apply for benefits. You must complete and return the forms that we send to you. We can’t pay benefits to survivors and beneficiaries without the required documents.
• Submit required documentation. You may be required to submit a photocopy of the death certificate and/or an acceptable proof-of-age-and lawful presence document.
• Cover funeral expenses. If you want to use life insurance proceeds to pay for funeral expenses, inform the funeral home and provide MOSERS with the assignment paperwork and an itemized statement of expenses.
• Contact benefit providers. Remember to notify MO Deferred Comp and other benefit providers, such as MCHCP and Social Security, if applicable.

Additional information for retired members:

If you are a retired member who elected a joint & survivor payment option and your spouse dies, you may be eligible for a pop-up of your monthly pension benefit. Please note that pop-ups are not automatic. You must provide MOSERS with a photocopy of your spouse’s death certificate before your benefit will be adjusted. The effective date of the pop-up will be the first of the month following your spouse’s date of death.

How to contact us:

Benefit counselors are a valuable source of information regarding your MOSERS benefits and are available to assist you on weekdays: