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    PUBLIC SCHOOL EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM (PSERS)

    Reporting a Death

    PSERS Death Benefits Pamphlet

    Retired Members

    If you are a family member or responsible for the estate of a person receiving a monthly benefit payment from PSERS and wish to report the death of a retiree or survivor annuitant, please:
    1. Notify PSERS by calling PSERS’ toll free phone number at 1.888.773.7748 or emailing to ContactPSERS@pa.gov. PSERS will need: 
      • The member’s full name and PSERS ID or last four digits of the social security number.
      • The date of death. 
      • A contact person in the event more information or documentation is needed. 
      • The caller should have available the contact’s name, address, and telephone number.
    2. Send PSERS a copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must be faxed or mailed to: 
      PSERS
      5 N 5th Street
      Harrisburg PA 17101-1905
      FAX: 717.772.3860
    Information regarding the retirement option selected or remaining value of the account will not be released by phone or email. 
     
    After we receive this information, additional forms and/or information pertaining to the account will be sent to you and/or any named beneficiaries. 

    Active Members

    If you are a family member or responsible for the estate of a deceased Pennsylvania public school employee and need to report their death, please:
    1. Contact your current Pennsylvania public school employer. 
    2. Send PSERS a copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must be sent to:
      PSERS
      5 N 5th Street
      Harrisburg PA 17101-1905
      FAX: 717.772.3860
    The employer will report the information to PSERS and we, in turn, will send a request for a copy of the death certificate to the named beneficiary(ies), executor, or trustee.  
     
    PSERS will not release any information regarding the value of the account and/or the names of the beneficiary(ies) by phone or email.    
     
    After we receive a copy of the death certificate, additional forms and/or information pertaining to the payment of the death benefit will be sent to the named beneficiary(ies), executor, or trustee.