Notification of Death of a Member, Retiree or Beneficiary

Notification of Death

We are sorry for your loss and are here to assist you. Losing a loved one is difficult, and navigating estate details can be confusing. The death of a MainePERS member, retiree, or beneficiary should be reported promptly to us. This ensures benefits are stopped in a timely manner and helps prevent potential overpayments from occurring. A death can be reported the following ways:

• Online: Click here to complete form.
• Telephone: (800) 451-9800 or (207) 512-3100
• Mail to:
  MainePERS
  Survivor Benefits
  P.O. Box 349
  Augusta, ME 04332

Before notifying us of a death, we recommend you have as much of the following information available, as possible:

• For the person who died:
  – Full Name
  – Date of Birth
  – Date of Death
• For you:
  – Contact Information
• For spouses of the deceased:
  – Contact Information
• For children of the deceased:
  – Contact Information

This information will help us process any payments due in a timely manner.

Additional Documentation

MainePERS will contact you if additional documentation is required. Certain documents are sometimes required to establish relationships between the deceased individual and their beneficiaries. MainePERS may request the following:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Social Security numbers (SSNs)
• Death Certificate
• Birth certificates or adoption paperwork
• Personal representative documentation
• Estate tax identification number
• Trust documentation

Important to Keep Beneficiaries Current

A gentle reminder to our members and retirees: Keeping beneficiaries updated is critical to ensure your beneficiary designation is current, especially if any of these life events occur:

• Marriage or registering for domestic partnership
• Divorce or termination of a domestic partnership
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a named beneficiary

Death benefits are paid according to the valid beneficiary designation on file. If there is no designation on file or the designation was revoked, benefits will be paid as required by law.

Estate Planning and Your Beneficiaries

Losing a loved one is difficult, and navigating estate details can be confusing. Whether you are an active member, beneficiary, or retiree, consider including information about notifying MainePERS of your passing as part of your estate planning instructions. This will begin the process of ensuring proper distribution of any pension or group life insurance benefit to your intended beneficiaries.