SURVIVOR BENEFITS INFORMATION

 

 

 

The dictionary defines survive as “to function and prosper despite the loss of another person.”  When the other person is a spouse, the ability to function after such a loss is very trying and difficult.  Whether the loss is sudden or expected, the period immediately following a death is fraught with emotion, grief, and the need to make many short-term decisions during a chaotic time.  Funeral arrangements, notification of relatives and friends, obituaries, location and times of services/memorials, etc. are of prime importance in the near-term.  However, as the dictionary definition states, the survivor(s) must continue to “function and prosper,” and the ease with which this occurs can be greatly affected by the preparation made in advance of the loss of a spouse.

 

When a death occurs there are two major problems with which survivors must contend:  1) locating the deceased person’s property and assets, and 2) ensuring that all benefits which may accrue to the survivors are received (or continued) in a timely manner.  The following information may be used as a guide by the surviving spouse, dependent(s) or estate manager at the time of death of a retired member of the San Diego City Employees Retirement System (CERS).

 

Retired employees can do their heirs a favor by compiling and having available all pertinent information as outlined below and discussing it with them NOW.  In addition it is a good idea to set aside one day a year to review and update the information as necessary. Such thoughtfulness in planning ahead will be a true gift to those left behind.

 

In order to ensure beneficiary retirement benefits and to avoid unnecessary delays, it is essential that the Retirement Office be notified as soon as possible following the death of a City of San Diego retiree or survivor.

 

The retiree or survivor should:   

 

·         Contact the Retirement Office at (619) 525-3600 or (800) 774-4977 and ask to speak with a Retirement Benefits Counselor.

 

·         Give the name of the deceased, his/her date and place of death, Social Security number and health insurance information.

 

·         Mail or bring a copy of the death certificate as soon as possible to:  

City Employees Retirement Office, Attn: Pension/Payroll Desk,

401 B Street Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92101. (The certificate may be an abstract and need not be certified)

 

·         Return to the Retirement Office any of the deceased person’s pension checks received after the date of death.

Survivor Benefits Information, Page 2

 

·         Follow any other directions given by the Retirement Benefits Counselor concerning widow’s/widower’s benefit application forms and health insurance forms necessary to continue coverage.

 

(A third party should be aware of the above requirements to notify the Retirement Office in the event of the simultaneous death of a retiree and spouse)

 

OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

 

In addition to CERS notification, the following organizations may be contacted, as appropriate, regarding possible death benefits and/or inclusion of information in newsletters or other records.

 

            San Diego Fireman’s Relief Association

10509 San Diego Mission Road, Suite F

San Diego, CA 92108     (619) 281-0354

 

San Diego Fire Fighters Local 145

10405 San Diego Mission Road, Suite 201

San Diego, CA 92108     (619) 563-6161

 

San Diego Police Officers Association

8388 Vickers Street

San Diego, CA 92111     (858) 573-1199

 

San Diego Municipal Employees Association

4185 Home Avenue

San Diego, CA 92105   (619) 264-6632

 

Local 127 AFSCME AFL-CIO

3279 F Street

San Diego, CA 92105    (619) 233-6469

 

Military Retired Activities Office

32nd Street Naval Station

3005 Corbina Alley, Suite One

San Diego, CA 92136   (619) 556-8987

 

Veterans Administration

8810 Rio San Diego Road

San Diego, CA 92108    (800) 827-1000

 

Social Security Administration

880 Front Street Suite 1265

San Diego, CA 92101  (800) 772-1213     (619) 557-5257

 

Religious Affiliations

 

Fraternal Affiliations

Survivor Benefits Information, Page 3

 

DOCUMENT AND INFORMATION

CHECK LIST

 

Following is a list of documents and other information that should be readily available to survivors, dependents and/or estate managers upon the death of a relative.  The list is not meant to be a complete compilation, but a guideline to the most important items.  The actual information left for survivors should be tailored to the individual’s particular situation.

 

Retirement Plans

IRAs, 401(K)s, pensions, annuities, etc.; type of plan(s), ID number, type and amount of benefits; agent’s name, address and telephone number

 

Savings Records

Passbook accounts, checking accounts, CDs, etc.; institution name, address, telephone number, branch address, account number, type of account

 

            Investment Records

Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, money market accounts; issuer, type and serial numbers, number of shares, maturity value and dates; location of certificates

 

Real Estate Records

            Location address, title name, recordation number, size, purchase

            date and price, mortgage holder if any

 

Vehicle Records

Automobile(s), boat, RV, trailer, etc.; VIN numbers, pink slip location, lien holder and amount of loan, if any; make, model and year; location if stored

           

Safety Deposit Box Inventory

Record of all contents; location of box, box number, location of keys, and persons who have signature access; do survivors have immediate access to box -- If not, how long a delay; who must authorize access; is tax inventory required before access; how long will this take; special rules on removing particular documents

 

            Debt Record

Mortgages, security agreements, notes, personal loans, etc.; type of debt, to whom owed, amount borrowed, current balance, interest rate, payment amount and due dates

Survivor Benefits Information, Page 4

 

            Credit Card Record

Issuer, address, telephone number, name on card, card numbers, expiration dates

 

Vital Papers

Birth certificates, marriage/divorce records, military discharge papers, diplomas, etc.; type of document and location

 

            Inventory of Personal Property

Still photograph or video taped room-by-room inventory of all personal property, including furniture, appliances, jewelry, art work, tools, and any other items of significant value; updated yearly or whenever significant purchases are made; kept in safety deposit box or another location than dwelling

 

Advisors’ names, addresses and phone numbers:

Attorney

Accountant

Banker

Stock Broker

Other Financial Advisor

Executor of Will

Physician

Clergy

Insurance Agents and policy information:

                        Life

                        Health

                        Automobile

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