As a survivor of a New York State employee there are many matters which you may have overlooked, but which require your attention at this time. Our office stands ready to help and answer any questions you may have.
Documents You May Need
Pay Checks
The deceased may have a final paycheck or money due for unused leave, overtime credits, or travel expenses. Checks for this money must now be drawn in your name, as the deceased’s survivor. We are asking you to come to this office to complete an affidavit attesting you are the next-of-kin and entitled to these funds. Any paychecks that have been received but not cashed should be returned to this office so new checks may be issued in your name.
If you have any questions concerning uncashed or outstanding checks, please contact this office.
Retirement System Benefits
If the deceased was a member of the New York State Employees’ Retirement System, the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, or the Teachers’ Insurance Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), the beneficiary designated will probably be entitled to a cash death benefit payment. The amount will be determined by length of membership in the retirement system, salary and other factors.
The Human Resources Office reports to the retirement system. The retirement system then processes the claim for benefits due the employee’s beneficiary. Ordinarily, the beneficiary will hear from the retirement system within a week or ten days following the death of the employee. If you do not hear within two weeks or so, you should direct an inquiry to the retirement system, providing them with the deceased employee’s retirement number and a copy of the death certificate. Proof of the date of birth of the deceased, the surviving spouse and minor children may also be required.
If you have any questions concerning benefits to which you are entitled under the retirement program, call or write the retirement system to which the deceased belonged. Addresses of the retirement systems are:
The New York State Employees’ Retirement System
The New York State Teachers’ Retirement System
The Teachers’ Insurance Annuity Association
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Albany, NY 12225
143 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12210
College Retirement Equities Fund
(TIAA/CREF)
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Survivor’s Benefit Program
If the deceased was not a member of one of these retirement systems, or if the death benefit payment made by the retirement system was less than one-half of the employee’s annual salary, the designated beneficiary may be entitled to a cash payment under the survivor’s benefit program for State employees. Ordinarily, in this case, no action by the beneficiary is necessary. We will be happy to answer questions concerning eligibility for cash payment under this program. However, you may also write: NYS Department of Civil Service, Survivor’s Benefit Program, Room 134, Building #1, State Office Building Campus, Albany, New York 12239.
Social Security
The payment of Social Security benefits is not automatic. If the deceased was covered by Social Security, you should write or call your nearest Social Security office concerning death and survivor’s benefits. The Social Security Administration requires the deceased’s birth and death certificates and birth certificates for the surviving spouse and minor children. It would also be helpful to provide the deceased’s social security number. Location of the nearest Social Security office can be found in your telephone book under "United States Government, Department of Health, Education and Welfare." The office in Dunkirk is located at: Social Security Administration, 1 Liberty Square, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
Health Insurance
You may have some outstanding hospital or medical bills for the deceased or for dependents covered under the State’s health insurance program. If the deceased was covered by the State’s health insurance program, you should ask for assistance from this office or write directly to the Health Insurance Section, New York State Department of Civil Service, State Office Building Campus, Albany, New York 12239. You may wish to ask how long health insurance coverage will remain in effect for dependents and request information on converting the coverage to a direct payment plan.
Benefits from Memberships in Employee Associations, Unions and Professional Organizations
The deceased may have been covered by life insurance policies as a member of an employee, professional or fraternal organization, or you, the beneficiary, may be eligible for other benefits from these organizations. If you know the deceased held membership in any such organization, you should write the organization for information on possible benefits.
Income Tax
Both State and Federal Income Tax returns must be filed for the deceased. In some areas, a city income tax will also be required. If the deceased was on extended sick leave, some of the earnings may be tax-exempt. In February or March the retirement system will notify you of the taxable amount of death benefit received. For information as to possible changes in your income tax status, you should write to the United States Internal Revenue Service at the address where the deceased normally filed Federal Income Tax returns, or to: Income Tax Bureau, NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, State Office Building Campus, Albany, NY 12226.
Veterans’ Benefits
Survivors of veterans are eligible for several types of benefits as described in the pamphlet "Benefits for Survivors of Veterans," prepared by the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs. If the deceased was a veteran, review carefully the contents of this pamphlet. If additional information is required, write to the NYS Division of Veterans’ Affairs, 155 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12210.
Workers’ Compensation
If the deceased has a pending Workers’ Compensation case because of an on-the-job injury or occupational illness, you should request information from this office. If the deceased was represented in this case by counsel, you should also consult that attorney.
Bonds
If the deceased had payroll deductions for United States Savings Bonds, and the accumulated deductions at the time of death were insufficient for the purchase of another bond, the remaining money will be refunded to you. Bonds which do not name a beneficiary are considered part of the deceased’s estate.
Deceased’s Personal Effects in Office and Office Material in Deceased’s Possession
The deceased’s supervisor or the chairperson will be of assistance to you in handling this matter. If there is any problem, please contact this office.
Other Information
There are many areas where this office may be unable to help, but as an aid, we are listing some other areas you may want to explore.
WILL
The deceased’s will may be with an attorney, in a safe deposit box or in a safe place at home.
LIFE INSURANCE
The deceased may have had insurance coverage with a private carrier. You should inform the deceased’s insurance agent of the death.
BANK OR CREDIT UNION ACCOUNTS
If the deceased had an individual or joint bank account, you should direct inquiries to the bank for information on that account.
SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES
Safe deposit boxes are sealed by the bank at the time of the holder’s death. If you are uncertain as to whether the deceased had a safe deposit box, you might inquire of the local banks. Where there is such a box, an official of the bank will explain the legalities of how it may be opened and how you may obtain its contents.
Employment
In some cases, a death in the family will make it necessary for the survivor to seek gainful employment. If you are interested in information concerning job opportunities in State service, you should direct your inquiry to the Recruitment Bureau, Department of Civil Service, State Office Building Campus, Albany, NY 12239. Other employment opportunities may be found through the local office of your NYS Employment Service. Our office also stands willing to help.
It is our sincere hope this will help you. Again, we extend our deepest sympathy at this time of your loss.
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