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If you are the beneficiary of an IPERS member, it’s important to understand IPERS benefits and what you need to do following the death of a loved one. We are here to help you understand the process during this difficult time.
What Beneficiaries Should Know About IPERS
Notify IPERS of the Death
If you are a beneficiary of an IPERS member, please notify IPERS of a member's death as soon as possible.
End Monthly Benefit Payments
If a member dies during retirement, the benefit payments stop the month of the member’s death. (For example, if a member dies in July, the last monthly pension payment will be made at the end of July.)
If any additional retirement benefits are paid after the month of the member’s death, these payments must be returned to IPERS.
Pre-retirement Death Benefits
The type of benefit available to a beneficiary(ies) depends on whether the member was vested. Visit the Death Benefits page to learn more about pre-retirement death benefits.
Roll Benefits Into Another Retirement Account
As a beneficiary, you may be eligible to roll your benefits into an IRA, BDA/Inherited IRA or another qualified retirement plan. To do this, you must elect to receive your benefit payment in a lump sum. Consult your financial planner to learn more about your rollover options.
My Account, Your IPERS Retirement Toolkit
In addition, beneficiaries can also:
- View your benefit payment history.
- View and change your tax withholdings.
- View income verification information.
- Update your contact information.
Tax Information
IPERS benefits are subject to all applicable federal and state taxes. You may receive an IRS Form 1099-R in the member’s name, depending on your relationship to the member. If your death benefit payments are ongoing, you will also receive a 1099-R each year you receive benefits.