Summary
Explains SDRS death benefits for retired members, including surviving spouse benefit rules for Foundation and Generational plans, single‑life versus Joint & Survivor options, eligibility requirements, payout rules for remaining contributions, and the importance of keeping beneficiary designations current.
Death Benefits If You Die After Retirement
Foundation Members
Surviving Spouse Benefit After Retirement
Your eligible surviving spouse receives:
- 60% of the benefit you were receiving at the time of your death
- Paid for life, with annual cost-of-living adjustments
Generational Members
Generational retirement benefits are single-life unless you elected a Joint & Survivor option at retirement.
Single-Life Benefit
- Benefits stop upon your death.
- No surviving spouse benefits payable.
60% Joint & Survivor Benefit
- Your spouse receives 60% of the benefit you were receiving at the time of your death.
- Paid for your spouse’s lifetime, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
100% Joint & Survivor Benefit
- Your spouse receives 100% of your retirement benefit.
- Paid for life, with annual cost-of-living adjustments.
Remaining Contributions
If you and your spouse, if applicable, die before your total accumulated contributions have been paid out:
- Any remaining balance is paid to your named beneficiaries or estate.
Eligibility for Post-Retirement Surviving Spouse Benefits
To qualify, your spouse must:
- Have been married to you before your retirement,
- Be married to you at the time of your death, and
- Have been married to you for at least 12 months before your death.
- For Generational members: You also must have elected a Joint & Survivor option at retirement.
Benefits for Other Beneficiaries
If there is no eligible spouse or eligible dependent children, SDRS will pay a lump-sum refund to your designated beneficiaries.
Why Keeping Beneficiaries Updated Matters
- Ensures the correct person receives lump-sum beneficiary refund payments, if applicable
- Reduces delays in benefit payments
- Prevents disputes or legal complications after a member’s death