If a member dies while in active employment with a TCERA employer, certain death benefits are available to qualified beneficiaries. The actual benefits depend on the member’s status with TCERA at the time of death. Because of the complexity of some of these benefits, TCERA staff will review the following benefits and options in detail with beneficiaries upon notification of a member’s death.
Death of an Active Member (non-service connected) Less than 5 Years of Retirement Service Credit
• A one-time lump sum Basic Death Benefit consisting of a return of the contributions and interest which have accumulated in the member’s retirement account.
• A one-time lump sum payment of one month’s salary for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of six month’s salary. A minimum of one year of completed service is required for this benefit.
Death of an Active Member (non-service connected) 5 or more years of Retirement Service Credit
• A one-time lump sum Basic Death Benefit consisting of a return of the contributions and interest which have accumulated in the member’s retirement account and a one-time lump sum payment of one month’s salary for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of six month’s salary. (This is the only option available for a member with no eligible spouse or minor children.)
-OR-
• For an eligible spouse or minor children, a monthly benefit equal to 60% of the retirement benefit to which the member would have been entitled if retired for a nonservice connected disability.
-OR-
• For an eligible spouse or minor children, a combination of a reduced lump sum payment and a reduced monthly benefit.
Death of an Active Member (service-connected)
• A one-time lump sum Basic Death Benefit consisting of a return of the contributions and interest which have accumulated in the member’s retirement account and a one-time lump sum payment of one month’s salary for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of six month’s salary. (This is the only option available for a member with no eligible spouse or minor children.)
-OR-
• For an eligible spouse or minor children, a monthly benefit equal to at least 50% of the member’s final average salary.
• For an eligible spouse or minor children, a combination of a reduced lump sum payment and a reduced monthly benefit.
• Additional benefits may be applicable for the service-connected death of a Safety Member. These benefits will be reviewed with the beneficiaries at the time of death, if applicable.
Deferred Member
In the event of the death of a member in deferred status (vested, non-vested, or reciprocal), the beneficiary receives a one-time lump sum Basic Death Benefit consisting of a return of the contributions and interest which have accumulated in the member’s retirement account.
Other Benefits
Depending on several different employment factors, there may be additional death benefits available from your employer. TCERA encourages members to contact their human resources department for more information.
Tulare County HR&D - (559) 636-4911
Tulare County Superior Courts - (559) 730-5000
Strathmore Public Utility District - (559) 568-1613