Work-Related Cause of Death

If you die of a work-related cause while you are an active member, your named beneficiary is eligible for a lump-sum payment of any retirement contributions and interest in your member contribution account. In addition, your eligible spouse, minor child or parent may be eligible for a lifetime monthly benefit in addition to the lump-sum payment, even if another person has been named as your beneficiary for retirement contributions.

A work-related cause of death is the result of an occupational illness or an injury that occurs on the job and the cause of death is determined to be eligible for benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. For more information, see the Department of Human Resource Management Web Site.

The payment of work-related death-in-service benefits depends on your circumstances at the time of your death:

Your eligible spouse receives a monthly death benefit. The benefit ends when your spouse dies.

Your eligible child receives a monthly benefit until he or she turns age 18.

If you have more than one eligible minor child, the youngest child’s age is used to calculate the amount of the monthly benefit. Each child receives an equal share. As each child reaches age 18, his or her share of the benefit is redistributed equally among the remaining minor children. The benefit ends when the last child reaches age 18.

Your eligible surviving parent receives a monthly benefit.

If both parents are living, the benefit is calculated based on the age of the youngest parent. Each parent receives an equal share. When one of your parents dies, the other parent receives his or her share. The benefit ends when your surviving parent dies.

Any retirement contributions and interest in your member contribution account are paid in a lump sum accordingly:

To your eligible adult child or children;
If none, to the descendents of your deceased children;
If none, to the duly appointed executor or administrator of your estate;
If none, to your next of kin under the laws of the state where you resided at the time of your death.

Work-Related Monthly Benefit Calculation

If your spouse, minor child or parent is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, the amount of the VRS monthly benefit will be based on 33 1/3 percent of your average final compensation at the time of your death. If your spouse, minor child or parent is not eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, the amount of the VRS monthly benefit will be based on 50 percent of your average final compensation at the time of your death. For more information, call the Social Security Administration toll free at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration Web site.

If your spouse, minor child or parent is eligible for a Workers’ Compensation survivor benefit, the amount of the VRS work-related monthly benefit will be reduced by the amount of the Workers’ Compensation benefit. The VRS benefit also may be exempt from federal and state tax withholding.

Work-Related Cause of Death

You are married

You are single, divorced or widowed and have a minor child or children

You are single, divorced or widowed and have no minor children

None of the above

Work-Related Monthly Benefit Calculation