Reporting a Death

We wish to extend our sincere sympathy.

Active Members

To report the death of a PSERS member who is currently working in a Pennsylvania public school or for PSERS reporting entity, please contact the deceased�s PSERS employer.  The employer will notify PSERS of the death.   

After PSERS has received notification from the employer, we will review the decedent�s account and contact the beneficiary(ies) or estate to obtain a copy of the death certificate.  When we receive the death certificate, we will notify the beneficiary(ies) in writing of the amount of the benefit and all available options, plus provide any forms that the beneficiary must complete.  This information will not be released over the phone or by email.  

More detailed information about death benefit payments for those who die in service is available in the PSERS publication, PSERS Death Benefits (PDF).

Retired Members or Those Receiving a Benefit Payment  

To report the death of a PSERS retiree, alternate payee, survivor, or beneficiary receiving a monthly payment from PSERS, contact PSERS by calling us toll-free at 1.888.773.7748.  When calling, please have the deceased�s name, social security number and date of death available, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the person handling the deceased�s estate.  

PSERS must also receive a copy of the death certificate.  Additionally, any payments received after the date of death must be returned to PSERS.  The death certificate and retirement check(s) should be returned to:  

Public School Employees' Retirement System
5 N 5th Street
Harrisburg PA 17101-1905

After PSERS has received the death certificate, we will review the decedent�s account and contact the beneficiary(ies) or estate and provide the necessary forms and information to close the account.  This information will not be released over the phone or by email.  

More detailed information about death benefit payments for those who die when retired is available in the PSERS publication, PSERS Death Benefits (PDF).

Vested or Inactive Members  

To report the death of a PSERS vested or inactive member, contact PSERS by calling us toll-free at 1.888.773.7748.  When calling, please have the deceased�s name, social security number and date of death available, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the person handling the deceased�s estate.  

PSERS must receive also receive a copy of the death certificate.  The death certificate should be returned to:  

Public School Employees' Retirement System
5 N 5th Street
Harrisburg PA 17101-1905

After PSERS receives the death certificate, we will review the decedent�s account and contact the beneficiary(ies) or estate with the necessary forms and information to close the account.  This information will not be released over the phone or by email.