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Reporting a Death

Resources: Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits Pamphlet

Retired Members

If you are a family member or responsible for the estate of a person receiving a monthly benefit payment from PSERS and wish to report the death of a retiree or survivor annuitant, please:

  1. Notify PSERS by calling PSERS’ tollfree phone number at 1.888.773.7748 or emailing to ContactPSERS@pa.gov. PSERS will need: 
    • The member’s full name and PSERS ID or last four digits of the social security number.
    • The date of death. 
    • A contact person in the event more information or documentation is needed. 
    • The caller should have available the contact’s name, address, and telephone number.
  2. Send PSERS a copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must be faxed or mailed to: 
    PSERS
    5 N 5th Street
    Harrisburg PA 17101-1905
    FAX: 717.772.3860
Information regarding the retirement option selected or remaining value of the account will not be released by phone or email. 

After we receive this information, additional forms and/or information pertaining to the account will be sent to you and/or any named beneficiaries. 

Active Members

If you are a family member or responsible for the estate of a deceased Pennsylvania public school employee and need to report their death, please:
  1. Contact your current Pennsylvania public school employer. 
  2. Send PSERS a copy of the death certificate. The death certificate must be sent to:
    PSERS
    5 N 5th Street
    Harrisburg PA 17101-1905
    FAX: 717.772.3860
The employer will report the information to PSERS and we, in turn, will send a request for a copy of the death certificate to the named beneficiary(ies), executor, or trustee.  

PSERS will not release any information regarding the value of the account and/or the names of the beneficiary(ies) by phone or email.    
 
After we receive a copy of the death certificate, additional forms and/or information pertaining to the payment of the death benefit will be sent to the named beneficiary(ies), executor, or trustee.