It is not something that is easy to think about, but you just never know when the time will come. So as an ERS member, it would be helpful to have all the pertinent information for the organizations/ institutions (i.e.: names, addresses, account numbers, and policy numbers) updated now to make it easier for your family and/or beneficiaries.

Upon the death of a member:

1. Notification of Death

Notify the ERS of the death by telephone at (808) 586-1735 or mail.

Please be prepared to provide the following:

• Name and Social Security number of the deceased
• Date of death
• Name, address, and phone number of surviving spouse, next of kin, or contact person.

2. Information to Beneficiary

ERS will send the beneficiary a letter explaining the death benefits available as well as the required forms to complete.

3. File Claim

The beneficiary must file the claim after receiving the letter that will include the death claim form, tax forms, direct deposit form, and death certificate. Any payment to estates will require other forms. The beneficiary has three years to file for death benefits.

4. Payment

Death payments, if any, are generally processed within 4-6 weeks after the death claim and all required forms have been received.

You may also want to inform your family that some of the other agencies and organizations that should be contacted include, and not limited to, the following:

• Hawaii Employer Union Trust Fund (EUTF) at (808) 586-7390 – Surviving spouse and dependent children may be entitled for family health coverage and life insurance benefits
• Employee Organizations – Possible life insurance benefits
• Banking Institutions or Credit Unions
• Deferred Compensation Plans and/or Tax Shelter Annuities
• Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 – Survivor benefits
• Veteran’s Administration at 1-800-827-1000
• Insurance companies