Life Events Guide

Death of Spouse

The passing of a loved one is perhaps the most painful event in life. No one should have to grieve alone. At this time of loss it is important to surround yourself with your personal support group who can help console and counsel you. Your personal support group includes family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and your religious community. In some cases you may wish to seek the guidance of a professional counselor. In coming to terms with your loss, you will take some time to recollect your loved one. You can appreciate the blessings that their presence brought to your life, even if the time they could stay with you seems to have ended too soon.

With the support of your family and friends you will be able to gather the strength to complete the necessary details that must be faced by the survivors. There is much to do; the linked check list gives you a starting point from which to work. It is advisable that the tasks be divided up, if possible, between loved ones so that the necessary steps can be completed, with no one person bearing the entire burden. It is natural and normal that the pain and grief of the survivors will take some time to heal. Make full use of your personal support network.

Plan Checklist

• In the event of the death of a spouse of a participant, the Plan Office should be notified. The staff at the Plan Office are ready to help as much as possible, and to make sure the survivors understand the benefits implications, obtain the necessary forms and know how to submit the required documentation.
• If you are the surviving participant and covered as an active, you will need to change your designation of beneficiary using the Enrollment and Beneficiary Designation for the Health Plan. You will also need to designate a beneficiary for the Pension and Retirement Savings Plans.
• If you are retired under the Pension Plan, your benefits will change only if you selected a “pop-up” form of the benefit. The Plan Office will help you further when you call them.

Also Consider…

Contact the Fund Office if you have any questions.