Before vesting
A member who dies before vesting: the designated beneficiary gets a lump-sum refund of the account. Member Handbook (2024), p. 22, Lump Sum Refund
After vesting
Vested member dies before retirement without a Form 16 Advanced Application: a spouse married at least one year gets the higher of a lifetime Option 2 benefit or 20% of average compensation (at least $50 a month). Member Handbook (2024), p. 22, Spousal Benefits; Summary of Major Plan Provisions (2024), p. 3
Each dependent child (under 19 and never married, or under 23 if a full-time student and never married) gets the greater of 10% of average compensation or $50 a month, up to 30% for three or more children. A disabled child's benefit may continue while the disability lasts. Member Handbook (2024), p. 22, Dependent Child Benefits
Death on the job
Duty-related death (covered from the first day of work, no vesting or marriage-length requirement): spouse 50% of average compensation for life; 25% for one dependent child or 50% for two or more. No minimum. A vested member's family gets the higher of the duty or non-duty benefit. Member Handbook (2024), p. 22, Duty-Related Death Benefits
On $60,000 average compensation
| Situation | Spouse | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Vested, not on the job, 2 children | $1,000or Option 2 if higher | $1,000 |
| Same, 4 children | $1,000 | $1,50030% cap |
| On the job, 1 child | $2,500 | $1,250 |
| On the job, 2 or more children | $2,500 | $2,500 |
Monthly amounts from our engine on the handbook's percentages, not Mississippi PERS examples.
The Member Handbook says a surviving spouse gets the higher of an Option 2 benefit or 20% of average compensation. The 2024 ACFR says the Option 2 amount is 'reduced by an actuarially determined factor based on the number of years the member lacked in qualifying for unreduced retirement benefits'. We use the handbook and don't compute the Option 2 amount (no factors published).
Member Handbook (2024), p. 22; Mississippi PERS 2024 annual report, p. 104, Ordinary Death Benefit
Choosing ahead: Form 16
Once eligible to retire, a member can file Form 16 to pre-select an option and beneficiary that will apply if they die before retiring. Without it, monthly benefits go only to a lawful spouse and/or dependent children. Member Handbook (2024), p. 46; Pre-Retirement Guide (2024), p. 5
After you retire
After a retiree's death, benefits follow the option chosen; under the Maximum and Option 1 any unpaid contributions and interest go to the beneficiaries. Member Handbook (2024), p. 31 See Payment options.
- If you die before vesting, your beneficiary gets a refund of your account.Member Handbook (2024), p. 22
- If you die vested before retiring, a spouse you've been married to for at least a year gets the higher of an Option 2 lifetime benefit or 20% of your average compensation (at least $50 a month). Each dependent child gets 10% (at least $50), up to 30% in all.Member Handbook (2024), p. 22
- A duty-related death is covered from your first day: 50% of average compensation to the spouse, and 25% for one child or 50% for two or more.Member Handbook (2024), p. 22
- Once you're eligible to retire you can file an Advanced Application (Form 16) to choose the option and beneficiary that apply if you die before retiring.Member Handbook (2024), p. 46
Questions
What does my spouse get if I die before retiring from Mississippi PERS?
If you were vested and married at least 1 year: the higher of an Option 2 lifetime benefit or 20% of your average compensation (at least $50 a month). Before vesting, your beneficiary gets a refund.
Source: Mississippi PERS Member Handbook, Revised November 8, 2024, pp. 22, 31, 46. Also: Summary of Major Plan Provisions (2024); Pre-Retirement Guide (2024). Last reviewed .