If you die while still working
Not vested: Total DB contributions and interest (T-G/T-H: plus the vested DC balance; Class DC: vested DC balance). Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), pp. 1, 4-5; Handbook p. 15, DB Death Benefits During Employment
Vested (see when you're vested): Present value of the account: multiplier x FAS x credited service x early retirement factor (if applicable) x dollar annuity value (age at death), plus any vested DC balance. Under $10,000: lump sum. $10,000 or more: Plan 1 lump sum; Plan 2 monthly (Option A life, B life with 60 months certain, C life with 120 months certain); Plan 3 partial lump sum plus monthly (at least $10,000 must remain). Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), pp. 1, 4-5; Handbook p. 15, DB Death Benefits During Employment
If you die after retiring
Depends on the option: MSLA - unpaid contributions and interest; Option 1 - unpaid present value; Option 2 - 100% to survivor annuitant for life; Option 3 - 50%; Customized - per its design. If you withdraw all contributions and interest and elect MSLA, nothing is left for beneficiaries. Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), p. 6; Exit Counseling 2025-26, PDF pp. 18-20
PSERS benefits include no special spousal rights and require no spousal consent or waiver. Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), pp. 2, 7
If a member who received a COLA elected a survivor option (excluding a Customized Option designed for a specific amount), the survivor annuitant receives the appropriate percentage of the increased benefit. Historically, COLAs enacted after the member's death are not payable to the survivor annuitant. Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), p. 6 More in PSERS cost-of-living increases.
What PSERS says
- If you die while working and aren't vested, your beneficiaries get your contributions and interest (T-G/T-H: plus your vested DC balance).Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), p. 1
- If you die while working and are vested, your beneficiaries get your account's present value, worked out from multiplier x salary x service x any early factor x a dollar annuity value for your age. Amounts of $10,000 or more can be taken as a lump sum, a lifetime monthly benefit (optionally with 60 or 120 months guaranteed), or a mix.Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), pp. 1, 4-5
- After you retire, what your survivors get depends on the option you chose.Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), p. 6
Questions
What does my family get if I die before retiring?
Total DB contributions and interest (T-G/T-H: plus the vested DC balance; Class DC: vested DC balance). If you're vested: Present value of the account: multiplier x FAS x credited service x early retirement factor (if applicable) x dollar annuity value (age at death), plus any vested DC balance. Under $10,000: lump sum. $10,000 or more: Plan 1 lump sum; Plan 2 monthly (Option A life, B life with 60 months certain, C life with 120 months certain); Plan 3 partial lump sum plus monthly (at least $10,000 must remain).
What does my spouse get after I retire?
Depends on the option: MSLA - unpaid contributions and interest; Option 1 - unpaid present value; Option 2 - 100% to survivor annuitant for life; Option 3 - 50%; Customized - per its design. If you withdraw all contributions and interest and elect MSLA, nothing is left for beneficiaries.
Does my spouse have to agree to my PSERS option?
PSERS benefits include no special spousal rights and require no spousal consent or waiver.
Related: survivors can enroll in PSERS's retiree health plan.
Source: PSERS Active Member Handbook, Current pa.gov edition (PDF revised Sept. 2023), p. 15. Also: Let's Talk About PSERS Death Benefits (Mar. 2025), pp. 1-2, 6. Also: Retirement Exit Counseling 2025-2026, PDF pp. 8-23. Last reviewed .