If you die while working
If an active member dies, the beneficiary gets a refund of contributions plus interest, or may choose a monthly benefit for life instead if the member had the minimum earned service (Class Two 5, Class Three 8) and either 15 years of total service or was at least 60. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 11, Retirement account benefits
- Class Two: 5 earned years, and 15 total years or age 60
- Class Three: 8 earned years, and 15 total years or age 60
If the employer provides incidental death benefit coverage, an active member (or working retiree) with at least one year of service who dies in service: beneficiary receives one year's current annual earnable compensation. The one-year requirement is waived for job-related death. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 11, Active member incidental death benefit If you leave before you die, the rules in leaving teaching apply instead.
If you die after retiring
Under Option B or C, your beneficiary keeps getting 100% or 50% of your payment. See payment options.
Option A: any unused member contributions and interest are paid as a lump sum at death. SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 20, Option A; S.C. Code 9-1-1650(B)
Non-working retiree whose last employer provided incidental death coverage: $2,000 (10-19 years), $4,000 (20-27), $6,000 (28+). SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 23, Non-working retired member incidental death benefit
| Years of service | Retiree death benefit |
|---|---|
| 10 to 19 | $2,000 |
| 20 to 27 | $4,000 |
| 28 or more | $6,000 |
From the sources
- If you die while working, your beneficiary gets your contributions plus interest. They can choose a lifetime monthly benefit instead if you had the minimum earned service (Class Two five years, Class Three eight) and either 15 years of total service or were 60 or older.SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 11, Retirement account benefits
- If your employer provides incidental death coverage, your beneficiary gets one year's pay if you die while working (after one year of service).SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 11, Active member incidental death benefit
- Retirees whose last employer had that coverage leave a death benefit of $2,000 (10-19 years), $4,000 (20-27 years) or $6,000 (28 or more years).SCRS Handbook FY2027, p. 23, Non-working retired member incidental death benefit
Questions
What does my beneficiary get if I die while still working?
A refund of your contributions plus interest, or a monthly benefit for life if you met the service rules. Plus one year's pay if your employer offers the incidental death benefit.
What if I die after retiring?
It depends on your payment option. Under Option A any unused contributions are paid as a lump sum. Under B or C your beneficiary keeps getting 100% or 50%.
Is there a retiree death benefit?
If your last employer provided the coverage: $2,000, $4,000, $6,000, depending on your years of service.
Related: the taxable part of a death benefit is subject to income tax; see taxes on an SCRS pension.
Source: South Carolina Retirement System Member Handbook, Fiscal year 2027 (SCPEBA 082026, expires June 30, 2027), pp. 11, 20, 23. Also: Get Set for Retirement: Post-retirement information (FY2027); S.C. Code 9-1-1650, 9-1-1660. Last reviewed .