How do I Report a Death?

The Retirement Agency should be contacted soon after the death of a member, a retiree or the retiree’s beneficiary.

To report a death, dial 410-625-5555 or toll-free 1-800- 492-5909. After selecting 1 for retiree, a pre-recorded message will play with the latest news from the Maryland State Retirement Agency. You then may select 3 to notify the Retirement Agency of the death of a member or retiree.

Retirees

If your beneficiary dies before you: Provide the Retirement Agency with a certified copy of the death certificate. If you wish to name a new beneficiary, inquire with the Retirement Agency about the necessary forms and documentation.

If you die before your beneficiary: The Retirement Agency will inform the beneficiary(ies) on file if any future benefits are due. Survivor benefits are paid according to the payment option selected at retirement. Changes may need to be made regarding direct deposit and taxes withheld if future benefits are paid to the beneficiary.

Employers

Employers must complete Form 28 Request for Certification of Salary for members who die while active on payroll, including paid leave or leave without pay less than 30 days or a qualified MSRA approved leave of absence, or while performing qualified military duty.

The Retirement Agency will send beneficiary (ies) Form 32 Notification and Claim of Beneficiary. Form 32 must be notarized and must be accompanied by an official copy of death certificate. MSRA will make payment to the deceased member’s beneficiary(ies) in accordance with §29-201 through §29-207 of the Annotated Code of Maryland based upon the information provided by the employing agency and the information on the deceased member’s retirement account.

Members

To report a death of a member or former member, dial 410-625-5555 or toll-free 1-800- 492-5909. After selecting 2 for member, a pre-recorded message will play with the latest news from the Maryland State Retirement Agency. You then may select 3 to notify the Retirement Agency of the death of a member or retiree.

If your beneficiary dies before you: Please update your beneficiaries by completing a new Designation of Beneficiary Form 4.