Death Benefits for Retired Members

The Retirement System provides a $4,000 death benefit to your beneficiary.

The benefit is:

• Paid in a lump sum.
• Included with all retirement options.
• Not paid with the death of a joint annuitant.
• Taxable for federal income tax purposes.

FORMS

• Designation of Beneficiary - Retired

Your beneficiary also receives any of your remaining contributions and interest. All regular monthly benefits are paid through the last day of the month the death occurs.

• Naming your beneficiary
• Funeral Planning and KPERS $4,000 Retiree Death Benefit (PDF, 195KB)

Note: The Retirement System administers retirement benefits for certain groups that were never contributing members of KPERS. These groups do not receive the death benefit. For example: Legislative session employees.

Information for Beneficiaries: KPERS does not pay death benefits automatically. Beneficiaries need to apply for it. Please contact the Retirement System first to verify who was named as beneficiary. We will send beneficiaries the appropriate application.