Yes. There are three types of survivor benefits payable before retirement if you are vested. They are as follows:
1. Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit
The Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit provides a lifetime benefit to your surviving spouse if you die before your pension begins.
- If you are age 55 or older, the benefit is equal to the pension benefit you would have received if you had retired the day before your death.
- If you are younger than age 55, the benefit is determined as if you were age 55 at the time of your death.
Certain eligibility requirements apply.
2. 60 Certain Guarantee Benefit
The 60 Certain Guarantee is payable if, at the time of your death, you are vested, at least age 55, and:
- Not married; or
- Married for less than one year
If you are age 55 and you die before you actually retire, your beneficiary will receive a monthly benefit payable for a total of 60 payments guaranteed. This benefit is equal to the amount of the pension for which you were qualified.
3. Death Benefit Pension Benefit
If you die before you reach age 55, a death benefit pension will be payable to your spouse who is not eligible for the Pre-Retirement 100% Spouse’s Benefit if you have either:
- 15 or more Years of Pension Credit; OR
- 10 Years of Pension Credit and you earned at least ½ Year of Pension Credit in the calendar year in which you die or the immediately preceding calendar year.
The amount of the Death Benefit Pension is equal to your pension credit multiplied by $875.00. This amount is divided by 60 and is paid to your beneficiary in 60 equal monthly payments guaranteed.
Please note that these death benefits pertain to the MACRC Plan participants. Pre-Merger accrued death benefits may not follow these three forms, not sure if you should add a disclaimer.