What to do first

If the deceased was employed at the time of death, you should contact the employer regarding any employee benefits for the survivors.  The employer may have provided life, health or accident insurance that will yield payments.  The deceased may be due a final paycheck for vacation or sick leave.  If the death was work-related, there may be worker’s compensation benefits.  Check for credit union accounts through the deceased’s employer.  Self-employed persons can also have pension plans.  Look for pension deposit deductions on past income tax returns.

Where else to look for employee benefits

You should contact all past employers, including federal, state, or local governments, to determine if the survivors of the deceased are entitled to any payments from a pension plan.

Also check with the employer to see if the deceased belonged to a union or professional organization.  These groups may offer death benefits for their members.

If the deceased was already retired and receiving a pension, you should check with the former employer to determine if survivors will continue to receive a pension payment or whether the payment will be reduced.

What To Do If You Can’t Get Information

There may be times when you simply can’t get information. Maybe your loved one did not set up a beneficiary. Or they forgot to keep their beneficiary information updated. In that case, you should contact an attorney to help. 

Question About Employee Benefits? We can help.

If you have a question about employe benefits to which you may be entitled, call us at 602-443-4888.