When a member dies prior to retirement, any survivor benefit that may be
available is dependent on factors such as whether the member was vested
or non-vested at the time of death, and whether the death was related to
the person’s job (service-connected). Click the Survivor and Beneficiary
Information booklet for a comprehensive review.
Some important points to remember are:
You initially designate beneficiaries on the Member Sworn Statement
when you begin employment.
You may also make changes to your beneficiary on the
Beneficiary Designation form.
The most recent beneficiary designation form on file at the SDCERA office
is used to distribute survivor benefits.
You re-designate your beneficiary at the time of retirement.
The eligible surviving spouse, registered domestic
partner or children of an active member who dies may choose
one of the following death benefits depending on the
member’s status at the time of death.