If you die while receiving a benefit, the first thing that needs to happen is that the NEBF℠ must be notified of your death. Failure to notify the NEBF℠ may result in an overpayment of benefits which must be repaid to the NEBF℠. If you were receiving the Joint and Survivor Option, your spouse’s Survivor Benefit may be withheld until the overpayment of benefits has been repaid. Once NEBF℠ receives a copy of your death certificate, NEBF℠ reviews your record to determine the type of benefit you were receiving at the time of your death.
What type of benefit are you receiving?
Lifetime Option
If you were receiving the Lifetime Option, your estate will receive the final benefit. That amount will be for the month in which you died, and then no further benefits will be due.
Joint and Survivor Option
If you were receiving the Joint and Survivor Option, your estate will receive the benefit amount for the month in which you died. Your spouse will begin receiving the Survivor Benefit the month following your death. This benefit will continue until your spouse dies; then no further benefits will be due.