Death Benefits
Your death benefit is equal to your salary multiplied by your years of service, not to exceed three years of salary. That means that after one year of service, your beneficiary will receive one times your salary; after two years of service, two times your salary. After three or more years, the benefit is three times your salary. The salary is limited by Section 130 of the Civil Service Law.
Example:
$30,000 earned in last year (assuming your salary stays the same)
After 1 year of service = $30,000
After 2 years of service = $60,000
After 3 or more years of service = $90,000
For members working beyond age 60, the death benefit that would have been payable if you died at age 60 will be reduced by 4 percent each year that you stay in public employment, for a maximum of a 40 percent reduction.
Using the Example Above:
At age 60, a member was eligible for a $90,000 death benefit. If the member dies while still employed, his or her beneficiary would receive:
| Age | Maximum Percent Payable | Death Benefit Payable |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | 100 | $90,000 |
| 61 | 96 | $86,400 |
| 62 | 92 | $82,800 |
| 63 | 88 | $79,200 |
| 64 | 84 | $75,600 |
| 65 | 80 | $72,000 |
| 66 | 76 | $68,400 |
| 67 | 72 | $64,800 |
| 68 | 68 | $61,200 |
| 69 | 64 | $57,600 |
| 70 and older | 60 | $54,000 |
