Ordinary Death Benefit

This benefit is equal to 1/12th (8.33 percent) of your last year’s earnings, multiplied by your years of service credit up to 36 years.

Alternative Death Benefit

If you die while in service, but after having become eligible to retire, an alternative death benefit may be payable. This benefit would be the amount necessary to pay your pension if you had retired on the date of your death. This benefit frequently is larger than the ordinary death benefit.