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Survivor Benefits

Factors Effecting Payable Benefits
In many instances, benefits are payable to the survivors of public employees who are active members of a Massachusetts contributory retirement system at the time of their death. The amount of benefits payable in any particular instance depends on a number of factors including:

  • the length of the member's creditable service,
  • the eligibility of the member's immediate family, and
  • the cause of the member's death.

Guide to Survivor Benefits
Please refer to PERAC's Guide to Survivor Benefits for Public Employees Who Became Members On or After April 2, 2012for a more detailed explanation. Also, remember that retirement board staff members are also available to interpret the specifics of the law and to assist you.

Date published: July 1, 2015

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