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What to Do When an Active or Retired Member Dies

Active Member

1. Dependents are kept on the welfare funds for 90 days. Subsequently they can purchase welfare benefits through COBRA.
2. The beneficiary gets a $7,500 death benefit.
3. Dependent(s) can purchase COBRA from New York City for health insurance within 60 days of the Active member's passing. The forms can be found here > 

Retired Member

1. Dependent(s) are kept in the Welfare Funds for 30 days. They can subsequently purchase welfare benefits through COBRA.
2. If the retired member started before Sept. 1, 1984, the beneficiary gets a death benefit up to $500 from SEIU provided the retiree continued to pay dues after his/her retirement date.
3. Dependent(s) can buy COBRA from New York City for health insurance within 60 days of the retired member's passing. The forms can be found here >

Steps to Take Upon the Passing of a Retired Member

To obtain Survivor benefits, you must notify the following offices as soon as possible:

  • Social Security Administration: 800.772.1213

  • Local 246 Retirees Benefit Fund (to claim death benefits and COBRA):  212.233.0616

  • New York City Employee benefit fund (NYCEB)* (Health Insurance)

  • New York City Employee Retirement System (NYCERS) Death Benefits office 347.643.3000 ext. 3620, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    *When calling these offices ask about survivor continuation of benefits under COBRA. 

CONTACT
  • ADDRESS:
  • 217 Broadway; Suite 501, New York, NY 10007
  • PHONE: 212.233.0616
  • FAX: 212.385.1859
  • EMAIL US >
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