Instructions for Reporting a Death

We understand that dealing with the passing of a loved one is difficult, and we are sorry for your loss.

It is very important to let the Cook County Pension Fund (CCPF) know about the death of an employee, retiree, spouse, or child (member) to make sure you receive any death benefits as soon as possible.

Our Benefit Counselors are here to support you during this difficult time. Please read the information below and then contact CCPF at (312) 603-1200.

What You Need to Do

  1. To report a death online, please complete the Death Notification Form online or contact our office at (312) 603-1200.
     
  2. A Benefit Counselor will ask you several questions, including:
    • The member’s name
    • The deceased member’s Social Security Number, Employee Number, or date of birth for identification purposes
    • The date the member passed away
    • Your identity and a “contact” person’s information (name, address, phone number, etc)
    • CCPF must determine whether there is a surviving spouse and whether there are any minor children that may be eligible for further benefits.
  3. CCPF will mail to the person handling the affairs information that is pertinent to be completed:
  • Spouse Annuity Application
  • Child Annuity Application
  • Continuation of Health Benefits (if applicable)
  • Death Benefit Applications
  1. You will need to provide
  • A copy of the member’s death certificate
  • A point person to keep in contact with, and mailing address to send any applicable forms
  • Other forms that may be applicable and noted on the instructions

Additional Information

When an employee or retired employee dies, the CCPF provides a $1,000.00 Death Benefit, payable to the beneficiaries designated on record with CCPF.

Retirees are entitled to a pension payment for the month in which they were alive. If a pension payment is made for the month proceeding their date of death, CCPF must request a reimbursement for the month’s annuity overpaid. Not reporting a death in a timely fashion may result in an account collection against a spouse or against the estate. To avoid any account collections, we ask that you report a death as soon as possible.

Example

A check dated March 1 represents your March pension payment. If you died on March 1, you are entitled to that month’s pension payment. However, if you were to die on February 28, your estate is not entitled to the March 1 payment; this payment must be returned.