When a UFT retiree dies, there are steps a surviving spouse or beneficiary must take to receive all the benefits they are due.

Before contacting anyone, gather all relevant papers and documents, such as the will, insurance policies, annuities, deeds, statements of ownership and loans. Most agencies, including TRS, the UFT and the Social Security Administration, require an original or a copy of the death certificate, so it’s helpful to order six to 10 certified copies.

UFT: Send a copy of the death certificate to the UFT Membership Department, 52 Broadway, 11th floor, New York, NY 10004.

Health and UFT Welfare Fund coverage: Under federal law, surviving spouses/domestic partners and dependent children can purchase health benefits at 102% of the group rates for a maximum of 36 months. Within 60 days of the retiree’s death, survivors wishing to purchase this coverage must send notification by certified mail to the New York City Employee Benefits Program, Attn: COBRA, 22 Cortlandt St., 12th floor, New York, NY 10007, and to the UFT Welfare Fund, Attn: COBRA, 52 Broadway, 7th floor, New York, NY 10004. The UFT Welfare Fund coverage automatically extends for three months beyond the month the member dies.

For the UFT SHIP program, any reimbursements due are processed automatically. Survivors can purchase COBRA SHIP coverage for up to 36 months. Contact SHIP at 52 Broadway, 17th floor, or call 212‑228‑9060.

TRS pension: Submit to TRS an original death certificate as well as the last pension check received after the death. TRS will send a prorated check for the amount that was due prior to the death. If the member chose the maximum payment option, no further benefits are paid out. If the member opted for a specific benefit for one or more beneficiaries, that benefit is paid out in a lump sum. Visit the TRS website for more information on its death benefit process.

TRS Tax-Deferred Annuity: The member’s TDA account stops accruing interest or investment returns as of the date of death. If the retiree had their TDA in a tax-deferred status (as of 2020, before they turned 72), benefits generally are distributed in a lump sum. For annuitized TDA funds, benefits to survivors vary based on the payment option the member selected. Under federal law, beneficiaries must withdraw assets within 10 years; however, there are multiple exceptions, including for a surviving spouse.

Social Security: Contact your local Social Security Administration office and send an original death certificate. Survivors must send the Social Security check received after the retiree’s death to the agency, which does not reimburse for any portion. A surviving spouse can apply for $255 toward burial costs.

Medicare: The Social Security Administration will contact Medicare after being notified by survivors. For Part B benefits, survivors are eligible for reimbursement up to the date of death. Send a letter to the New York City Health Benefits Program, 22 Cortlandt St., 12th floor, Medicare Unit, New York, NY 10007. Survivors are eligible for optional rider reimbursements up to the date of death. Contact the UFT Welfare Fund by mail at 52 Broadway, 7th floor, or call 212‑539‑0500.

Veterans Administration: Contact your local U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office about any benefits to which the member was entitled. The agency reimburses up to $150 toward the purchase of a cemetery plot.

NYSUT: If the retiree participated in a NYSUT benefit plan, such as long-term care insurance, call 800‑626‑8101.

UFT Legal Plan: Survivors can call the UFT Legal Plan at 800‑832‑5182 and ask to speak to an attorney.

For more information, contact the RTC Pension Department at 212‑331‑6311.