Death Benefits
The Death Benefit Fact Sheet provides a summary of the benefits available
to a member's spouse or designated beneficiary under certain terms and conditions in accordance with Chapter 78 of the Code of the city of
Richmond.
Death Benefits After Retirement
Death benefits are governed by the type of benefit payment option selected at retirement.
If you were employed before June 13, 1988, your beneficiary will receive a one-time, lump-sum
payment up to a maximum of $1,000.
Death Benefits After Disability Retirement
The surviving spouse is automatically entitled to a 100% survivor benefit if the retiree was eligible for Early Service retirement
at the time of disability retirement and dies prior to reaching his/her normal retirement age (general employee at age 65; sworn police
officer or firefighter at age 60).
The automatic coverage for the spouse ends at the retiree's normal retirement age. Therefore, to continue coverage for the spouse,
the retiree must select a survivor option prior to reaching his/her normal retirement age.
If a disabled retiree was not eligible for an early service retirement at the time of disability retirement, the retiree must select
a survivor option prior to reaching his/her normal retirement age.
If you were employed before June 13, 1988, your beneficiary will receive a one-time, lump-sum
payment up to a maximum of $1,000.
Payment of Claims
Upon notification of a member's death (active or retired), their file is reviewed to determine if death benefits are due to a surviving spouse
and/or beneficiary. If it is determined death benefits are due to a surviving spouse and/or beneficiary they will be contacted via mail and
will be required to return a completed Death Benefit Claimant form and certified death certificate to the RRS for payment of funds.
