What to do when a spouse/domestic partner dies

1. Things You Should Have

   1. Collect all relevant papers and documents. This includes wills, insurance policies, annuities, deeds, statements of ownership, bills and loans.
   2. Originals or copies of death certificates are needed for most agencies you need to notify; e.g. NYC Teachers’ Retirement System if your spouse was a beneficiary, Social Security, etc.

   Then send an original death certificate to the Teachers’ Retirement System:

   NYC Teachers’ Retirement System
   55 Water Street
   New York, NY 10041
   888-8NYCTRS (69-2877)

2. Employee Benefits Program

   If the spouse/domestic partner dies, contact the Employee Benefits Program within 30 days of the event. Fill out an ERB form, which can be obtained by calling the number below, in order to drop your spouse/domestic partner from your health coverage, and send it to:

   NYC Employee Benefits Program
   22 Cortlandt Street, 12th Floor
   New York, NY 10007
   212-513-0470

3. SHIP

   You should contact SHIP and receive refunds of balances of the Supplemental Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) premium. Write to:

   UFT SHIP
   52 Broadway, 17th Floor
   New York, NY 10004
   212-228-9060

4. NYSUT Policies

Please contact NYSUT Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 if you participate in a NYSUT benefit plan (i.e., life, long-term care, catastrophic).

1. Social Security Administration

   Contact your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213

2. Veterans Administration (If applicable)

   1. Reimbursement of up to $150 toward a purchased cemetery plot.
   2. All other veteran’s benefits the member may have been entitled to.

3. UFT-RTC

   For additional information contact:

   UFT-RTC Pension Department
   52 Broadway – 17th floor
   New York, NY 10004
   212-331-6314