If they are the retiree's pension beneficiary, they can contact the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and the UFT Pension Department.
A member's beneficiary (or representative) must first submit a certified or original death certificate to TRS for the member; (s)he must also submit a Claimant's Statement (code DB17). TRS will inform them of additional documentation and forms they may have to file.
For more information, please see the Guide to Death Benefits for Beneficiaries of Retired Members or the Guide to Death Benefits for Beneficiaries of Non-Retired Members.