Benefits for Survivors

To help protect an employee’s family from the sudden loss of their earnings, the University provides a comprehensive program of survivor benefits. 

Retirement Annuity

The full value of the employee’s retirement annuity accumulation is paid to the named beneficiary.

Health Insurance Continuation

An employee’s spouse and children may remain in the University health insurance plan through COBRA continuation for up to three years. The University continues to pay its portion of the premium for the first year. 

If the employee has met retirement eligibility at the time of death, other benefits may be available to the surviving spouse.

Educational Grants

If an employee has worked full-time for five or more consecutive years immediately preceding their death, the employee’s children will remain eligible for the educational grant benefit.