Death Benefits

Death Process

If a member dies, follow these steps:

First, gather the following information:

name of deceased member
date of death
the member’s home address and telephone number
person ID or social security number
name of funeral home
named beneficiary or surviving spouse
name, phone number and address of a contact person

Then, contact the Employes' Retirement System at 414-286-3557 (or toll free at 1-800-815-8418) to provide this information to a pension specialist. The Employes’ Retirement System will contact you with a variety of forms to complete and will also require a certified copy of the death certificate.

The Employes' Retirement System will review the member’s file and determine the benefit entitlement. A letter will be sent to the named beneficiary, the personal representative or the heir. This process can take up to 45 days.

For healthcare purposes, please report the death of a Police Annuity and Benefit Fund retiree by calling (414) 286-2111, or for a Fire Annuity and Benefit Fund retiree, by contacting the Principal Financial Group at 1-800-247-7011. General City employees should call the ERS at (414) 286-3557 or 1-800-815-8418.