Survivor benefits vary depending on many factors, including the retired, active, or deferred status of the member; the member’s retirement plan and retirement option (if applicable); your relationship to the member; and other variables.
Upon notification of the member's death, LACERA will research the member's case to determine any applicable benefits and beneficiaries. See the Benefits Process for more details.
Survivors of Retired Members
Death benefits for survivors of retired members may be in form of a continuing monthly allowance or lump sum and are determined by the plan, option the member elected at the time of retirement, and your relationship to the member. LACERA also pays a death/burial benefit.
Survivors of Active Members
Death benefits for survivors of active members may be in the form of a continuing monthly allowance or lump sum, depending on the member’s length of service and whether the death was service- or nonservice-connected.
Survivors of Deferred Members
Retirement contributions and accumulated interest are payable in a lump sum to a deferred member’s named beneficiary or estate.