Death Benefit

Death Benefits

When an active, deferred or retired member dies, please follow these steps:

First, gather as much of the following information as you can:

• name of deceased member  
• date of death  
• the member’s home address and telephone number  
• person ID or social security number  
• 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 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 and a variety of forms 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 Fire Annuity and Benefit Fund retiree by contacting the Principal Financial Group at 1-800-247-7011. Deaths of Police Annuity and Benefit Fund retirees or General City employees should be reported by calling the ERS at 414-286-3557 or 1-800-815-8418.