Death of Employee

The passing of a loved one is perhaps the most painful event in life. No one should have to grieve alone. At this time of a loss it is important to surround yourself with your personal support group who can help console and counsel you. Your personal support group includes family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and your religious community. In some cases you may wish to seek the guidance of a professional counselor. In coming to terms with your loss, you will take some time to recollect your loved one. You can appreciate the blessings that their presence brought to your life, even if the time they could stay with you seems to have ended too soon.

"Nothing is so strong as gentleness and
nothing is so gentle as real strength"
--Ralph W. Sockman

With the support of your friends and family you will be able to gather the strength to complete the necessary details that must be faced by the survivors. There is much to do; the linked check list[LINK!] gives you a starting point from which to work. It is advisable that the tasks be divided up, if possible, between loved ones. In this manner, the necessary steps can be completed, without any one person bearing the entire burden. It is natural and normal that the pain and grief of the survivors will take time to heal. Make full use of your personal support network. In addition, the Plan's MAP program can help you work through your options, and refer you to a local counselor if necessary.

Forms:

Additional Information:

Health & Welfare BenefitTabs™

Health & Welfare SPD

 

 

 

 

Benefit Plan Checklist

 

In the event of the death of an employee, the Fund Office should be notified. Staff at the Fund Office are ready to help as much as possible, and to make sure the survivors understand the benefits, obtain the necessary forms and know how to submit the required documentation.

 

If you are the employee and are planning for what must come, the following plan issues will be pertinent. You will want to make sure that your beneficiaries have been properly designated for Plan benefits using the Death Beneficiary Card (located on the Family Enrollment Card). Click here for forms.

 

Death benefits are available for active employees in the amount of $20,000 with an additional $20,000 for Accidental Death.

 

Surviving dependents of an active employee have several options for continued Plan coverage, including Surviving Dependent Self-Payments, and COBRA Benefits. See the applicable sections of the SPD for more information.

 

In the event of the death of the retired participant, the participant's dependent spouse and children may continue to be covered under the Plan's Retiree Benefits, by making the appropriate election and monthly self-payments.

External Related Links:
(These are listed for your convenience. The sites and the contents of the sites are not sponsored or endorsed by your benefit plans. Use them at your own risk.)

  • Hospice Net - Articles on grief, bereavement, death and dying. Hospice nurses and professionals provide email support.
  • Death and Dying Grief Support - Death and dying is an upbeat approach to loss offering grief support, and legal information on end of life issues for family, friends, and loved ones.
  • About.com Death and Dying - About.com resources on funerals, cemeteries, and other death and dying related topics.