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Death of Spouse

"For death begins with life's first breath
And life begins at the touch of death"
--John Oxenham

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 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 family and friends 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 gives you a starting point from which to work. It is advisable that the tasks be divided up, if possible, between loved ones so that the necessary steps can be completed, with no pne person bearing the entire burden. It is natural and normal that the pain and grief of the survivors will take some time to heal. Make full use of your personal support network.

Benefit Plan Checklist

 

In the event of the death of a spouse of a participant, the Trust Office should be notified. The staff at the Trust Office are ready to help as much as possible, and to make sure the survivors understand the benefits implications, obtain the necessary forms and know how to submit the required documentation.

 

There is a $5,000 life insurance benefit payable upon the death of an active eligible participant's spouse or a $1,000 benefit for a retired eligible participant's spouse.

 

If the participant was already retired before the spouse's death, benefits to the participant may change depending upon the form in which the pension had been taken. See the discussion regarding the Pop-Up Benefit in the Retirement SPD.

 

If you are the surviving participant, you will need to change your designation of beneficiary using the Enrollment Card. If you have retired under the Retirement Plan, your benefits may change depending on which form of payment you have elected.

Forms:

Additional Information:

Health & Security SPD

Retirement SPD

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.

 

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