Report a Death
Death of a retired member
Please contact DRS as soon as possible. If the retiree chose a survivor benefit, we must update the account for payments to continue. If the retiree did not select a survivor option, we need to stop monthly benefits to avoid an overpayment.
When you contact us, please be ready to provide the deceased retiree’s:
- Full name
- Social Security number
- Date of death
We’ll also ask who is handling the affairs for the estate.
Report a death to DRS
Online: Report the death online.
Phone: 360-664-7081, Option 1
Email: drs.moddnd@drs.wa.gov – Please provide only the last 4 digits of the deceased’s SSN
Mailed form: Print and mail this death reporting form to DRS.
Death of an active or not yet retired member
If the deceased worked in a public service position in Washington, payment may be due to survivor(s). When you contact us, please be ready to provide the deceased member’s full name, Social Security number and date of death. Also tell us if the death may be work-related.
Death of a beneficiary or survivor
If you are an active member, you can update your beneficiary designation at any time by logging into your online account.
If your named survivor dies after you retire, you can have your pension benefit changed to the single-life option with no survivor reduction. You will need to report the death to DRS. This provision applies to all DRS plans except for LEOFF and WSPRS Plan 1, which have different survivorship options.
