Death of Spouse

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.

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 one 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.

Plan Checklist

Items regarding the Health Plans apply only to participants in the Southern California IBEW-NECA Health Plans. However, if you participate in another electrician health plan, it is likely that similar considerations will apply.

• In the event of the death of a spouse of a participant, the Administrative Office should be notified. The staff at the Administrative 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 $1,500 life insurance benefit payable upon the death of the spouse of a participant covered under the Active Health Plan.
• If you are the surviving participant, you will need to change your designation of beneficiary using the Beneficiary Designation form for the Health Plan (If you are not yet retired you will also need to complete the Pension DB and DC Beneficiary Designation form). If you have retired under the DB Pension Plan, your benefits will change only if you elected a pop-up form of payment.

Also Consider...

If you have any questions on this topic, contact the Fund Office.