UTLA will need a copy of the Death Certificate to make the appropriate modification in our records for any UTLA-R or Retired life Members. This can be emailed directly to membership@utla.net
Below is a chart with important telephone numbers and contact information that might be helpful during this transition:
If the deceased participated in CalSTRS, ensure to contact CalSTRS as soon as possible.
CalSTRS will need the following information:
You can submit an online Notification of Death to report the death of a CalSTRS member, benefit recipient, option beneficiary or designated recipient.
A caseworker will contact the benefit recipient to complete the application for survivor benefits by letter.
A copy of the death certificate must be sent to CalSTRS. Additional information or documentation may be requested.
CalSTRS generally pays survivor benefits to beneficiaries or the members estate within 45 days of receiving all necessary information.
Payment may be delayed if documentation, such as the following, is missing or not received in a timely manner:
Any payments issued after the death of the member are due back to CalSTRS and will be deducted from benefits paid to beneficiaries if not returned.
If the member has no surviving spouse or partner, eligible dependent children or dependent parents, any remaining Defined Benefit and Defined Benefit Supplement contributions and interest in the members account will be paid to the members one-time death benefit recipient. If the member did not name a recipient, CalSTRS will make the payment to the members estate.
CalSTRSP.O. Box 15275, MS-43Sacramento, CA 95851-0275
Phone: (800) 228-5453Fax: 916-414-5040
CalSTRS.com
SurvivorBenefitsMailbox@CalSTRS.com
How teachers and support personnel are remembered varies widely from site to site and from person to person. Some sites involve faculty, students, community, and the deceased’s family to plan appropriate memorials.
All teachers and support staff members play a vital part in the development of students and deserve to be remembered. An appropriate memorial not only honors the person, it provides an opportunity for those whose lives were touched to say goodbye. Whether it’s a memorial service, a scholarship, tree, book, or some other item, it can be a learning experience teaching students valuable lessons about dealing with death and showing respect for the contributions people make in their lives.
Survivors can contact UTLA to put a memorial notice in the United Teacher.
UTLA Communications Department contact@utla.net
To further assist you through this process, UTLA has the following brochure regarding What to do when a UTLA-R or Retired Life Passes.
If you have any questions, contact the UTLA Membership Department by calling (213) 385-0300 or sending an email to membership@utla.net
