Policy 621 - Benefits for Survivors

Section: Benefits
Policy Number: 621
Responsible Office: HR/Benefits
Effective Date: 4/1/01
Clarified: 6/1/10
Revised: 1/1/14

Medical and Dental Benefits: The surviving spouse and/or eligible dependents can continue to participate in the University’s group medical and dental plans in accordance with COBRA regulations. Contact the Employee Benefits Office for specific information, such as rates and duration of coverage. In the event of the death of an active employee, the University will continue that employee’s existing medical coverage through the end of the month that follows the month in which the death occurred.

Life Insurance: The proceeds of the deceased employee’s life insurance policy (and any supplemental life insurance policy) go to the designated beneficiary(ies) in accordance with the terms of the applicable policy.

Retirement Plan: Any accumulated amounts in the deceased employee’s retirement plan go to the designated beneficiary(ies) in accordance with the terms of the applicable policy.

Travel Accident Insurance: The proceeds of the policy go to the beneficiary if the covered employee’s death occurred while he or she was traveling on University business.

Social Security: A Social Security death benefit, in the form of a lump sum payment, may be issued to an eligible surviving spouse or children. Contact the Social Security Administration for specific information on this benefit.

Tuition Remission: The spouse and qualifying children or eligible designee of an administrator or staff employee who has completed ten years of full-time employment and who dies while actively employed full-time by the University are entitled to tuition benefits for one undergraduate degree (Associate’s or Bachelor’s) and one graduate degree (Master’s, Professional Diploma/Advanced Professional Certificate/first professional degree, or Doctorate) in accordance with the guidelines and conditions of the applicable tuition remission policy.

The spouse and qualifying children of an administrator or staff employee who has less than 10 years of full-time employment and who dies while in active employment or on LTD status is eligible to complete the degree in progress that the child/spouse was enrolled in and pursuing under tuition remission benefits at the time of the employee’s death in accordance with the guidelines and conditions of the applicable tuition remission policy.

The spouse and qualifying children or eligible designee of a qualifying retiree who dies continue to be eligible for tuition remission on the same basis as before the retiree’s death

One-time Payment to Spouse/Family: In the event of the death of an active full-time or part-time staff or administrator, or full-time faculty member, the University will issue a one-time payment of one month’s base salary to the surviving spouse/family so that loved ones will have immediate funds available to assist with funeral and related expenses.

St. John's University, New York
Human Resources Policy Manual