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Q: My spouse and I are city retirees. What do we need to know about our city death benefits?
A: Here are some things you should know and do to prepare:
- If you have designated a minor as beneficiary, the insurance company will not pay benefits to a minor under 18. The insurance company will hold the money until the child is 18 or someone presents a letter of financial guardianship.
- Make sure your beneficiary is updated. If you are uncertain about your designation, make a new designation based on your current situation.
- If you have a life event, like death, divorce, or adoption, review your designation.
- Keep important contact telephone numbers in an easy-to-reach place.
- Your beneficiary may call the benefits division to request a $5,000 advanced payment.
- Your beneficiary may assign the value of your life insurance to the funeral home to cover expenses. Funeral home representatives should call the benefits division at (713) 837-9367.
Helpful telephone numbers:
- Houston Municipal Employees Pension System
(713) 759-9275
- Houston Police Officers’ Pension System
(713) 869-8734
- Houston Firefighters’ Relief and Retirement Fund
(281) 372-5100
- City of Houston’s Benefits Division (713) 837-9400 or (888) 205-9266
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