Death of a Dependent
The surviving family of the deceased dependent should consider the following when confronted with the death of a loved one.
Notification of Death
Social Security
When a Social Security beneficiary dies, many funeral directors voluntarily provide death information directly to Social Security; however, family members of a deceased individual still have the legal responsibility to notify Social Security.The Ohio State University
It is the family's responsibility to report the death of a dependent so that he or she may be removed from benefit coverage and to file life insurance claims. To change your health plan enrollment, complete and submit a Health Plan Election Form. To change your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) enrollment, complete and submit a FSA Qualifying Event Enrollment Form. Contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center for information on changing health plan elections and canceling Dependent Group Life Insurance you may have purchased.
Death Benefit Life Insurance Claims
If you purchased Voluntary Group Term Life Insurance (VGTLI) for a dependent or Dependent Group Life Insurance (DGLI), you will need to file a claim in order to receive the benefit. Life insurance proceeds are payable to the employee. A certified copy of the Certificate of Death, which can be obtained from the funeral service provider, is necessary in order to file the claim. An "assignment" transfers financial responsibility of funeral expenses from the beneficiary to the insurance benefit. The beneficiary completes an assignment and the funeral service provider is paid directly from the life insurance benefit. Obtain a certified copy of the Certificate of Death from the funeral director and forward the copy to the Office of Human Resources, Benefits, for payment of the death benefit.
Employee Assistance Program (UFSAP)
The death of a loved one can be stressful in many ways. The University Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers free, confidential, professional counseling and referral services to help you and your family with any issues that may arise due to the death of your family member.
Taxes
You may want to review your W-4 tax document so that you are claiming the correct deductions. Contact the Tax Office for more information.
Contact Information
For more information on Human Resources-related issues, contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center.
NOTE: This is intended to be a summary of benefits, services and procedures. For full details, contact the Office of Human Resources Customer Service Center, refer to benefit plan booklets, or visit the Policy web site.
