When a State of Connecticut retiree passes away, there are several important steps that need to be taken to ensure that all benefits, accounts, and necessary procedures are properly managed. Here’s a quick guide to assist you during this difficult time.

1. Notification of the Retirement Services Division

• Contact the Office of the State Comptroller’s Retirement Services Division to report the retiree's death. This can be done by emailing, or calling the Retirement Division.

  • Email: osc.rethealth@ct.gov

  • Payroll: (860) 702-3480

  • Health Insurance:  (860) 702-3533

  • Group Life:  (860) 702-3537

It is best to contact all three departments of the Comptroller’s Office because some departments utilize remote work from home days and the calls cannot always be transferred. 

2. Pension Payments - Payroll: (860) 702-3480

• Stop Direct Deposits: Upon notification, the Retirement Services Division will discontinue the retiree's monthly pension payments.

• Survivor Benefits: The beneficiary or surviving spouse should inquire about survivor benefits. If the retiree had elected a pension option that provides benefits to a spouse or another beneficiary, the Retirement Services Division will provide guidance on how to proceed.

3. Health Insurance:  (860) 702-3533

• Stop Health Benefits: Upon notification, the Retirement Services Division will discontinue the retiree's healthcare benefits.

• Survivor Benefits: The beneficiary or surviving spouse should inquire about survivor benefits. If the retiree had elected a survivor healthcare option that continues healthcare benefits to a spouse or another beneficiary, the Retirement Services Division will provide guidance on how to proceed.

4. Life Insurance - Group Life: (860) 702-3537

• If the retiree had State of Connecticut group life insurance, contact the Group Life department at the Comptroller’s Office. If you are unsure about the existence of a life insurance policy through the State, please call the Group Life number to find out. 

5. Death Certificate

• Obtain multiple copies of the certified death certificate through the:

  • Local Town Clerk: You can request a death certificate from the town clerk’s office in the town where the death occurred or where the deceased person lived at the time of death.

  • Or through the State Vital Records Office: You can also request it from the Connecticut Department of Public Health's Vital Records Office in Hartford.

This will be needed to settle various aspects of the retiree's estate. The Comptroller’s Office will only need one copy, it will be applied to the deceased member’s record for all State of Connecticut departments. 

6. Contacting the Union

• If the retiree was a member of the CSEA Council 400 Retiree Union, notify the union about the retiree's death. If you would like to continue union membership, please let the staff know. 

• Retiree Organizer Contact: Kevin Sullivan - (860) 951-6614 x 118​.

7. Update of Records

• Social Security: Contact the Social Security Administration to inform them of the retiree's passing. Benefits may change, and there may be a death benefit for eligible survivors.

Additional Notes

• Future Changes: It’s important to stay informed about any future changes to retiree benefits as outlined in the SEBAC agreements. Changes to (Cost of Living Adjustments) COLAs, health insurance premiums, and other benefit-related aspects may affect the survivor's benefits​. Remaining a CSEA retiree member will help you stay informed.

This guide provides an overview of the steps to take following the death of a State of Connecticut retiree. Always reach out to the appropriate departments and organizations for specific guidance tailored to individual circumstances.