Report a Death

Contact NYSTRS as soon as possible to notify us of the death of a retiree, an optional beneficiary, or an active member. You may use the phone numbers provided below to report a death. You'll need to provide the following information:

• Name of the deceased.
• Date of death.
• Membership status:
  • Active member and employer; OR
  • Retiree; OR
  • Beneficiary of a retiree.
• Name, relationship and phone number of the person making the notification.

Also refer to When a Member Falls Ill or Passes Away – a publication to help guide NYSTRS members and their loved ones through difficult times, including filing for disability protection.

To Report a Retiree Death

Call NYSTRS at 800-348-7298, ext. 6140 to notify us of the death of a retiree. Doing so in a timely manner will ensure the retiree's beneficiary(ies) will receive promised benefits, if payable, in a timely manner.

To Report the Death of a Retiree's Beneficiary

Call NYSTRS at 800-348-7298, ext. 6150 to notify us of the death of a retiree's beneficiary (i.e., option beneficiary or the beneficiary of a Paragraph 2 death benefit payable).

To Report the Death of an Active Member

Call NYSTRS at 800-348-7298, ext. 6110 to notify us of the death of an active member.