when retired correctional officers die are their spouses still covered on their insurance?

Beneficiaries of a correctional officer's account should be aware that all over-payments will be transferred immediately back to the state upon notification of an officer's death. This is includes policy transference that is active during service. When an officer dies, there is a strict protocol for benefit transfer to surviving spouses and family members.

Insurance coverage is related to beneficiary designation by any NY corrections officer. The party that the officer designates as beneficiary to any financial benefits is complicit in all benefit transfers. This means, all NY officers who want to designate their spouses as primary beneficiaries of insurance accounts, must do so in good faith with the state. When insurance benefits are distributed, spouses can use insurance benefits by collecting lump sum payments, or one-time death payments.

Dependents of a deceased retired NY corrections officers can receive benefits through the NYSHIP program. This program extends health and dental insurance benefits for survivors for up to 10 years after an officer’s death. All insurance claims and questions falling into this category should be directed to the NYS Department of Civil Service for proper processing and classification.