Benefits

Planning for the Unexpected

An important benefit of being a SERS member, a benefit we hope you’ll never need, is eligibility for disability and survivor benefits. Both of these benefits provide peace of mind that you have a safety net for you and your family should something happen to you while you’re working.

Disability Benefits 

Disability isn’t something most people like to think about as they are planning for their retirement. However, according to the Social Security Administration, a 20-year-old worker has a 30% chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

Although the thought of becoming disabled is scary and unpleasant, it should be comforting to know that if the road to retirement takes an unexpected turn, disability benefits are available to help those who need it.

To learn more about the specifics of disability benefits like eligibility, the plan, the application process, benefit payments, and termination of disability benefits, visit the While You’re Working section of the website or refer to the Member Disability Guide.

Survivor Benefits

The Survivor Benefits program is a way you can make sure your spouse and dependents receive benefits in the event of your premature death. Under this program, qualified survivors can receive monthly benefits. 

To learn about the qualifying conditions for members and their beneficiaries, how to designate beneficiaries, how benefits will be paid, and the process of buying earned service credit   after a member dies, visit the While You’re Working section of the website or refer to the Survivor Benefits Guide.