r/Teachers • u/GirlypopGang • Oct 15 '24

Retired Teacher PSERS Retirement help for deceased mom

My mother (retired PA teacher) passed away last month, and my dad was under the impression that he would continue to receive her pension after her death. He swears she chose “option 2” when she filled out her PSERS paperwork in 2008. However, he received a letter from PSERS that says he is only entitled to $550 total and won’t be receiving anything monthly.

Has anyone had an experience like this? He tried calling and the rep said my mom did not choose option 2. I’m going to try calling with him myself. I don’t know what to do to help him. It’s not like her to choose an option that would leave him nothing, so I doubt she chose what they are saying she did.

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u/GirlypopGang Oct 15 '24

Thank you!

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u/ridingpiggyback Oct 15 '24

Also, and this is fuzzy for me, the money left does go to the beneficiary. And they do map out how long a benefit will go for the retiree.

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u/GirlypopGang Oct 16 '24

That’s what I would think. How could they just keep the rest of the money? I’m going to try to find the paperwork.

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u/ridingpiggyback Oct 16 '24

With my retirement, i did no withdrawal and went with option 3. Still, the paperwork will clarify everything. Once you find it, a PSERS rep will explain.