Losing a loved one is difficult. Please know that we are here to help you, in any way that we can, with your retiree's or beneficiary's retirement benefit matters. Members and retirees can use this web page as a planning resource. We suggest that you save a link to this page, or print it, and keep a copy with your will and other important documents. We also suggest that you review this with your family, so that they are aware.

If you are the spouse of a Fairfax County Retiree that has passed away...

To see if you are eligible for a monthly benefit, lump-sum refund or rollover, please review the following form: Spouse Refund/Benefit Request. Contact the Retirement Systems office at 703-279-8200 if you are not sure or need more information. 

Here are some key contacts that you may need to speak with to discuss your spouse's benefits:

Benefit	Organization to Contact	Contact Information
Retirement	Retirement Systems	703-279-8200
Life Insurance	The Standard	703-324-3351
Deferred Compensation (457) Plan	County Human Resources	703-324-4995
Deferred Compensation (457) Investments	T. Rowe Price	888-457-5770
Health Insurance (if retiree had County insurance)	County Human Resources	703-324-3336
Social Security	Social Security Administration	800-772-1213

What You Will Need to Claim Benefits

To claim any benefits available to you, you will need:

1. Your loved one’s full name, Social Security number and date of death.
2. A mailing address where claim information can be sent.
3. An original or certified copy of the death certificate.

What You May Need to Claim Benefits

1. If benefits are to be paid to an estate: Original or certified letter of qualification issued by the Circuit Court.

2. If benefits are to be paid to a trust: Copies of trust agreement establishing a trust and appointment of an individual trustee.

3. If benefits are to be paid to a minor child: Copy of guardianship appointment for the minor child’s estate.

4. If benefits are to be paid to a non-minor beneficiary, who has a designated attorney-in fact to handle his or her affairs: Copy of power-of-attorney document.

5. If your loved one died in an automobile crash while actively employed: Copy of police report for the seatbelt benefit, if eligible

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If you are a Fairfax County Retiree and your spouse has passed away...

1. If you chose a Joint & Survivor Option, please Contact Retiree Services They will update your benefit.
2. If you did not select a Joint & Survivor Option, you do not need to notify Retiree Services. If you are in your first three years of retirement and need to name a new beneficiary, you can submit a new beneficiary change form:

• Beneficiary Change Form
• Beneficiary Change Form - for POLICE OFFICERS