This page will guide you through how to report a death, apply for benefits as a surviving beneficiary, and understand what documentation is required. Whether you are a spouse, other eligible beneficiary, or a caregiver or legal representative acting on someone’s behalf, PBGC provides several ways to report the death, either by email, mail or phone. We also explain what information you’ll need to provide, and how to prepare for the next steps.
- Report the death
- What you will need to provide
- Who can report the death
- What happens after you report the death
- Beneficiary application for benefits
Report the death
If a PBGC participant has passed away, please notify PBGC as soon as possible.
Call PBGC’s Customer Contact Center:
1 800 400 7242
(TTY/ASCII users may call 711)
What you will need to provide
When reporting the death, please have the following information ready:
- The participant’s full name
- Social Security Number
- Date of death
- Your name and contact information
- Your relationship to the participant
A certified copy of the death certificate is required to be sent to PBGC. You can mail the death certificate to PBGC’s mailing address or send it via email.
Who can report the death
Anyone with knowledge of the participant’s passing may notify PBGC, including:
- A spouse or family member
- A caregiver or close friend
- A legal representative, such as an executor, trustee, or attorney
What happens after you report the death
After you report the death, PBGC will review the participant’s file to determine if any survivor benefits are due and contact the person(s) eligible to receive survivor benefits.
Beneficiary application for benefits
- See information under "As beneficiary of a payee" on the Apply for your pension page.
- Information for executors or estate administrators