Q: Teacher retirement benefits
If the husband dies and leaving the widow the benefits and she dies, who shall the benefits go to?
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A:
When a teacher passes away and leaves their retirement benefits to a widow, the next steps regarding the benefits after the widow's death depend on the specific rules of the retirement system. Each retirement system has its own set of policies for the distribution of benefits after the beneficiaries' death.
Typically, if the widow was receiving survivor benefits, the retirement system may allow for the nomination of secondary beneficiaries. These could include the couple's children, other family members, or even a trust. It's important for members of retirement systems to update their beneficiary designations to reflect their current wishes.
In the absence of a designated secondary beneficiary, the distribution of the remaining benefits, if any, would be governed by the retirement system's policy, possibly reverting to the estate of the last recipient. To navigate these specifics, it would be wise to consult directly with the retirement system or seek legal guidance to ensure that all benefits are distributed according to the wishes of the deceased and the rules of the system.
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