If you are the survivor or beneficiary of a bti体育 member, the following is a step-by-step description of the benefits process, so you know what to do and expect. Remember, we are here to help you, so contact us any time you have questions.
Notification of Member's Death
Notify bti体育 at 800-786-6464 as soon as possible to report the member's death.
The sooner bti体育 is notified of the death, the sooner a benefit account in the survivor鈥檚 name can be established. By law, a retiree鈥檚 monthly allowance ends in the month of death, so setting up a survivor鈥檚 account quickly is especially important for the families of retired members.
You will be required to submit a photocopy of the original death certificate along with a certifying that the copy submitted is a true and correct copy of the certificate and that the copy contains no alterations from the original.
If you have the decedent's bti体育 Survivor & Death Benefits Information Card, provide the information listed on the card when you notify bti体育 of the death.
bti体育 Researches the Case
bti体育 researches the case and sends you claim forms.
Upon notification of the member's death, bti体育 will research the member's case to determine any applicable benefits and beneficiaries.
Within 10 working days after receiving notification of the death, bti体育 will send you claim forms and requests for other documents.
Survivor Submits Required Documents
Survivor submits claim forms and other required documents.
Required documents vary according to the specifics of the case. Commonly required documents include:
- Original certified marriage certificate or Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership
- Original certified birth certificate(s)
- Photocopies of the birth certificate and marriage certificate or Certificate of Registered Domestic Partnership accompanied with a certifying that the copy submitted is a true and correct copy of the certificate and that the copy contains no alterations from the original
Your Social Security number (or tax identification number) is also required before any benefits can be paid.
To pay benefits to a trust, bti体育 must have the employer identification number (EIN) issued to the trust by the IRS.
bti体育 Processes Benefits
bti体育 processes benefits and begins payment.
Benefit processing time may vary according to when bti体育 receives all required documents.
- Death benefit payments to eligible survivors generally begin one payroll cycle after bti体育 has been notified of the member's death.
- Death benefit payments to named beneficiaries generally begin 60 days from the date bti体育 has received all required documents.