wa-law.org > bill > 2023-24 > HB 2013 > Original Bill
The legislature finds that when a retiree or beneficiary of state retirement benefits dies, the department of retirement systems only pays benefits up to the precise date of that individual's death. If the retiree or beneficiary has already received payment for that month by the time the death occurs, the department of retirement systems requires repayment of any benefits received after the death. For example, if death occurs on the 25th day of a 30-day month, the beneficiary's estate may be required to refund five days' worth of benefits.
The legislature intends to change that practice by paying benefits until the end of the month in which the death occurs.
When a retiree or beneficiary under chapter 2.10, 2.12, 41.26, 41.32, 41.35, 41.37, 41.40, or 43.43 RCW dies, the department must continue paying benefits until the end of the month in which death occurred. Survivor benefits, when applicable, will begin on the first day of the following month.
This section applies to any and all benefit payments issued by the department including optional annuities.
The department must continue to require the beneficiary, survivor, or estate of the deceased to refund any benefit payments made following the month of death.
This section applies prospectively only and not retroactively. No beneficiary, survivor, or estate that has been subject to repayment of benefits before January 1, 2025, has a right to receive a refund of those repayments.
This act takes effect January 1, 2025.