If You Die in Service (Full-Time Actives)
The Welfare Fund provides a package of benefits for the surviving covered spouse/covered domestic partner/and dependent child(ren) of an active covered employee who dies. Dependents must request and apply for the benefits.
The extent of the coverage depends upon length of service, and it may fully or partially replace federally mandated COBRA coverage.
The benefits are the following, as described elsewhere on this website:
If the deceased covered employee had ten (10) or more years of full-time service with CUNY, Welfare Fun supplemental coverage is extended for up to three years (36 months), premium free.
If the deceased covered employee had fewer than ten (10) years of full-time service, and at least one year of service, with CUNY, Welfare Fund supplemental coverage is extended for up to one year (12 months), premium free. After that coverage is exhausted, dependents under age 65 may purchase up to 24 additional months of COBRA at their own cost.
For dependents under age 65, monthly proof of basic health coverage under COBRA must be submitted to the Fund to continue to be eligible for prescription coverage.
College personnel offices can provide continuation/COBRA information on basic (Medical/Surgical/Hospital) coverage. It is the responsibility of the surviving spouse (or covered domestic partner/covered dependent child(ren)) to notify the college personnel office and the Welfare Fund office of the death of the covered employee within 30 days.
Spouse and dependents must continue to meet the requirements of eligibility under the Welfare Fund. This coverage is available only to those without other, comparable coverage. Failure to pay the premium will discontinue coverage permanently. Application forms are provided upon notification.
Death Benefit
As of March 1, 2020, the PSC-CUNY Welfare Fund provides a $5,000 death benefit to the beneficiary of a full-time covered member who dies while in active service. Members must fill out the beneficiary form, available from their campus HR and benefits office or here, and have it on file at the benefits office. If members wish to change beneficiary(ies), a new form needs to be completed.
It is important to note that members on leave of absence (LOA) are not in active service.
Designated beneficiaries have one year from the member’s date of death to file a claim with the Welfare Fund office.