The death of a loved one brings sorrow to those they leave behind. It can also bring responsibilities you’ve never had before. It can get overwhelming at times.
This resource guide is designed to help families of CSEA members who have died by making it easier to get the information you need about services and benefits that may be available to you through the union and other sources.
CSEA benefits may include life insurance, tuition assistance, legal services, continued health, dental and vision coverage, as well as an accidental death benefit.
Family members may also be entitled to additional benefits and services from the state and federal government, including pension and Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits, and Workers’ Compensation benefits.
This guide describes many of the benefits you may be entitled to, and lets you know who to contact to help you get them. We hope it gives you the help you need in your time of need.
State Government Employees
CSEA Benefits and Services
CSEA Life Insurance and $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit
Insurance Department
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 5927
Call us to find out if you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy your loved one may have had through CSEA, or the $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit that CSEA offers to all active members.
Occupational Safety & Health Department
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 1292
When there is a workplace fatality, CSEA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department promptly investigates and communicates with New York State Department of Labor’s Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau, which regulates OSHA standards for NYS public employees. Please contact us if you have questions about the investigation.
Legal Services Program
We can help you file a Workers’ Compensation claim and can offer quality legal representation at little or no out-of-pocket cost for Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability or other personal injury or accident matters.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-342-4146 to speak to a representative from the CSEA-endorsed law firm of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, who can answer your questions and assist you in filing a claim.
CSEA Employee Benefit Fund
1-800-323-2732
Visit CSEA Employee Benefit Fund’s website
Call for information and assistance with continuing dental and vision coverage as a surviving spouse or eligible dependent.
CSEA Health Benefits Department
1-800-286-5242 or 518-785-4774
Learn more
Dependent survivors may be entitled to fully paid employer provided health insurance coverage. Please contact the employer’s personnel department or payroll/benefit office to see if you are eligible for extended coverage.
If you experience any difficulty in obtaining assistance from the employer, please contact the CSEA Health Benefits Department for help.
Additional Benefits and Services
CSEA Negotiated Benefits
Article 42.1 Accidental Death Benefit
As a surviving spouse, child or dependent, you may be eligible for a $50,000 accidental death benefit from the New York State Department of Civil Service if the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board determines your loved one’s death was the result of a job-related accident. To receive this benefit, you must file a claim with the Workers’ Compensation Board District Office within two years following the date of death. More details about this benefit are available from the employer’s Personnel Office.
Article 42. 2 The William L. McGowan Dependent Children’s Tuition Program
Dependent children of the deceased who are admitted to the State University of New York (SUNY) may be eligible for full tuition reimbursement. Contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations for information about the Dependent Children Tuition Program.
Governor’s Office of Employee Relations
Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 2, Suite 1201
Albany, New York 12223-1250
(518) 474-5255
Additional Resources
New York State and Local Retirement System
Website: Learn more about NYSLRS Death Benefits
Toll Free Number: 1-866-805-0990
Albany Area: 518-474-7736
Call for information pertaining to New York State Pension and/or Survivor Benefits.
You may be eligible for an accidental death benefit from the New York State and Local Retirement System if your loved one passed away as a result of an on-the-job incident. You or the employer should submit an Accidental Death Application (RS 6046) within two years following the date of death.
New York State Department of Civil Service
Call 1-800-833-4344 for information regarding retiree medical.
Social Security Administration
Website: ssa.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
Provides assistance and important information about Social Security benefits for which the surviving spouse and/or dependent children may be eligible. It is important to contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.
Internal Revenue Service
Website: irs.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-877-613-7846
Provides tax information on Social Security benefits.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Website: tax.ny.gov
Telephone Number: 518-457-5431
Provides assistance and important information pertaining to filing an income tax return for a deceased taxpayer.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
Website: veterans.ny.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-888-838-7697
Provides state and federal benefits for veterans and their dependents. Financial assistance for burial and plot expenses are available for certain eligible veterans. Certain surviving spouses and children of a deceased veteran who served during a period of hostility may be eligible for a death pension.
New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
Website: wcb.ny.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-877-632-4996
Albany Area: 518-462-8880
When a worker dies from a compensable injury, the surviving spouse and/or certain dependents are entitled to weekly cash benefits.
If there are no surviving children, spouse, grandchildren, grandparents or siblings entitled to compensation, the surviving parents or the estate of the deceased worker may be entitled to payment of a sum of $50,000. Funeral expenses may also be paid up to $6,000 in Metropolitan New York counties and up to $5,000 in all other counties.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-342-4146 to speak to a representative from the CSEA-endorsed law firm of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, who can answer your questions and assist you in filing a claim.
United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities
Website: usmwf.org
USMWF is a support group made up of empathetic families who have been there and understand the emotions and questions you may have regarding the loss of your family member. We know and understand the devastation which takes place in the mind, body and soul and we strive to help you and others from having to go through the grieving process alone.
MetLife
Please visit www.metlife.com/benassist for information about additional considerations during this difficult time.
JJ Kelly Memorial Scholarship
CSEA offers a special scholarship program, the J.J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund, for children of members killed or totally disabled in the course of performing their public service duties, who died while an active CSEA member. For more information on applying for this scholarship, contact CSEA at 1-800-342-4146. The application deadline is October 1 of the calendar year in which it will be rewarded.
Local Government Employees
CSEA Benefits and Services
CSEA Life Insurance and $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit
Insurance Department
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 5927
Call us to find out if you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy your loved one may have had through CSEA, or the $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit that CSEA offers to all active members.
Occupational Safety & Health Department
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 1292
When there is a workplace fatality, CSEA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department promptly investigates and communicates with New York State Department of Labor’s Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau, which regulates OSHA standards for NYS public employees. Please contact us if you have questions about the investigation.
Legal Services Program
We can help you file a Workers’ Compensation claim and can offer quality legal representation at little or no out-of-pocket cost for Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability or other personal injury or accident matters.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-342-4146 to speak to a representative from the CSEA-endorsed law firm of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, who can answer your questions and assist you in filing a claim.
CSEA Employee Benefit Fund
1-800-323-2732
Visit CSEA Employee Benefit Fund’s website
Provides information and assistance on continuing coverage under COBRA for the surviving spouse and eligible dependents of those local government and school district employees who have negotiated dental, vision and/or other miscellaneous benefits through the EBF. For dental and vision benefits not administered through the EBF, please contact the employer.
CSEA Health Benefits Department
1-800-286-5242 or 518-785-4774
Learn more
Dependent survivors may be entitled to continued employer-provided health benefit coverage. If available, each employer has its own set of dependent survivor eligibility requirements. The specific criteria and coverage guidelines should be spelled out in either the CSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Summary Plan Description or the Employee Handbook provided by the employer.
Please contact the employer’s personnel department or payroll/benefit office to see if you are eligible for extended coverage.
If you experience any difficulty in obtaining assistance from the employer, please contact the CSEA Health Benefits Department for help.
Additional Resources
New York State and Local Retirement System
Website: Learn more about NYSLRS Death Benefits
Toll Free Number: 1-866-805-0990
Albany Area: 518-474-7736
Call for information pertaining to New York State Pension and/or Survivor Benefits.
You may be eligible for an accidental death benefit from the New York State and Local Retirement System if your loved one passed away as a result of an on-the-job incident. You or the employer should submit an Accidental Death Application (RS 6046) within two years following the date of death.
Social Security Administration
Website: ssa.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
Provides assistance and important information about Social Security benefits for which the surviving spouse and/or dependent children may be eligible. It is important to contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.
Internal Revenue Service
Website: irs.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-877-613-7846
Provides tax information on Social Security benefits.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Website: tax.ny.gov
Telephone Number: 518-457-5431
Provides assistance and important information pertaining to filing an income tax return for a deceased taxpayer.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
Website: veterans.ny.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-888-838-7697
Provides state and federal benefits for veterans and their dependents. Financial assistance for burial and plot expenses are available for certain eligible veterans. Certain surviving spouses and children of a deceased veteran who served during a period of hostility may be eligible for a death pension.
New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
Website: wcb.ny.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-877-632-4996
Albany Area: 518-462-8880
When a worker dies from a compensable injury, the surviving spouse and/or certain dependents are entitled to weekly cash benefits.
If there are no surviving children, spouse, grandchildren, grandparents or siblings entitled to compensation, the surviving parents or the estate of the deceased worker may be entitled to payment of a sum of $50,000. Funeral expenses may also be paid up to $6,000 in Metropolitan New York counties and up to $5,000 in all other counties.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-342-4146 to speak to a representative from the CSEA-endorsed law firm of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, who can answer your questions and assist you in filing a claim.
United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities
Website: usmwf.org
USMWF is a support group made up of empathetic families who have been there and understand the emotions and questions you may have regarding the loss of your family member. We know and understand the devastation which takes place in the mind, body and soul and we strive to help you and others from having to go through the grieving process alone.
MetLife
Please visit www.metlife.com/benassist for information about additional considerations during this difficult time.
JJ Kelly Memorial Scholarship
CSEA offers a special scholarship program, the J.J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund, for children of members killed or totally disabled in the course of performing their public service duties, who died while an active CSEA member. For more information on applying for this scholarship, contact CSEA at 1-800-342-4146. The application deadline is October 1 of the calendar year in which it will be rewarded.
Private Sector Employees
CSEA Benefits and Services
CSEA Life Insurance and $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit
Insurance Department
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 5927
Call us to find out if you are the beneficiary of a life insurance policy your loved one may have had through CSEA, or the $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit that CSEA offers to all active members.
Occupational Safety & Health Department
1-800-342-4146, Ext. 1292
When there is a workplace fatality, CSEA’s Occupational Safety and Health Department promptly investigates and communicates with New York State Department of Labor’s Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau, which regulates OSHA standards for NYS public employees. Please contact us if you have questions about the investigation.
Legal Services Program
We can help you file a Workers’ Compensation claim and can offer quality legal representation at little or no out-of-pocket cost for Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability or other personal injury or accident matters.
Call us toll-free at 1-800-342-4146 to speak to a representative from the CSEA-endorsed law firm of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, who can answer your questions and assist you in filing a claim.
CSEA Health Benefits Department
1-800-286-5242 or 518-785-4774
Learn more
Dependent survivors may be entitled to continued employer-provided health benefit coverage. If available, each employer has its own set of dependent survivor eligibility requirements. The specific criteria and coverage guidelines should be spelled out in either the CSEA Collective Bargaining Agreement, the Summary Plan Description or the Employee Handbook provided by the employer.
Please contact the employer’s personnel department or payroll/benefit office to see if you are eligible for extended coverage.
If you experience any difficulty in obtaining assistance from the employer, please contact the CSEA Health Benefits Department for help.
Additional Resources
Social Security Administration
Website: ssa.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
Provides assistance and important information about Social Security benefits for which the surviving spouse and/or dependent children may be eligible. It is important to contact the Social Security Administration as soon as possible.
Internal Revenue Service
Website: irs.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-877-613-7846
Provides tax information on Social Security benefits.
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Website: tax.ny.gov
Telephone Number: 518-457-5431
Provides assistance and important information pertaining to filing an income tax return for a deceased taxpayer.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
Website: veterans.ny.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-888-838-7697
Provides state and federal benefits for veterans and their dependents. Financial assistance for burial and plot expenses are available for certain eligible veterans. Certain surviving spouses and children of a deceased veteran who served during a period of hostility may be eligible for a death pension.
New York State Workers’ Compensation Board
Website: wcb.ny.gov
Toll Free Number: 1-877-632-4996
Albany Area: 518-462-8880
When a worker dies from a compensable injury, the surviving spouse and/or certain dependents are entitled to weekly cash benefits. If there are no surviving children, spouse, grandchildren, grandparents, brothers, or sisters entitled to compensation, the surviving parents or the estate of the deceased worker may be entitled to payment of a sum of $50,000. Funeral expenses may also be paid up to $6,000 in Metropolitan New York counties and up to $5,000 in all other counties. Call us toll-free at 1-800-342-4146 to speak to a representative from the CSEA-endorsed law firm of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, who can answer your questions and assist you in filing a claim.
United Support And Memorial For Workplace Fatalities
Website: usmwf.org
USMWF is a support group made up of empathetic families who have been there and understand the emotions and questions you may have regarding the loss of your family member. We know and understand the devastation which takes place in the mind, body and soul and we strive to help you and others from having to go through the grieving process alone.
MetLife
Please visit https://www.metlife.com/insurance/life-insurance/beneficiary-assistance/ for information about additional considerations during this difficult time.
JJ Kelly Memorial Scholarship
CSEA offers a special scholarship program, the J.J. Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund, for children of members killed or totally disabled in the course of performing their public service duties, who died while an active CSEA member. For more information on applying for this scholarship, contact CSEA at 1-800-342-4146. The application deadline is October 1 of the calendar year in which it will be rewarded.