Skip to main content
The University of Chicago
Inside UChicago
Main content

Death of Employee

Notification of Death

Upon the death of a University employee, please contact the Benefits Office benefits@uchicago.edu. Family members will be asked to submit an original death certificate to Benefits Office.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Surviving eligible dependents will be offered coverage under COBRA if eligible.

  • A surviving spouse and/or eligible dependents may choose to continue medical coverage under COBRA for a maximum of thirty-six (36) months.

  • A surviving spouse and/or eligible dependent(s) may choose to continue  dental coverage through COBRA for a maximum of thirty-six (36) months.

  • A surviving spouse and/or eligible dependent(s) may choose to continue  vision coverage through COBRA for a maximum of thirty-six (36) months.

    • You have 60 days to elect COBRA coverage from the date you receive the COBRA continuation materials in the mail.

    • If you choose to continue your coverage through COBRA, complete the materials and return them to WEX.  WEX can be contacted at 866.451.3399.

  • For more information visit COBRA Continuation of Coverage.

  • If a surviving spouse and/or dependent(s) do not choose to continue their medical, dental and vision insurance, coverage will end  the month of the deceased employee's death. 

Short-Term Disability and/or Long-Term Disability

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage end on the day of the employee's death.

Group Life, Personal Accident and Travel Accident Insurance

  • Coverage ends on the day of the employee's death.

  • The Benefits Office will notify the insurance carrier and the carrier will then contact your designated beneficiary upon notification of  a death.

Flexible Spending Accounts 

  • Participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) will end on the day of an employee's death.

  • A surviving spouse or estate may continue to submit claims to HealthEquity (WageWorks) for the expenses that the deceased employee or their dependent incurred prior to the death.

  • Claims may be submitted up to June 30th of the following calendar year.

  • Contact HealthEquity (WageWorks) at 877.822.9091.

Qualified Transportation Program

Participation in the Qualified Transportation Program will end on the day of an employee's death.

Retirement Benefits

  • Surviving spouses or dependents should notify TIAA at 800.842.2252 for payment under the defined contribution portion of the  Retirement Income Plan For Employee s(ERIP), Contributory Retirement Plan (CRP), and Supplemental Retirement Plan (SRP).

  • Surviving spouses or dependents should notify the Benefits Office for payment under the defined benefit portion of ERIP and SEPP, if you were employed 3 or more years.

Special Notes: If you were hired before July 1987, your dependents' medical coverage is extended by one month through COBRA.