Death Reporting
On behalf of PERA’s Board and staff, please accept our condolences on the passing of your loved one. We're here to assist you through the death notification process. Follow the steps to report the death of a PERA member, retiree, survivor, or anyone receiving a PERA benefit.
Step 1: Notify PERA of the Death
You can notify PERA of the death online, by telephone, through mail, or in person. The member's employer can also report the death directly to us.
Telephone Number:
866-678-0670
Mailing Address:
PERA Death & Disability Division 33 Plaza La Prensa Santa Fe, NM 87507
In Person:
PERA Offices
Have the following information ready when you contact PERA:
Date of death
Name and Social Security number or PERA ID number of the deceased
Name, address, telephone number of surviving spouse
Name, address, and telephone number of closest next of kin or the person designated to settle the estate, if there is no spouse
Name, address, and telephone number of the person providing the notice of death
After PERA is notified of a death, staff will audit the account to determine if any additional benefits are payable to the deceased member's survivor beneficiary or estate.
Document
Active Member
Inactive Member
Required
Copy of death certificate showing the cause or manner of death
Required
Required
Required
Marriage certificate (or proof that a marriage ended in divorce or death)
Required
Required
Required
Birth certificate of survivor (if entitled to a monthly allowance)
Required
Required
Required
Copy of children's birth certificates (if children are to be paid)
Required
Required
Required
Letters of administration or letters testamentary for the probated estate (if the estate is to be paid)
Required
Required
Required
Affidavit of Successor
Not Required
Not Required
May Be Required
Step 2: Gather Documents Required for Death Benefit Account Audit
Copies of official documents are acceptable; you don’t need to mail the originals. Ensure that all certificates (such as marriage, birth, and death) are issued and filed by the appropriate government office, such as the county clerk or vital records agency. If you’re unable to obtain these documents, contact us to determine next steps.
Note: Any warrant issued to a retiree or benefit recipient the month after their death must be returned to PERA.
Endnotes
We'll request reimbursement from the financial institution if the payment was electronically transferred into the deceased's account unless we inform the spouse to keep the warrant.
Step 3: Return Information to PERA
Return the completed forms and required documents to PERA.
PERA Death & Disability Division
33 Plaza La Prensa
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Fax: (505) 954-0388
The information provided will be used to identify a beneficiary or estate who may be legally entitled to receive benefits. We'll contact you if additional information is needed.
Death Notification FAQ
After PERA receives all required documentation and/or forms, processing can take up to 60 days. Direct deposit is encouraged.
The affidavit of successor, sometimes referred to as a small estate affidavit, allows families to claim and collect property using an affidavit as specified under NMSA 1978, Section 45-3-120. With this option, the probate process is not required. To qualify for this procedure, the Estate must meet certain conditions and the person making the affidavit must be able to make certain statements. You may request a copy of the small estate affidavit from PERA.
PERA does not offer life insurance policies. Please contact the New Mexico Retiree Health Care Authority at (800) 233-2576 or the member’s last known employer for additional information.
If you have a legal interest, you can fill out a request with the Bureau of Vital Statistics and provide proof of the interest.
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