Supplemental death benefits
Supplemental death benefits ensure loved ones receive additional protection above the amounts provided under the Death and Disability Plan or the Term Life Plan.
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, supplemental death benefits dues will be reduced by 10% of the cost of dues for 2024. Learn more about benefits enhancements for 2025.
Supplemental death benefits offer coverage in addition to the death benefits provided under the Death and Disability Plan or the Term Life Plan. This supplemental coverage enables eligible members to increase the income security they provide for their families.
Coverage details
Eligible members may apply for supplemental death benefits for themselves, their spouses, and/or their eligible dependent children at one of the following coverage levels.
| Members | Spouses | Child(ren)* |
|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $20,000 |
| $75,000 | $75,000 | |
| $100,000 | $100,000 | |
| $150,000 | ||
| $200,000 | ||
| $250,000 | ||
| $300,000 |
Read more details about using these benefits.
Eligibility to participate
Members enrolled in the Death and Disability Plan or the Term Life Plan are eligible to apply for supplemental death benefits when first eligible or during Annual Enrollment each year. Those who enroll when first eligible may apply for $25,000 or $50,000 of coverage without medical underwriting (without providing a health statement).
Retirees may continue coverage they have in effect at retirement until age 70. Spouses may continue coverage until age 70, and children may continue coverage until age 26.
Costs
The cost of supplemental death benefits is based on three factors:
- member's age on the date that coverage begins (then, as of January 1 each subsequent year);
- level of coverage selected; and
- member's tobacco-use status.
You may choose to pay for some, none, or all of the employee’s coverage. The employee pays the cost of coverage for a spouse and/or children.