Life & Work Events

Death

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 Discovery Benefits, Inc (DBI).  DBI 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 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)842-2776 for payment under the defined contribution portion of the  Retirement Income Plan For Employees (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.