Are my survivors eligible?

In the event of your death, your dependents may be eligible to enroll in or defer (postpone) enrollment in PEBB retiree insurance coverage as your survivors. Learn about their options.

Are you a survivor who is ready to enroll or defer? Visit Enroll as a survivor or Defer as a survivor.

On this page

Who is eligible?

As an eligible employee or a retiree, your surviving spouse, state-registered domestic partner, or child who:

  • Immediately receives a monthly retirement benefit.
  • Submits the required forms and first premium payment (including applicable premium surcharges) by the deadlines. For details visit Enroll as a survivor.

Exception to monthly retirement benefit: Survivors of an elected official or survivors of a retiree enrolled in PEBB retiree insurance coverage (or eligible to enroll) do not need to receive a monthly retirement benefit.

For eligibility details refer to Related laws and rules at the bottom of the page.

Survivors of emergency service personnel

Survivors of emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty may be eligible to enroll in or defer (postpone) enrollment in PEBB retiree insurance coverage if they meet the eligibility and procedural requirements.

For eligibility details refer to Related laws and rules at the bottom of the page.

How long does their coverage last?

For a surviving spouse or state-registered domestic partner

Coverage lasts indefinitely.

For all other dependents

They may continue enrollment until they are no longer eligible under PEBB Program rules (for example, the end of the month in which they turn age 26).

Paying premiums and surcharges: Your survivor must pay monthly premiums and applicable premium surcharges as they become due.

How does my survivor pay for coverage?

Your dependent will be enrolled under their own account. In most cases, there will be no gap in coverage.

For survivor payment details, visit the Paying for benefits webpage or call the PEBB Program at 1-800-200-1004 (TRS: 711).

Related laws and rules

Continuing enrollment when an employee or retiree dies

WAC 182-12-265: What options for continuing health plan enrollment are available to a surviving spouse, state registered domestic partner, or child, if an employee, a school employee, or a retiree dies?

For survivors of elected and appointed officials

WAC 182-12-180: When is an elected and full-time appointed official of the legislative and executive branch of state government, or their survivor eligible to continue enrollment in public employees benefits board (PEBB) retiree insurance coverage?

For survivors of emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty

WAC 182-12-250: Public employees benefits board (PEBB) insurance coverage eligibility for survivors of emergency service personnel killed in the line of duty.

For retirees and survivors: defer or voluntarily terminate

WAC 182-12-205: May a retiree or a survivor defer enrollment or voluntarily terminate enrollment under public employees benefits board (PEBB) retiree insurance coverage?