Losing a Loved One

Navigating the loss of a loved one can be a difficult process. Please find some additional information below on how to start the process of updating your benefit plans, if necessary. As always, feel free to contact your Benefits Team with any questions.

Notify a member of the Benefits Team to remove dependents from benefit plans. Your Benefits Team will work with the beneficiaries to handle the necessary paperwork.

Within 30 days of the death, you may elect any medical coverage you are losing under your spouse’s plan. If you currently cover your deceased dependent, you must drop his or her coverage for medical, dental, or vision although you may continue to cover the rest of your family. You may also elect to change your Health Care and Dependent Care FSA amounts. Again, you should review your beneficiary designations for life insurance, retirement savings, and pension plans. You will need to complete the appropriate forms and provide a copy of the certified death certificate.

Note: In general, a certified copy of the death certificate will be required.

Contact your nearest Social Security office for information on survivor benefits as the spouse or children may be entitled to a survivor benefit. For more information call 800-772-1213.

Be prepared to provide:

  • The death certificate (or a certified copy)
  • The Social Security number of the deceased
  • The decedent’s latest W-2 form or tax return
  • The name and address of the decedent’s employer
  • Social Security numbers of spouse and minor children
  • Birth certificates of spouse and minor children
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce papers, if applicable

For assistance in filing claims for veterans and survivor benefits, counseling or emergency financial assistance, contact:

Disabled American Veterans
P.O. Box 14301
Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301
606-441-6300

For information on military funerals, contact:

Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW Memorial Building
200 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-543-2239

Contact the Benefits Team

Satenik Karapetyan
Human Resources Operations Manager
skarapetyan@rmrgroup.com
617-796-8379

Tracey Harriette
Benefits Manager
tharriette@rmrgroup.com
617-219-1448

Justin Buckner
Senior Director, Total Rewards
jbuckner@rmrgroup.com
617-231-3034