Loss of a loved one

There are many resources available to help cope with loss of a loved one, the following information will help you understand changes to benefits in the event of the loss of a loved one.

• Contact the MSU WorkLife Office and Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for information on services that are available to help cope with loss and grief.

• Contact MSU Human Resources if your loss was a spouse or domestic partner who was an MSU employee. Find out additional information on health and dental benefits.

• Complete your life event changes online to sign up for benefits due to loss of previous coverage.

• Contact your supervisor. If you plan to attend the funeral, the number of paid bereavement days you are eligible for depends on your relationship to the deceased. To be eligible for paid time off to attend the funeral or make necessary arrangements for a member of your immediate family, you must be a regular employee working half time or more. Eligibility for this benefit begins on date of hire, rehire, or change to regular employment. Review your specific contract for definition of immediate family and member of the household.

• Report the time you attend the funeral in EBS Portal, or through your normal absence reporting procedures at the unit level. If your loss was someone not covered under the bereavement leave provisions of your contract, you need to report the time you attend the funeral as personal or vacation leave.

• Change your Beneficiary Designation for your Life\Accident Insurance policies. Provide a copy of the death certificate to MSU Human Resources if you have life insurance on this person.

• Contact your retirement investment sponsors directly to change your retirement plan beneficiary designation.