We would like to offer our deepest condolences to you and your family on your loss. We realize this is a difficult time but there are a few things related to your benefits that you may need your attention. When an employee of Georgia Tech passes away the employees’ supervisor or manager should be notified as soon as possible. If you are unsure of the contact information for the employees’ department, please contact:
Administrative Services Center (ASC)
404-385-1111 (8:00AM - 5:00PM Monday-Friday)
gatech.service-now.com/asc
The employees ‘department will take the appropriate action to end the employee’s employment in the next 24 hours. After the action has been approved, it is sent to the OneUSG Connect-Benefits Center overnight by electronic file to update them on the employee’s passing.
GTHR Benefits Department: How We Can Help
Upon notification of death a GT Benefits Specialist will obtain an electronic copy of the employees Summary of Benefits and Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation from the OneUSG Connect - Benefits Center portal for our records. These documents can be e-mailed by GTHR Benefits to the employees’ beneficiary or eligible dependents (for insurance purposes) immediately if needed by family members.
Confirmation of Life Insurance
GTHR Benefits Department can assist employees with confirming life insurance for funeral arrangements or assignment purposes. Calls from funeral homes that need to verify life insurance should be directed to (404) 894-4847, press 9 to speak with an HR representative.
OneUSG Benefits Center: Contact with Family Members
A Life Specialist from the OneUSG Connect- Benefits Center will call the beneficiary on file with the Benefits Center within 3 days of receiving (electronic) notification of the employee’s death to review the benefits and life insurance that the employee was enrolled in prior to their death.
IMPORTANT: The One USG Connect-Benefits Center cannot discuss life insurance or other benefits with family members or beneficiaries until the employee’s termination has been sent to the Benefits Center by electronic file (after being entered by Georgia Tech). A delay in entering the termination in PeopleSoft will cause a delay with family receiving information about survivor benefits.
Life Insurance Claims & Continuing Medical Insurance
Family members will receive the following information when they speak with a OneUSG Connect- Benefits Center Life Specialist:
- Continuing medical, dental, and other benefits for family members covered on the deceased employee’s insurance.
- Instructions for filing life insurance claims with MetLife
Beneficiaries can speak with a Life Specialist at the One USG Connect Benefits Center by phoning 844-587-4236, press 7 to speak. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eastern time.
Notification of Death - Retirement Plans
When an employee passes away the Retirement Plan/Record keeper for that plan should be contacted by a family member as soon as possible. A retirement plan representative will provide directions for submitting proof of death and discuss the available distribution options with the employee’s beneficiary for each retirement plan that the employee is enrolled in.
If you are unsure of the retirement plans that the employee was enrolled in, please contact GTHR at (404) 894-4847, press 9 to speak with an HR representative for assistance.
- Teacher Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)
To report the death of an employee member enrolled in Teacher Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) phone (404)352-6500. TRS representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), 457(b) or 403(b)
To report the death of an employee enrolled in the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), 457(b) or 403(b) plans the record keeper(s) that manages the employee’s account should be contacted. The three vendors that manage these accounts for the USG are:
| TIAA | Phone: 844-230-7527 |
| Fidelity | Phone: 800-343-0860 |
| AIG/VALIC | Phone: 800-448-2542 |
Resources to support Employees & Families
| Georgia Tech Human Resources | Phone: (404) 894-4847 Press 9 to speak with an HR representative |
| Kepro Employee Assistance Program (EAP) | Phone: 844-243-4440 or usg.mylifeexpert.com (company code: USGCares) |
| OneUSG Connect-Benefits Call Center | Phone: 844-587-4236 |