Losing a spouse is one of life’s most devastating experiences, yet sometimes unexpected support emerges from the most unlikely places.

When Allison B. first contacted INPRS, she was looking for support in navigating retirement planning as a widow. What she didn’t expect to discover was something that would transform her financial future.

When Allison first contacted INPRS a month after her husband’s death, she was simultaneously navigating the overwhelming process of planning for her retirement and grieving the loss of her husband. She found more than just the assistance she expected.

Jeremy Haggard, a Senior Retirement Services Consultant at INPRS, provided genuine care and expertise that would uncover benefits she never knew existed: Allison was eligible to receive a survivor benefit. “I recall how relieved she was with the survivor benefit as she navigated the expenses incurred for medical care from a lengthy illness, after already having lost her spouse’s income,” Jeremy said.

“My experience with Jeremy was above and beyond what I could have ever expected,” stated Allison. “He listened and asked thoughtful, compassionate questions when my husband passed away while I was still buried under grief. While I was initially calling about my own PERF journey, he walked me through my current status and discovered the opportunity I did not know existed for a survivor benefit related to my husband's State service.”

Allison’s discovery led to a strategic decision that demonstrates the power of thoughtful retirement planning.

“In trying to prepare for my own retirement, one thing that became clear was to move toward getting as debt-free as possible. I have just applied [the money from the survivor benefit] to pay off existing debt to help get ready to be as debt-free in my own retirement as possible now that, as a widow, there will be reduced benefits coming into the household from Social Security,” she explained.

Ensure your loved ones have the knowledge they need when they need it most.

Every retirement plan is different, but it’s important to discuss the retirement benefits you’re earning with your loved ones. “The retirement income landscape these days often includes multiple employer-related benefits, insurance benefits, social security benefits, and so on,” noted Jeremy. “It can get overwhelming, and I encourage members to create a list of retirement income sources. This list can be used to help create guiding documents for loved ones who will be handling your affairs when you are no longer able to.”

If you have any of the things below, they’re good to keep handy for your spouse, survivor, or beneficiary. This list is not exhaustive, and you may have additional accounts and benefits to include. These can be stored in a physical binder or folder, a safe deposit box, or a digitally encrypted file, depending on your needs and preferences.

• Bank accounts
• Investment accounts (including retirement)
• Insurance policies
• Credit card accounts
• Loans
• Property titles and deeds
• Will
• Trust documents
• Power of attorney (POA) documents

Allison also emphasized the importance of making your spouse, survivor, or beneficiary aware of your benefits. “Make sure that you understand [death benefits are] an option, and make sure the beneficiary of it is aware this has been established, whether that is a spouse or child. While I am not yet eligible for normal retirement, I have made sure my beneficiary is aware it is my intention to include that provision, what it means, and how to access it at the time of my death,” stated Allison.

Allison’s story reminds us that while we cannot predict life’s challenges, we can take steps to ensure our loved ones are prepared and informed. Having a conversation today with survivors and beneficiaries could provide for their financial security tomorrow. Knowing what benefits are available can be life-changing for those we leave behind. Review INPRS’s recently updated survivors and beneficiaries webpage for plan-specific information for members, survivors, and their families.