Death of a terminated vested participant under age 55

[Guest crosseyetester]

This is probably something I should know.

A terminated vested participant who is married died at age 54. The plan document and Summary Plan Description only discuss death benefits for active participants who die. Is it true that a terminated vested's widow is also due a survivor benefit by law?

[david rigby]

Probably.

It would be very surprising if the document did not cover the benefit payable on death of a VT. Check the plan's definition of QPSA, and related sections.