Death benefits—Payment
Seattle Mun. Code § 4.36.690
in effect4.36.690 - Death benefits—Payment
A. Upon proof of the death of a member of the retirement system who has paid all death benefit assessments as hereinafter provided, the sum of $2,000 as a death benefit shall be paid to such member's surviving spouse or domestic partner; or if such deceased member does not have a surviving spouse or domestic partner, or if the surviving spouse prior to the death of such member consented in writing to the naming as hereinafter provided of a different beneficiary or beneficiaries, then to such member's estate or to such person or persons as such member shall have nominated by written designation duly executed and filed with the Board. If the member's estate is not being probated, the Board, in its discretion, may as an alternative to making payment to the member's estate authorize payment to an heir who would inherit if the estate were probated, such as a surviving spouse named under a community property agreement or in the member's will.
B. Any member of the retirement system may elect to continue eligibility for a death benefit by paying the death benefit assessments: provided, that such payment shall not be required of a member retiring for disability. Upon proof of the death of such member, the payment shall be $2,000.
(Ord. 125109, § 50, 2016; Ord. 124574, § 45, 2014; Ord. 121366 § 8, 2003; Ord. 119707 § 9, 1999; Ord. 114543 § 1, 1989; Ord. 106798 § 2, 1977; Ord. 88901, § 1, 1960; Ord. 85562, § 1, 1956; Ord. 78444 § 24, 1949.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT4PE_CH4.36CIEMRESY_4.36.690DEBEAYFetched: 11/1/2026