A number of salaried retirees have requested information on the procedure to be followed when a ford retiree dies. The following questions and answers clarify the appropriate procedure.

Question

To whom should one forward the notice of death?

The company benefits administrator must be notified immediately.

What documentation is required?

The only documentation required is an original funeral home death certificate. However, if death occurred outside Canada then an official "state" death certificate is required.

How is the group life insurance paid?

The benefits administrator will file an insurance claim with the group insurer (currently London life). The claim along with proof of death and beneficiary card (which is on file in the benefits office) is forwarded to London life requesting payment.

How is payment made and what is the time period?

Payment is made in a lump sum. Claims are usually made within 3 weeks from date on which claim is received.

Some retirees continue the optional life insurance and the accidental insurance. How is a claim made for the benefits?

The benefits administrator will also file a claim for the optional and accidental insurance if applicable.

If there is a surviving spouse, who will set up the survivor's pension?

The benefits administrator will notify pensions dept. Of retiree's death. The pensions dept. Will then terminate payment of the regular pension and setup the survivor pension. The survivor pension will become payable on the first of the month following the month in which retiree dies.

Who transfers the company paid health care coverage to the surviving spouse?

When the pensions dept. Setup the survivor's pension, the health care coverage is automatically established for the surviving spouse. New identification cards are then forwarded directly to the surviving spouse's home within 4 - 6 weeks.

This information was supplied by Keith Smith and was printed in the 9^th Line of Jnuary 2000.