What if I don’t leave a surviving spouse or children?

If a participant or vested member dies and does not leave a surviving spouse or children eligible for the survivorship benefit, the designated beneficiary shall be entitled to a lump sum cash payment in an amount equal to the sum of the following: (a) 50% of his/her average annual earnings; plus (b) his/her total contributions to the ERS, with interest thereon at a rate of 4.5% per annum.