If you die with death benefits coverage during active service or while on disability, your beneficiary receives a benefit equal to the greater of your annual effective salary, subject to the maximum salary limit, or the annual churchwide median effective salary for your employment classification (known as the Death Benefit Basis). It is prorated for part-time employment. This benefit is paid in monthly installments for 12 months after your death.

You can name anyone as your beneficiary. If you do not designate a beneficiary, the Board will pay this benefit in equal shares to the first of these eligible survivors:

1. your spouse (provided the marriage took place at least 12 months before your death)
2. your unmarried dependent children under age 21 (including unmarried permanently disabled children age 21 or over) who were dependent on you during the 12 months immediately preceding and on your date of death
3. your children, regardless of dependency or age
4. your estate