The title pretty much sums it up. He worked for the University of California. Trying to get through to them is a nightmare. I spent two days on the phone for 2.5 hours each. They have a call back system where you press a button and they will call you back based on your place in line, but that can take days
Have been able to get a hold of them twice. First time was in late April. They said they had sent the "survivor's packet" but it had been returned to sender because the address was wrong (their home zip code was changed a while back and I guess Dad forgot to inform them)
Called a month later, they said they would try to expedite sending the packet. Still have not received it
In early July, I sent them a letter, expressing my strong desire for some sort of communication here. Still no response
What recourse do I/we have here? Is it time to get an attorney involved?
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/survivor-beneficiary-handbook-for-family-members-beneficiaries-of-former-uc-employees.pdf
Did the letter go to the address on page 6, step 3? If the turnaround time is still 6 weeks and you sent yours in early July …
You may also be interested in this (I’m sure that the warning to check to make sure the address was good would have been nice to have earlier)
https://retireecenter.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk4291/files/files/AftertheDeath.pdf
Similar associations for retirees from other campuses are listed at http://cucra.ucsd.edu/associations/index.html
and some offer “advocacy”
I believe that ERISA would have required Mom’s signature to waive her right to receive part of his pension, which hopefully they didn’t do. Is there a copy of the application in her files to confirm what option (25%, 50%, 100%) they did select?
And, whatever you send through the USPS - send registered mail with a signed receipt.
* Keep calling.
* Always ask for a reference # for the conversation you had.
* Keep accurate records of calls / communications: Date, time, who you spoke to, what transpired, follow-up needed.
- Calendar any follow-up needs.
Gena.
Take notes and follow their guidance. They may want you to make a start on the problem before they can get involved.
Any documents that they request - keep a copy (even if you send the certified version, have a copy of it for your records) of everything you send, plus a cover letter. Mail it registered so a person must sign for it. Ask the post office when it will be delivered. If you are sending it to a particular office, call them and ask if the packet has arrived yet...on the earliest day the post office says it will be delivered....and every morning, to do your own attempt to ensure it is received. Ask to speak to whomever is managing the case related to your dad's pension.
Once you have a responsible person, and a case number, then the problem belongs to someone 'in the system'. Constituent services can work with that person, if they dont already have a person at this university that they. know.
Make up a packet of certified documents that show his identity, his work years, his death, the marriage certificate, and any other documentation of his source of income. Were you his health care proxy? Was your mom's name on shared back accounts? Is his retirement check still being deposited into his account or was that account closed when he died? Old tax returns, maybe? Is there another family. member who could help you with this job?
It's frustrating - I find assigning myself 30 minutes work a day on the problem helps me then be done for the day. And to give myself the weekend 'off'.
Hope you can somehow resolve this bureaucratic nightmare soon!
Is mom getting Social Security survivor benefits?
Mom is NOT getting any Social Security benefits from him because he was given the option of having that money either put there or in investments, and he chose the latter
Also, about death benefits: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/active-members/death-benefits
If you don't get answers, please consider a consultation with an Elder Law Attorney.
https://www.calpers.ca.gov
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/oe/help/contacts.html
Are you able to log in to dad's account? That may provide an email address you can contact.
In your shoes, I would call from local congressperson and ask to be put in touch with their elder affairs staff.
DH applied for SS and didn't hear anything for 6 months. Finally, he got somebody who would actually talk to him, and he went to the SS office. Then things happened. A week later his back pay was paid out and things have been smooth since.
The VA is notorious for being slow, slow, slow. Keep calling---they seriously don't care about you, sad as that sounds.
Is there a brick and mortar bldg that you can go to in person? That's what finally got my DH's benefits rolling. Going to an office and getting a person involved, instead of patiently waiting for someone to return phone calls.
I do believe that your mom will continue to receive benefits, that's probably something you can look up online.
Might be worth the try though to get this resolved