International Widows Day: watch the new video on survivor’s benefits
23 June 2023
23 June is celebrated as International Widows Day since 2011 to draw attention to the voices and experiences of widows and to galvanize the unique support that they need.
On this occasion, the Fund has released a new video on the Fund’s survivor’s benefits, explaining in simple language how to be prepared and to ensure peace of mind for your loved ones in the event of your death.
As a survivor of a UNJSPF participant or retiree, you may be entitled to a benefit. This benefit is payable to the surviving spouse of a deceased retiree who was entitled to a retirement, early retirement, deferred retirement or disability benefit, if the surviving spouse was married to the retiree at the date of separation from service and remained married to him/her until the date of death. A survivor’s benefit is also payable; to the surviving spouse of a participant who died in service, if the surviving spouse was married to the participant at the date of death in service. The Fund also provides for other survivor’s benefits (e.g., for children), as explained in the video and as applicable.
In an effort to further simplify client experience and to accompany widows and widowers through difficult times after the passing of their spouse, the Fund has also developed the following resources about survivor’s benefits so that relevant information is easily accessible to them:
Survivor's Benefits booklet, which all UNJSPF members are encouraged to print out and inform their dependents about, so they know what to do when the time comes.
Urgent Assistance webpage, which provides a summary of what information and documentation someone should provide to the Fund when informing us of the passing of a UNJSPF member.
Contact Us webpage providing the official UNJSPF contact channels to submit any queries you may have as a widow or widower and when you need to reach out to the Fund.
You can learn more about the International Widow’s Day on this UN webpage.
