§ 24-12-117 - Benefits -- Death of employee. - Arkansas Statutes

24-12-117. Benefits -- Death of employee.

(a) (1) If while in the performance of his or her duty any employee shall be killed or die as a result of injuries received in performing that duty, or shall die of a disease contracted by reason of that occupation, or shall die of natural causes while in service, and shall leave a spouse or children under the age of sixteen (16) surviving, the board of trustees shall direct a payment of fifty dollars ($50.00) monthly from the pension and relief fund to the spouse, while unmarried, or to the guardian of the minor children until the youngest of the children shall attain the age of sixteen (16).

(2) Should the employee leave no spouse or minor children under sixteen (16) years of age, but a parent solely dependent upon the employee's support, the board shall pay the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00) monthly as long as the dependent parent remains unmarried.

(3) If any employee already retired and pensioned under this act shall die while so retired and pensioned, leaving a spouse, minor children under the age of sixteen (16), or dependent parent surviving, then each of them shall also be entitled to a pension under this act.

(b) (1) When entitled to a pension as provided by this act, a spouse, children, or a dependent parent shall make application to the board of trustees, through the secretary of the board, on a form to be provided by the board.

(2) Accompanying the application shall be proof of the marriage of the deceased spouse to the claimant.

(3) Proof of birth of children shall be established by birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or other proof recognized by the Division of Vital Records of the Department of Health.

(4) All applications and proof shall be retained in the custody of the board, and due notice of that action shall be registered by the secretary in his or her office.

(c) Every paid nonuniformed employee shall file with the secretary the names of those persons to whom death benefits are to be paid and shall set forth the relationship of the beneficiaries to the employee.