We understand that this is a difficult time for you; the CERN Pension Fund is here to support you.

This page is for notifying the death of a beneficiary (e.g., retiree, surviving spouse, or orphan receiving a pension) or their spouse or dependent children.

For CERN or ESO members of personnel, please contact the HR Department, who will inform the Pension Fund.

How to notify us of a death

To help us respond promptly and support you as effectively as possible, please follow the steps below:

1. Contact us as soon as possible

Please inform the CERN Pension Fund of the death as soon as possible and even if you do not yet have a death certificate. 

You can contact us by:

• Completing our online form below
• Email: pension.benefits@cern.ch
• Post: CERN Pension Fund | Benefits Service | 1211 Genève 23 | Switzerland 

2. Information to provide

Please provide the following: 

• Information about the deceased (first name, last name, date of birth, date of death).
• Your contact details (first name, last name, email, telephone).
• A death certificate (if available, if not to be provided when possible) 

3. Next steps

• Acknowledge receipt of your notification 
• Guide you regarding potential benefits (e.g., surviving spouse pension, orphan’s pension) in accordance with the CERN Pension Fund Rules and Regulations.
• Inform you of any additional documents required, if applicable.

Once we have received the necessary information, we will:

4. Possible benefits

Depending on the deceased beneficiary’s status, the following benefits may be payable:

• Surviving spouse(Article II 5.01 of the Rules and Regulations).
• Orphan’s pensions (Article II 6.01 of the Rules and Regulations).

For more information, please refer to the Rules and Regulations.