MMC Benefits Handbook
Death Before 409A BEP Benefit Commences
This sub-section describes the survivor benefit that will pay to an Eligible Survivor if you die before a 409A BEP Benefit commences.
If you accrued a Grandfathered BEP Benefit prior to January 1, 2005 and you are married to an eligible opposite-sex Spouse when you die, different rules apply to the grandfathered portion of your vested BEP benefit. See "Grandfathered Survivor Benefits" and "Electing a Single Sum Survivor Benefit for a Grandfathered BEP Benefit."
The BEP pays a Survivor Benefit upon your death if you have a vested 409A BEP benefit or you have an Eligible Survivor.
The BEP does not pay a Survivor Benefit upon your death if you do not have a vested 409A BEP Benefit or you do not have an Eligible Survivor at the time of your death.