40 ILCS 5/7-163: Death benefits-eligibility.

Death benefits shall be payable as hereinafter set forth:

1. To the beneficiary defined in Section 7-118;

2. A death benefit shall be paid to the beneficiary as soon as practicable after receipt by the board of:

a. A certified copy of the death certificate of the employee or annuitant;

b. A written application of the beneficiary for such benefit.