N.Y.C. Admin. Code § 13-625: § 13-625 Ordinary death benefits.

Upon the death of a member in city service, there shall be paid to his or her estate, or to such person as he or she has nominated or shall nominate by written designation duly executed and filed with the board of trustees during the lifetime of the member, a sum of money equal to the compensation earnable by him or her in the city service, while a member during the twelve months immediately preceding his or her death.