24 Pa.C.S. § 8309: Eligibility for death benefits.

In the event of the death of a member who is eligible for an annuity in accordance with section 8307(a) or (b) (relating to eligibility for annuities) his beneficiary shall be entitled to a death benefit as provided in section 8347 (relating to death benefits). In the event of the death of a member not eligible for an annuity his beneficiary shall receive the accumulated deductions standing to the member's credit in the fund.