Generally no. If the alternate payee dies before he/she elects to commence benefits in accordance with the terms of the QDRO, in almost all cases no benefits are payable to alternate payee’s beneficiary or estate. Even if the QDRO includes language that provides for payments to be made to the beneficiary or estate of the alternate payee, it will be rejected by the Plan Administrator.
If the alternate payee dies after his/her benefit commencement date and if he/she elected a form of benefit payment that provides for continued payments to a designated beneficiary in the event of his/her death, then such payments will be made to such beneficiary following his/her death.