La. R.S. 11:165

When funds or benefits are payable to the succession of a deceased member or retiree of a state or statewide retirement system, the retirement system shall be considered an employer for purposes of R.S. 9:1515, and the funds or benefits may be paid to the surviving spouse or major child in accordance with that statute, regardless of whether the funds or benefits were payable to the deceased member or retiree himself, or only to his succession.