text: where does the retiement goes when someone dies  before collecting? eulogio escabor paiz retirement was never recieved from shannon west texas memorial hospital. there is the will, if no will half goes to the spouse along with any retirement plans, then agencies and other people can fight over debts.  then anything after that goes to the spouse.  if there is no spouse, then it's next of kin.  if no next of kin then the government keeps the money after the debts are paid.