Section 184. Survivor's benefits

In the case of the death of any electing
  employee after the effective date of his election and before retirement,
  the value of the death benefits provided by the  contract  or  contracts
  continued  under  the  education  department optional retirement program
  which is attributable to the state's contribution as determined  by  the
  commissioner,  shall  be deemed to be an ordinary death benefit provided
  under a public pension plan within the meaning of  section  one  hundred
  fifty-four of the civil service law.