N.J. Stat. § 43:16A-9.5
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph b. of subsection (2) of section 9 of P.L. 1944, c.255 (C.43:16A-9) to the contrary, a member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System with at least 20 years of creditable service who is certified as terminally ill and who, within one month of that certification, becomes incapable mentally or physically of applying for ordinary disability retirement before death shall be deemed to be retired on the date of the member's death if, on or before the 60th day following that date of death or the effective date of this act, whichever is later, the surviving beneficiary makes that request in writing to the board. Upon approval by the board, the request shall become irrevocable, and the survivors of the member shall receive all benefits due to survivors of an ordinary disability retiree of the retirement system.
N.J.S. § 43:16A-9.5