N.J. Stat. § 43:6A-43
For the purposes of section 17b. a member shall be deemed to be an active member for a period of no more than 93 days while on official leave of absence without pay when such leave is due to any reason other than illness, or for a period of no more than 2 years while on an official leave of absence without pay if satisfactory evidence is presented to the retirement system that such leave of absence without pay is due to the member's personal illness.
If a member dies within 30 days after the date of retirement or the date of commission approval, whichever is later, a death benefit shall be payable only if he is deemed to be an active member in accordance with this section; provided, however, a member applying for disability benefits shall be deemed an active member if he was covered by the death benefit provisions of the act at the termination of employment, filed the application for disability retirement with the retirement system within 30 days following such termination of employment and dies within 30 days after the date of retirement or the date of commission approval, whichever is later.
N.J.S. § 43:6A-43