a. If a member who is otherwise eligible for retirement pursuant to sections 13-251 and 13-252 of this subchapter dies within thirty days after the filing with the pension board of the application for retirement pursuant to section 13-251 or 13-252 of this subchapter and it is established that the physical or mental impairment or incapacitation of the applicant specified in such application was directly related to the cause of the applicant's death, such application shall be approved by the pension board effective one day before the date of the applicant's death, provided, however, that:
1. if a member is entitled to an ordinary disability retirement allowance under the provisions of this subchapter, the benefits provided pursuant to section 13-251 of this subchapter shall be payable unless the member would otherwise be entitled to a greater benefit pursuant to section 13-243 of this subchapter, in which event the greater benefit shall be payable; or
2. if a member is entitled to an accidental disability retirement allowance under the provisions of this subchapter, the benefits provided pursuant to section 13-252 of this subchapter shall be payable unless the member would otherwise be entitled to a greater benefit pursuant to section 13-244 of this subchapter, in which event the greater benefit shall be payable.
b. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, for the purpose of electing an option pursuant to section 13-261 of this subchapter, the pension board shall notify the surviving spouse of any applicant described in subdivision a of this section, or, if no such spouse exists, the personal representative of the estate of such applicant of the right of election pursuant to said section 13-261 and such surviving spouse or personal representative of such estate may elect any such option within thirty days after receipt of such notice.