Being familiar with how to request TRS death benefits can greatly ease matters for beneficiaries at a difficult time in their lives. The following information should assist with this process:
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Beneficiary notifies TRS
When a TRS member dies, a close family member or friend should notify TRS. The member’s employer or funeral home may offer to assist in this process. Prompt notice allows TRS to disburse valuable death and survivor benefits.
TRS may be notified by calling toll free at 1-800-223-8778. TRS will require the name, address and telephone number of a family member, friend or other person who can act as a contact for TRS, as well as the TRS participant’s date of death. At that time, TRS will request that a copy of the death certificate be provided when it becomes available.
If the member is an annuitant receiving a pension benefit, timely notification of death will prevent TRS from overpaying the annuitant and the beneficiary from being responsible for paying back any overpayments issued to the annuitant.
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TRS mails out benefit information and forms
After receiving notification of death, TRS will mail out benefit information and forms to the beneficiary(ies). If the member’s death occurs while employed by a TRS-covered employer, then TRS must receive salary documentation from the employer before information is sent out in order to accurately determine the benefit to be paid.
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Beneficiary completes the form
The beneficiary(ies) should complete and file the claim forms and related documents before the first anniversary of the death of the member to avoid adverse tax consequences.
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Claim is processed
When TRS receives all properly completed documents, the claim will be processed and the death benefit will be paid.
Funeral Home and Burial Expenses
TRS benefits, including death benefits, are not assignable and may not be assigned to a funeral home to cover burial expenses. TRS death benefits are not life insurance payments; therefore, they are subject to federal income tax.
Request a Letter: Recognition of TRS Service
Official Intake Form Only
This is the official intake form for submitting recognition requests; if you are checking on the status of a death claim, please contact TRS Member Services. Thank you for understanding that recognition requests are separate and cannot be made by calling TRS Member Service representatives.
Please include the following in the emailed request:
- TRS member’s full name as listed on TRS records (required)
- Mailing address of member at time of death (required)
- Employer(s)/(school district(s)) where the member served (required)
- A link to an obituary notice (if available)
- Mailing address and email address where we may send the signed Letter of Recognition (required)
- Deadline when requested letter needs to be received
Processing Timeline
TRS’ goal is to process the letter within 10 business days and have it delivered for a time-sensitive request.