Name a Beneficiary

Having a current beneficiary designation on file ensures that TRS pays death benefits to the persons you want to receive them.

You should review your beneficiary designation when significant life events occur such as:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Birth of a Child
• Death of a Spouse or Designated Beneficiary
• If the Beneficiary Becomes Eligible for Medicaid or Other “Needs-Based” Assistance Programs

Please note: A divorce does not automatically revoke your former spouse as beneficiary.

• As soon as you begin membership in TRS, log in to MyTRS to name your beneficiary. You can review and update your information online at any time.
• Alternatively, you may complete and submit a Designation of Beneficiary form (TRS 15) to TRS.

• Retiree Death Benefits: Log in to MyTRS to name or update beneficiaries for retiree death benefits.
• Survivor Benefits Only: Regardless of the payment plan or option you chose when you retired, if you want to change the beneficiary(ies) for survivor benefits only, you should complete and return the Designation of Beneficiary form (TRS 15).
• If You Selected Option 1, 2, or 5: You may only change your beneficiary for the continuing monthly payment under certain circumstances.
• If You Selected Option 3 or 4: And you wish to change your beneficiary(ies) for any remaining payments under the option, complete and return Change of Beneficiary for Continuing Optional Retirement Annuity (Option Three and Four) form (TRS 30D) to TRS.