Report a Death to TRS

To report the death of a TRS active member, retiree, or benefit recipient, please complete this form or call TRS.

Immediate notification is appreciated and can be done by anyone. Upon completion, a member of the TRS team will reach out with acknowledgement of receipt and next steps.

[Docusign form here]

After Reporting a Death to TRS


Retired Member
Upon receipt of notification, TRS will send forms to the designated beneficiary to begin the next steps.

Active Member
If the member dies prior to retirement, the designated beneficiary can elect to receive a lump sum withdrawal of the member's account or a monthly survivor benefit. This beneficiary is also entitled to a one-time $500 death benefit if the member was vested with TRS and employed within one year prior to death.

Minor children
Minor children are entitled to receive a benefit of $200 per month until reaching age 18. This applies if the vested member was an active member within one year of the date of death or the death of a retired member.


Estates and Trusts cannot receive a monthly benefit payment. Instead a lump sum payment will be distributed upon completion of the necessary paperwork and documentation.