TRF Member Handbook: Death of a Member
When the death of a member occurs, a representative should notify the TRF office or complete a Death Report (State Form 50790). This form is available here. The Fund reviews the deceased member’s account and sends the appropriate paperwork which must be completed and returned along with a certified Death Certificate. Upon receipt of the necessary paperwork, the Fund will calculate all benefits for which the named survivors, beneficiaries, or estate may be entitled and distribute such benefits. Properly completed beneficiary changes received after the date of death may be accepted provided there has not already been a death benefit distribution. If a member dies while receiving a classroom disability benefit or after returning to the classroom but before retirement, his or her ASA balance is reduced by the amount of any classroom disability benefits paid to the member before death.
Death While in Service
When a member dies while employed in a TRF-covered position, the designated beneficiary or estate is entitled to a lump sum payment of the deceased member's ASA and RSA balance. The member's surviving spouse or dependent(s), if any, may also be entitled to a monthly pension benefit based on a number of factors, such as how many years of service credit the member had at the time of death, the age of the deceased member, the number of years the deceased member was married to the surviving spouse, and the age of the surviving dependents.
Death While Out of Service
If the member dies while not employed in a TRF-covered position and the deceased member was not eligible to retire or was not eligible for disability retirement, the named beneficiaries or the estate are eligible to receive the balance of the ASA and RSA funds.
If the member dies while not employed in a TRF-covered position and the deceased member was eligible to retire or was eligible for disability retirement but had not applied for such benefits at the time of death, the designated beneficiary or estate is entitled to a lump sum payment of the deceased member’s ASA and RSA balance. The member’s surviving spouse or dependent(s), if any, may also be entitled to a monthly pension benefit based on a number of factors, such as how many years of service credit the member had at the time of death, the age of the deceased member, the number of years the deceased member was married to the surviving spouse, and the age of the surviving dependents.
If no claim is made for benefits within three years of the member’s death, death benefits are forfeited and credited to the Fund.
Death of a Retiree
When a retiree dies, named survivors and beneficiaries or the deceased’s estate will receive the benefits for which the retiree was eligible according to the retirement payout options chosen by the deceased.
