Designating a Beneficiary
How do I designate or change my beneficiary?
You name a beneficiary, or choose not to do so, when you become a member of the Fund. You can change the beneficiary of your Annuity Savings Account at any time before you retire. Once you retire, changes to beneficiaries can be made only in limited circumstances.
On your Membership Record, you may name either single or multiple beneficiaries to receive your Annuity Savings Account if you die while in active service. In lieu of a named individual, you may designate a trust, estate, or other legal entity, such as a charity, as your beneficiary.
After you have become a member, you may change your beneficiary or update their address by using the following options:
- Log into the secure section of the web site using the button on this page. You will be given instruction to register if you have no already done so. If you have log in access, you may change your beneficiary, or their address, at any time before retirement.
- Request a change in beneficiary in writing. Print out the Change of Beneficiary form from this web site, or request this form from PERF. Fill it out as instructed and return it to us. You may also request help from your employer in completing this process.
- Ask your employer to help you make these changes, either online or by mail.
- You may not make any beneficiary changes over the phone.
The importance of reporting any change of beneficiary cannot be overemphasized.
Failure to make changes could result in payment being made to a previously designated beneficiary who is no longer your choice to receive your Annuity Savings Account balance. PERF is required by law to pay any benefits owed to the beneficiary on record at PERF at the time of your death.
