Reviewing and Making Changes to Your Beneficiaries

It is always a good idea to periodically review your beneficiaries for your retirement system and update them, especially if you have had any recent changes in your life.  The Office of Human Resources does not have access to view or change your beneficiaries, so you will need to do that on your own.  Choosing a beneficiary for your retirement system is very important. Please consider the points in this article on Beneficiary Designations: 5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid for a better understanding.   Below is information on how to review your beneficiary designations and update them if needed.

Employees’ Retirement System (ERS)

The most convenient and secure way to update your beneficiaries is to go to Retirement Online.  You can either Register or Sign In and then click “Update My Beneficiaries.”   

You may also complete the Designation of Beneficiary form (RS5127) and mail it to NYSLRS at 110 State Street, Albany, NY 12244. 

Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) 

The best way to update your beneficiaries if you are a member of TRS is to do so on their secure website MyNYSTRS account.   You can Register or Sign In to make any changes. 

You can also complete Designation of Beneficiary Form (NET 11.4) and mail to NYSTRS at 10 Corporate Woods Dr, Albany, NY 12211.

Optional Retirement Program (ORP) 

For members of ORP, you will need to go to your vendor’s website and sign into your account to change your beneficiaries.  Please follow the link for your vendor below. 

AIG (formerly VALIC)

Fidelity

TIAA

VOYA

Please contact HR with any questions by emailing hr@oswego.edu. Please visit this webpage for the most up-to-date information from your Human Resources and Payroll offices.

Date posted: 4/22/20