When was the last time you reviewed your beneficiary information? For many members, beneficiary designations are completed when they first enroll and then forgotten. However, life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the passing of a loved one can make it important to revisit those choices and ensure they still reflect your wishes.
Updating your beneficiary information is one of the simplest steps you can take to help protect your loved ones and avoid complications in the future.
Why Beneficiary Designations Matter
Your beneficiary designation tells the retirement system who should receive eligible benefits if you pass away. Keeping this information current helps ensure that benefits are distributed according to your wishes and can reduce delays during an already difficult time for your loved ones.
Life Changes Should Trigger a Review
You should review your beneficiary designation whenever you experience a major life event, including:
• Marriage or remarriage
• Divorce or legal separation
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Death of a beneficiary
• Retirement
• Changes to your estate planning documents
Even if nothing has changed, reviewing your beneficiary information periodically is a good way to ensure your records remain accurate and up to date.
Divorce Requires Special Attention
After a divorce, it is especially important to review your beneficiary designation. Changes in marital status do not automatically update your beneficiary information with the retirement system. If you wish to make changes, you must update your beneficiary designation through your secure ASRS member account.
Divorce can also affect retirement benefits and may require additional documentation. For more information about beneficiary rules after divorce, Domestic Relations Orders (DROs), and how divorce may impact your ASRS account, visit the ASRS Divorce Information & FAQs page.
How to Review or Update Your Beneficiary Information
Reviewing or updating your beneficiary information is easy through your secure myASRS member account. If you have not logged in recently, please note that ASRS now uses ID.me for account access and identity verification. You may be prompted to create or connect an ID.me wallet before accessing your information.
Once logged in, review your current beneficiary designation under “manage beneficiary” and make any necessary updates to ensure it reflects your wishes. Note: to add a beneficiary, you will need their Social Security number. With that information at hand, updating your beneficiary with the ASRS is quick and straightforward. Taking a few minutes to verify your account today brings invaluable peace of mind to your loved ones tomorrow.
