Before you retire
| Your service | Your beneficiary gets |
|---|---|
| Under 10 years | Active member with less than 10 years: primary beneficiary(ies) get a lump-sum refund of contributions and interest (then secondary, then estate; surviving spouse if no beneficiary named). Member's Guide pp. 11-12, Survivor's Benefits |
| 10 years or more | Active member with 10 or more years: your primary beneficiary(ies) may choose a lifetime monthly benefit or a lump-sum refund. The monthly benefit is what would have been paid if you had retired under Plan B: Option 2. A primary beneficiary must survive you by at least 32 days. Member's Guide p. 12, Survivor's Benefits |
With an inactive account you can't leave a monthly death-in-service benefit. Member's Guide p. 11, Membership Status
If you die within 30 days of your retirement date you're treated as an active member and your account is settled as a death in service. Member's Guide p. 13, Plans of Retirement
After you retire
It depends on the plan you picked at retirement. See Payment options. Member's Guide pp. 13-16, Plans of Retirement
Keep your beneficiaries current
TRS of Georgia pays according to the beneficiary designation on file; wills, divorce decrees and remarriages don't control. Estates and institutions get only lump sums. Member's Guide p. 12, Beneficiary Updates
What the guide says
- If you die while working with fewer than 10 years, your beneficiary gets a refund of your contributions and interest.Member's Guide pp. 11-12, Survivor's Benefits
- With 10 or more years and an active account, your beneficiary can choose a lifetime monthly benefit (as if you had retired under Option 2) or a refund.Member's Guide p. 12, Survivor's Benefits
- If you die within 30 days after your retirement date, TRS of Georgia treats it as a death while working.Member's Guide p. 13, Plans of Retirement
- TRS of Georgia pays whoever is named on file. Wills, divorce decrees and remarriage don't change that, so keep your beneficiaries updated.Member's Guide p. 12, Beneficiary Updates
Questions
What does my family get if I die while still working?
With fewer than 10 years, a refund of your contributions and interest. With 10 or more years, your beneficiary can choose a lifetime monthly benefit or the refund.
What do they get after I retire?
It depends on the payment plan you picked. The Maximum Plan pays no monthly survivor benefit. Plan B options do.
Does my will decide who gets paid?
No. TRS of Georgia pays whoever is named on file. Keep your beneficiaries up to date.
Source: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Member's Guide, 06/26, pp. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; Pre-Retirement Handout p. 7; Valuation 6/30/2025 pp. 35, 36. Last reviewed .