Before you retire
Not vested: a lump sum
Lump sum of your accumulated deductions plus interest to the date of death (employer contributions not included). The only option for members who are not vested. TRA Handbook (2022), p. 10, Lump sum death benefit
TRA's sources disagree on the interest added to a lump-sum death benefit (3% or 4%).
We don't calculate it.
ACFR FY2025, p. 125, Survivor Benefits of Members Prior to RetirementVested and married
A surviving spouse of a vested member may take a lifetime annuity (the 100% joint-and-survivor amount) or a 5, 10, 15 or 20 year term-certain annuity, capped at 75% of the member's high-five monthly salary. If payments start before 65 (60 with 30 years), the early reduction is half the applicable factor, from 55. TRA Handbook (2022), p. 11, Married members: Vested
Vested and single
No surviving spouse: dependent children under 20 get payments to age 20 (or five years if 15 or older at your death), unless you designated a lifetime benefit for a former spouse or child. TRA Handbook (2022), p. 10, Single members
After you retire
Your payment plan decides it. On a $1,000 survivorship payment, your survivor would get $500 (50%), $750 (75%), $1,000 (100%). minnesotatra.org, Annuity plans, Survivorship plans Compare the plans.
If poor health stops you working
Total and permanent disability after at least three years of allowable service (two of them after last becoming a member), while actively teaching or on leave. Figured with the retirement formula without early reduction. Converts to retirement at normal retirement age or the fifth anniversary of the disability, whichever is later. Apply within 18 months of termination. TRA Handbook (2022), pp. 9-10, Disability benefits
The details
- If you die before retiring and aren't vested, your beneficiary gets your contributions plus interest.TRA Handbook (2022), p. 10, Lump sum death benefit
- If you're vested, your surviving spouse can take a lifetime annuity or a 5, 10, 15 or 20 year term-certain annuity (capped at 75% of your high-five monthly salary).TRA Handbook (2022), p. 11, Married members
- Single vested members' dependent children under 20 get payments to age 20 (five years if 15 or older).TRA Handbook (2022), p. 10, Single members
- A surviving spouse comes before any other beneficiary. If you're vested, you and your spouse can jointly waive the spouse's benefit so that a former spouse or a biological or adopted child gets a lifetime survivor annuity instead (no term-certain choice). Vested or not, you can jointly waive it so anyone you name gets the lump sum.TRA Handbook (2022), p. 11, Married members
- You can name a supplemental needs trust for a lifetime survivor annuity, so a disabled child, spouse or former spouse doesn't lose federal and state assistance. File a copy of the trust and its funding with Minnesota TRA.TRA Handbook (2022), p. 11, Supplemental needs trust
- If your marital status changes, an earlier beneficiary designation may no longer be valid. Single members use form TRA-2001 and married members TRA-2002 to name beneficiaries.TRA Handbook (2022), pp. 10-11, Single members; Married members; Change in status
- A dependent child is a biological or adopted child under 20 who relies on you for more than half of their support, including a child born after your death. Payments for children under 18 usually go to a legal guardian.TRA Handbook (2022), p. 10, Single members
Questions
What happens if I die before retiring from Minnesota TRA?
If you're not vested, your beneficiary gets your contributions plus interest. If you're vested, your surviving spouse can choose a lifetime annuity or a 5, 10, 15 or 20 year term-certain annuity instead.
What if I die after I retire?
It depends on the payment plan you chose. A survivorship plan pays your survivor 100%, 75% or 50% of your payment for life. No Refund pays nothing more after the first two months.
Can my spouse's benefit go to my children instead?
Yes, if you and your spouse jointly waive it: a former spouse or a child can then get a lifetime survivor annuity (not a term-certain one).
Do I need to update my beneficiary if I marry or divorce?
Yes. A change in marital status can make an earlier designation invalid.
Source: TRA Handbook of Benefits and Services, April 2022, with 2023-2026 law changes from Minnesota Statutes 2026 and TRA's 2025-2026 publications, TRA Handbook (April 2022) pp. 9-10, 10, 10-11, 11. Also: ACFR FY2025 pp. 125-126; Actuarial valuation (July 1, 2025) p. 77; minnesotatra.org; Minn. Stat. § 354.46 (2026). Last reviewed .