State Public Pensions in Alabama
The Retirement Systems of Alabama runs the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) for public educators and state and local government workers. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired and the option they elected.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Administering agency
Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)
Phone877-517-0020
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026
State Public Pensions in Alabama: key facts
- Systems
- Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), Employees' Retirement System (ERS), and the Judicial Retirement Fund (JRF).
- Retiree death
- The continuing benefit depends on the retirement payment option the member elected. Under the Maximum Monthly Benefit, all monthly benefits cease at the retiree's death and the beneficiary receives only a one-time prorated payment covering the days of the month the retiree was living. Options 2, 3, and 4 continue a monthly benefit to the named beneficiary; Option 1 pays out any remaining annuity balance.
- Pre-retirement death
- A death benefit is calculated from the member's age, service credit, employment status, and retirement eligibility, and paid to the designated beneficiary — or to the member's estate if no beneficiary is designated.
- Required to claim
- Form RSA-SB (Application for Survivor Benefit) and a certified death certificate must be submitted to the RSA before a death benefit is paid.
- Member services
- 877-517-0020 or 334-517-7000; Member Online Services at mso.rsa-al.gov.
When someone dies
Steps after a death in Alabama
4-step process for Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA).
View details →
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Alabama primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)
Phone877-517-0020
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026