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.
Steps to take when someone dies
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate: with Form RSA-SB, before a death benefit is paid
State Public Pensions in Alabama: key facts
What Alabama says5
- Reporting a death
Report the death to the Retirement Systems of Alabama so the member's pension payments stop. RSA runs the Teachers' Retirement System and the Employees' Retirement System and handles survivor and death-benefit claims.1
- Death after retirement
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.2
Options 2, 3, and 4 continue a monthly benefit to the named beneficiary; Option 1 pays out any remaining annuity balance.2
- Death before retirement
When a member dies before retirement, a death benefit is calculated from the member's age, service credit, employment status, and retirement eligibility.2
- Who receives the benefit
A death benefit for a member who dies before retirement is paid to the designated beneficiary, or to the member's estate if no beneficiary is designated.2
- Documents 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.2
Forms Alabama uses2
- RSA-SB: Application for Survivor Benefit
Claiming a death benefit; RSA pays a death benefit after it receives this form and a certified death certificate.2, 3
- Benefit Election form
RSA sends it, with any further forms, after it receives the RSA-SB.1
Retirement systems3
Alabama public pension benefits
Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)
Phone
Member services
Member Online Services
Website
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Alabama
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Alabama: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Alabama: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysAla. Code §§ 43-2-835, 43-2-836Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsAla. Code §§ 43-2-60, 43-2-61, 43-2-350, 43-2-354, 43-2-371Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?
Alabama automatically revokes an ex-spouse as beneficiary at divorceAla. Code § 30-4-17Verified Sep 15, 2026View source; employer plans under ERISA follow federal rules either way, so a 401(k) beneficiary changes only by a new designation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Alabama, a surviving spouse takes the first $50,000 plus half of the restAla. Code § 43-8-41Verified Sep 10, 2026View source when every child of either spouse is a child of both, and descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationAla. Code § 43-8-45Verified Sep 10, 2026View source.
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