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Home→Agencies→Public Pensions→Alabama→When someone dies

State Public Pensions in Alabama: when someone dies

A 4-step process for Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) after a death in Alabama.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Alabama

rsa-al.gov→

Administering agency

Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)

Phone877-517-0020
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026

Steps to take

  1. Identify whether the deceased was a member of TRS, ERS, or JRF.
  2. Report the death to RSA so the member's pension payments stop.
  3. Confirm the beneficiary designation on file and ask what survivor or death benefit is payable.
  4. Submit Form RSA-SB (Application for Survivor Benefit) with a certified death certificate. RSA sends any further forms, including the Benefit Election form, after it receives the RSA-SB.

Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)

Phone: 877-517-0020

Visit the agency website →

Frequently asked questions

Contact the Retirement Systems of Alabama at 877-517-0020. RSA runs the Teachers' Retirement System and the Employees' Retirement System and handles survivor and death-benefit claims.

The benefit that continues depends on the payment option the retiree elected at retirement. Options 2, 3, and 4 continue a monthly benefit to the named beneficiary, and Option 1 pays out any remaining annuity balance. If the retiree took the Maximum Monthly Benefit, all monthly benefits cease at death and the beneficiary receives only a one-time prorated payment covering the days of the month the retiree was living.

Yes. RSA calculates a preretirement death benefit from the member's age, service credit, employment status, and retirement eligibility, and pays it to the designated beneficiary — or to the member's estate if no beneficiary is on file. RSA pays it after it receives Form RSA-SB, Application for Survivor Benefit, and a certified death certificate.

SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Sources

  • rsa-al.gov

Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Alabama primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.

Public Pensions

Alabama

rsa-al.gov→

Administering agency

Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA)

Phone877-517-0020
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026
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