State Public Pensions in Georgia
Georgia's public-employee pensions are run by two systems: the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) for state and local government workers, and the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) for public educators. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired, the retirement option elected, and the beneficiary on file.
Administering agency
Employees' Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) and Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)
State Public Pensions in Georgia: key facts
- Systems
- ERSGA administers the Employees' Retirement System and related plans (Public School Employees, Judicial, Legislative, Georgia Military Pension Fund, Georgia Defined Contribution Plan) plus Group Term Life Insurance. TRS administers the Teachers Retirement System.
- Retiree death
- What continues depends on the retirement option the member elected. Under TRS, Plan A or Plan B Option 1 may pay a lump-sum refund to the beneficiary, while Plan B Options 2, 2 Pop-up, 3, 3 Pop-up, and 4 pay a continuing monthly benefit. The retiree's month of death is the final month the retiree is entitled to a TRS benefit, and TRS writes to the beneficiaries within 45 days of notification.
- Pre-retirement death
- Under TRS, a member with less than 10 years of service leaves a lump-sum refund of contributions and interest to the primary beneficiary; a vested member with 10 or more years leaves the beneficiary a choice between a monthly benefit for life (the Plan B Option 2 amount) and a lump-sum refund. Under ERSGA, if no beneficiary was designated, the pension payment goes to the estate.
- Executor duties
- Do not cash or deposit any member benefit check issued after the member's death — the beneficiary can be made to repay it. When the estate is the named beneficiary, ERSGA requires Letters Testamentary or of Administration and an estate Federal Tax ID number before it will pay the estate. If no estate is established, ERSGA mails an heir-at-law affidavit and pays the next of kin.
- Contacts
- ERSGA: 404-350-6300 (800-805-4609 outside metro Atlanta). TRS: 404-352-6500 or 800-352-0650. Both require a death certificate to process benefits.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Identify whether the deceased was a member of ERSGA (state or local government) or TRS (public educator).
- Report the death: ERSGA takes pension and Group Term Life death reports by phone at 404-350-6300 (Peach State Reserves 401(k)/457 and Flexible Benefits go to GaBreeze at 1-877-342-7339). TRS accepts an online Notification of Death report at trsga.com.
- Submit a death certificate — both systems require one to process benefits — and confirm the beneficiary designation on file.
- File the survivor or death-benefit claim with the documents the system requires. If the estate is the beneficiary, ERSGA requires Letters Testamentary or of Administration and an estate Federal Tax ID number.
Employees' Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) and Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)
Phone: 404-350-6300
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
Contact the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia at 404-350-6300 (800-805-4609 outside metro Atlanta) for state and local government workers, or the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia at 404-352-6500 or 800-352-0650 for public educators. Both handle death notifications and survivor benefits.
What continues depends on the retirement option the retiree elected. Under TRS, a retiree on Plan A or Plan B Option 1 may leave a lump-sum refund to the beneficiary, while Plan B Options 2, 2 Pop-up, 3, 3 Pop-up, and 4 pay a continuing monthly benefit. The retiree's month of death is the final month the retiree is entitled to a benefit.
ERSGA takes pension and Group Term Life death reports by phone at 404-350-6300. TRS accepts an online Notification of Death report at trsga.com, with the death certificate attached or sent later by mail, fax, or in person. Both systems require a death certificate to process benefits.
Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Georgia primary sources (9 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Employees' Retirement System of Georgia (ERSGA) and Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS)