State Public Pensions in Oklahoma
Oklahoma public-employee pensions run mainly through OPERS for state and local government workers and TRS for public educators. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired and the payment option elected.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Administering agency
Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS)
Phone800-733-9008
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026
State Public Pensions in Oklahoma: key facts
- Systems
- Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) for state and local government employees; Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS) for public educators.
- OPERS active-member death
- A vested or retirement-eligible member's surviving spouse may receive Option B survivor benefits; otherwise beneficiaries receive a lump sum equal to the member's accumulated contributions.
- OPERS retiree death
- A $5,000 death benefit may be paid to a primary beneficiary (not a joint annuitant), plus any continuing benefit under the retirement option elected and any excess accumulated contributions.
- Contacts
- OPERS: 800-733-9008 or 405-858-6737. TRS: 405-521-2387; mail@trs.ok.gov.
When someone dies
Steps after a death in Oklahoma
4-step process for Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS).
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Sources
Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Oklahoma primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) and Teachers' Retirement System of Oklahoma (TRS)
Phone800-733-9008
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026