State Public Pensions in Texas

What ERS pays depends on the annuity option the retiree elected. Under the Standard Annuity it pays any balance remaining in the ERS retirement account; under Options 1, 2 or 5, a monthly annuity to the beneficiary for life.¹

Under ERS Option 3 or 4, the beneficiary receives the remainder of 60 or 120 monthly payments.¹

When an ERS retiree dies, beneficiaries may also receive a one-time $2,500 Basic Term Life Insurance payment if the retiree was enrolled in Group Benefits Program health insurance at death.¹

Beneficiaries or the estate of an active ERS member may receive a one-time $5,000 Basic Term Life Insurance payment if the member was enrolled in Group Benefits Program health insurance at death, and any Optional Term Life coverage.²

When an active ERS member dies, beneficiaries or the estate may receive the contributions in the member's State of Texas Retirement account, and Death Benefit Plan or Occupational Death Benefit payments where applicable.²

TRS mails benefit information and forms to the beneficiary after it is notified of the death.³

After a death is reported, each system mails a personalized packet of forms and instructions to the named beneficiary or the estate.⁴

TMRS asks that the death of any TMRS member, retiree, beneficiary payee or alternate payee be reported as soon as possible. TMRS then contacts the beneficiary with the benefit options and claim forms.⁵

When a TCDRS member dies, TCDRS reaches out to the member's beneficiaries with the available benefits and claim forms.⁶

TRS states that beneficiaries should complete and file the claim forms and related documents before the first anniversary of the member's death to avoid adverse tax consequences.³

As soon as possible; Without prompt notice an annuitant may be overpaid, which the beneficiary would otherwise have to repay.⁴

Before the first anniversary after the member's death; TRS states that filing before then avoids adverse tax consequences.³

State agency employees⁴

Public-school and many higher-education employees³

Generally city employees; a separate statewide system that ERS and TRS do not administer^{5, 7}

Generally county and district employees; a separate statewide system that ERS and TRS do not administer^{6, 8}