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Home→Agencies→Public Pensions→Texas

State Public Pensions in Texas

Two systems cover most Texas public employees: the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) for state agency employees and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) for public educators and many higher-education employees. Survivor and death benefits depend on whether the member was active or retired, the payment option elected, and the beneficiary on file.

OverviewWhen someone dies

Public Pensions

Texas

ers.texas.gov→

Administering agency

Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) and Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

Phone877-275-4377
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026

State Public Pensions in Texas: key facts

Systems
Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) for state employees; Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) for public-school and many higher-education employees.
ERS retiree death
What is paid depends on the annuity option the retiree elected. Standard Annuity: any balance remaining in the ERS retirement account. Options 1, 2, or 5: a monthly annuity to the beneficiary for life. Option 3 or 4: the remainder of 60 or 120 monthly payments. 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.
ERS active-employee death
Beneficiaries or the estate may receive the contributions in the member's State of Texas Retirement account, a one-time $5,000 Basic Term Life Insurance payment if the member was enrolled in Group Benefits Program health insurance at death, any Optional Term Life coverage, and Death Benefit Plan or Occupational Death Benefit payments where applicable.
TRS claim timing
TRS mails benefit information and forms to the beneficiary after it is notified of the death. 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.
Contacts
ERS: 877-275-4377. TRS: 1-800-223-8778.

When someone dies

Steps after a death in Texas

4-step process for Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) and Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).

View details →
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Sources

  • ers.texas.gov
  • trs.texas.gov

Data sourced from State Public Pensions in Texas primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.

Public Pensions

Texas

ers.texas.gov→

Administering agency

Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) and Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

Phone877-275-4377
WebsiteVisit website →
Verified Jul 2026
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