How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at ADP
Covers 10 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be managed online
ADP Participant Services
ADP Participant Services
ADP Participant Services (Death Claims)
Beneficiary designations on ADP retirement retirement accounts carry more weight than most people realize. They override a will, control who receives the balance, and determine the tax treatment of inherited distributions. Reviewing these designations after any major life change is essential.
With 10 product types, ADP offers a range of transfer options. Some retirement accounts support beneficiary designations on tax-advantaged accounts, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
- Enter full legal name, relationship, date of birth, SSN, and percentage allocation
- For trust beneficiaries: enter trust name, date established, and trustee name
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Spousal consent with notarized signature required for married participants naming non-spouse as primary beneficiary on qualified plans
- Trusts can be named as beneficiaries with trust name, date, and trustee information
- Beneficiary designations override wills and other estate documents
- Process may vary by specific employer plan provisions
- Per stirpes designations available for descendant distribution
Sources
Data sourced from ADP primary sources (14 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these ADP instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against ADP primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
ADP Participant Services
ADP Participant Services
ADP Participant Services (Death Claims)
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