How to designate beneficiaries at NYSLRS
Beneficiaries are managed online or by mail
Estate planning with NYSLRS centers on two elections: the retirement option that sets a continuing survivor benefit, and the beneficiary designation for any lump-sum death benefit. Both are recorded with NYSLRS and take precedence over a will, so reviewing them after major life changes is essential.
Each of NYSLRS's 4 pension benefits has different rules for how it transfers at death. The sections below explain the options for each.
Beneficiary form at NYSLRS
Designation of Beneficiary form (RS5127) (for pensions), Post-Retirement Death Benefit Designation of Beneficiaries form (RS4471) (for pensions) and Pensioner’s Designation of Beneficiaries form (RS6439) (for pensions).
Open the form →What NYSLRS says about beneficiaries
Each section is NYSLRS's own statement, with the document it comes from numbered under Sources.
Which accounts take a beneficiary1
- Pension
The member’s beneficiary designation does not affect the accidental death benefit, whose distribution is mandated by law.1
Who can be named4
- A person
A person may be named for the ordinary death benefit.1
- A trust
A trust may be named for the ordinary death benefit, through Retirement Online or the Trust with Contingent Beneficiaries form (RS5127-T). Naming a trust requires a copy of the trust document.1
- The estate
The member’s estate may be named for the ordinary death benefit.1
- An entity other than a trust or a business
An organization may be named for the ordinary death benefit.1
How many beneficiaries, and how shares are split
- All accounts
Primary and contingent beneficiaries may be named.2
What a designation takes to be effective
Beneficiary forms NYSLRS issues3
- Designation of Beneficiary form (RS5127)
For pensions. Completed by an active (not retired) member. Available to download. Must be notarized.3
Return to
Mailing address: NYSLRS, 110 State Street, Albany, NY 12244
- Post-Retirement Death Benefit Designation of Beneficiaries form (RS4471)
For pensions. Completed by a retiree. Available to download.4
- Pensioner’s Designation of Beneficiaries form (RS6439)
For pensions. Completed by a retiree. Available to download.4
What NYSLRS's agreement says about beneficiaries2
Sources
Data sourced from NYSLRS primary sources (8 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these NYSLRS instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against NYSLRS primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
NYSLRS estate support
Contact NYSLRS
Phone
Albany, NY area
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate requests go through general customer service.
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