How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at State Street

Covers 2 investment, and 2 retirement accounts — beneficiaries can be updated by phone

State Street

Brokerage · Nationwide

statestreet.com
State Street logo

Shareholder Service Center (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM ET)

Mailing Address

State Street Global Advisors, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 219238, Kansas City, MO 64121-9238 | Overnight: 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

International
Online Account Access Support
ETFs and Mutual Funds (general inquiries)

Shareholder Service Center (Estate/Survivor Services)

Mailing Address

State Street Global Advisors, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 219238, Kansas City, MO 64121-9238 | Overnight: 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

Shareholder Service Center (Death Claims / Survivor Services)

Mailing Address

State Street Global Advisors, c/o U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC, P.O. Box 219238, Kansas City, MO 64121-9238 | Overnight: 615 East Michigan Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5207

Verified Jul 2026

There are two ways to keep your State Street investment accounts out of probate: adding beneficiary designations and retitling eligible accounts into a revocable living trust. Which approach works best depends on the account type and your overall estate plan.

State Street has 4 investment accounts with different estate transfer rules. Here is how beneficiary designations, trust ownership, and probate apply to each one.

SPDR ETFsState Street Funds (Mutual Funds)
1
Call the Shareholder Service Center at 1-800-242-0134 (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM ET)
2
Request assistance with the correct form:
  • Speak with a Shareholder Service Associate for guidance on the correct form
  • Request forms to be mailed or access them at ssga.com under Forms and Documents

Required Documents

  • Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)

Special Requirements

  • Married residents of community property states must provide notarized spousal consent to designate a non-spouse as primary IRA beneficiary
  • TOD designation is not available for accounts owned by entities (trusts, corporations, partnerships), Tenants in Common, or community property registrations
  • TOD is only available to residents of states that have adopted the Uniform Transfer on Death Security Registration Act
  • Up to nine beneficiaries may be designated per account; to designate more than nine, split the investment into separate accounts
  • SPDR ETF beneficiary designation is handled by the holding brokerage, not State Street
SimplyTrustSimplyTrust Editorial·

Sources

Data sourced from State Street primary sources (14 pages reviewed). How we research.

Download these State Street instructions

Download instructions for the whole estate

A printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against State Street primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.

Estate planning articles

Learn how to protect your State Street accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.

More estate planning resources

Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.

How Much Does Probate Cost?

Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.

Use Calculator

Who Inherits Without a Will?

Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.

Use Calculator

How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?

Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.

Use Calculator

What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

See the true cost of estate planning. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys including life events like marriage, divorce, and having children.

Compare Costs

How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?

Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.

Compare Costs

How Much Does a Will Cost?

Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.

Compare Costs