Beneficiary Forms
OPERS maintains multiple versions of the Designation of Beneficiary form for retired, active, and vested members. On each form, you will name both primary and contingent beneficiaries. Please choose from the following to obtain the appropriate version:
Additional Beneficiaries
If you require additional space, please use the Additional Beneficiary Designation form (in addition to the form below) to complete your beneficiary designation.
Active or Vested Members
Please complete the following form if you are an active or vested member of OPERS:
Beneficiary Designation – Active or Vested Member Death Benefits
Retiree Death Benefits
Use these forms if you are currently receiving an OPERS retirement benefit.
Complete the following form to name a person or institution (other than a funeral home) as your primary beneficiary:
Beneficiary Designation – Retiree Death Benefits
Complete the following form to name a funeral home as your primary beneficiary:
Beneficiary Designation: Funeral Home – Retiree Death Benefits
(Please print this form on legal-sized paper.)
Retiree Receiving Benefits under Option C
As a retired member receiving benefits under Option C, you have the right to name a beneficiary to receive survivor benefits should you pass away within the first 10 years of receiving benefits. If you live longer than the 10 years after your retirement date, no monthly benefits will be paid to your beneficiary after your death.
Please complete the following form if you are receiving OPERS benefits under Option C:
Beneficiary Designation – Option C Survivor Benefits
Option C retirees also have the right to a second beneficiary designation to receive the $5,000 Death Benefit payable upon the death of an OPERS retiree. A separate designation is not required. To name a different beneficiary to receive the $5,000 Death Benefit, complete the form above for Option C, then click the link above for Retiree Death Benefits to complete a second designation.
Information to Provide
When you complete the form, please make sure to provide the full legal name, address, relationship, date of birth, and Social Security Number of each person you designate. The taxpayer identification number is required for each institution. Correct and up-to-date information ensures that we can locate your beneficiary and that the proper person receives the correct distribution.
Divorce and Beneficiary Designation
A divorce will void the designation of your spouse as your beneficiary. Once a divorce is final, complete a new Beneficiary Designation form, dated after the date of the divorce decree, designating a new beneficiary. You may choose to keep your former spouse as your beneficiary. You must, however, complete a new form dated after the date of the divorce decree, renaming your divorced spouse.