Naming Beneficiaries

Make Your Wishes Known

One of the most important actions you can take is to make sure your IMRF "Designation of Beneficiary" form (Available in Member Access) is up to date: 

• If you do not have a beneficiary form on file, the default beneficiary is your estate.
• If you have an old form on file, we must follow the directions on this form, even if it names someone you no longer want to get this benefit.
• If you are married, you must name your spouse as your only primary beneficiary on this form in order for your spouse be eligible for a surviving spouse pension benefit if you die while you are an active IMRF member.

You can name any person, trust, charity, or organization as a beneficiary. By keeping this form up to date, IMRF can follow your wishes for who you want your death benefit to go to.

The “How Do I Add a Beneficiary?” instructions in the Member Access Learning Center will walk you through how to update your beneficiary information in Member Access.

Complete Your Form Through Member Access

The fastest and easiest way for you to complete a new form is through Member Access. You can view your beneficiary information through Member Access at any time, and make any necessary updates as needed.

We Can Only Accept Your Signature

For the "Designation of Beneficiary" form (Available in Member Access), we cannot accept the signature of anyone other than you. This includes Power of Attorneys, conservators, trustees, or guardians.

IMRF will not accept any beneficiary changes over the telephone or by email.

If You are Naming a Trust

If you are naming a trust as a beneficiary, upon your death IMRF will need the named trust to provide us a copy of your full trust document.