FAQ: Retirement > MERS > Retiree

Retirement > MERS > Retiree > Change of Payment Option or Survivor Benefits

22. May I change the beneficiary or optional payment plan I selected at any time during the retirement process or after retirement?

You can change your payment option, annuitant or beneficiary for a monthly survivor benefit or payment option at any time prior to cashing your first retirement check but no later than the 25th of the month following the month your first check is mailed. After this time, you will not be allowed to change your beneficiary or payment option, unless you chose the 10 year or 20 year option benefit and your designated contingent annuitant has died. In this case you may name a new contingent annuitant. CMERS will require a certified copy of the death certificate for the deceased annuitant. As a retiree, you can change your beneficiary for the guaranteed refund (if applicable) at any time by completing and submitting the proper beneficiary form to CMERS.