Teachers sometimes die in service before becoming eligible for benefits.
When TRF is notified of the death of an active member, TRF determines whether or not the member had designated beneficiaries to receive the member's Annuity Savings Account, as well as whether the member's surviving spouse or dependents might be entitled to a monthly benefit. TRF requires a copy of the Death Certificate. When a teacher dies prior to retirement or withdrawal, the designated beneficiary or estate is entitled to a lump sum settlement of the member's Annuity Savings Account balance. However, if a person dies while on Classroom Disability, the Annuity Savings Account to be distributed to the designated beneficiary or estate will be reduced by the amount of any Classroom Disability benefits paid to the member before death. The member's surviving spouse or dependents, if any, may be entitled to a monthly benefit.