Beneficiary Changes

Overview

Beneficiary Changes

Beneficiaries are individuals designated by a OCERS member/retiree to receive survivor and/or death benefits after his or her death. It is important for members to keep their account updated, including beneficiary information.

If you have a life change, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth/adoption of a child, review your beneficiary designations.

Post

Beneficiary Designation

When you become a member of OCERS, you will be asked to designate a beneficiary who will be entitled to receive certain benefits that may be payable upon your death. You may designate anyone you choose as your beneficiary, and you may change your beneficiary at any time. However, it is important to note that your spouse, ex-spouse, registered domestic partner, ex-registered domestic partner and/or children may have legal rights that supersede the rights of any other beneficiaries you designate. In addition, for members who are retired under Option 2, Option 3, or Option 4, the beneficiary/ies designated at retirement cannot be changed.

It is your responsibility to notify OCERS’ Member Services department of a life event change, such as a marriage, domestic partnership registration or death, including the death of a designated beneficiary. Upon receipt of this information, your new beneficiary designation will supersede all previous designations.

Naming or Changing Your Beneficiary

Online

Login to myOCERS to name, review, or change your beneficiary.

By Mail

Download the Beneficiary Change Form and mail it to the address listed on the form.

To request that a form be mailed to you, please call (714) 558-6200.