Changing Your Beneficiary

Your choice of beneficiary is very important. Your beneficiary is the person you are designating to receive death benefits in the event of your death.

Married members generally designate a spouse as beneficiary because the retirement plan offers substantial survivorship benefits to a spouse in the event of a member's death. Designation of someone other than a spouse does not impair a surviving spouse's community property interest in a death or survivor benefit.

Please note that your beneficiary must be a person having an insurable interest in your life. You may not name a living trust or other non-living entity as your beneficiary.

If you divorce your spouse but do not change your beneficiary designation, your spouse will be entitled to the death benefit. Therefore, you should re-evaluate your beneficiary designation if any life-changing events occur, such as marriage, divorce or the death of your beneficiary.

     Active Members

You may change your beneficiary by completing a new Sworn Statement card with your department payroll clerk. You may also change your beneficiary by completing a Beneficiary Designation Form. You can obtain this form at the KCERA office or download and print it here. 

     Deferred/Reciprocal/Retired Members

You may change your beneficiary by completing a Beneficiary Designation Form. You may obtain this form at the KCERA office or download and print it here.