Updating your browser will give you an optimal website experience. Learn more about our supported browsers.
The TCDRS office will be closed on Thursday, April 6 at 2 p.m. and Friday, April 7 in observance of Good Friday.
Survivor Benefit
If you have four or more years of TCDRS service, your beneficiary has the option of receiving a lifetime monthly payment from your account if you pass away before you retire.
Called the Survivor Benefit, this monthly payment is made up of your deposits and interest, as well as employer matching. Your beneficiary doesn’t have to wait until you would have been eligible to retire. He or she can begin taking the benefit immediately.
The Survivor Benefit is not tied to your employment. It's tied to your TCDRS account. As long as you have four or more years of TCDRS service and money in your account, your beneficiary can choose a lifetime monthly benefit.
If you aren’t eligible for the Survivor Benefit, TCDRS will pay your account balance, including deposits and interest, to your beneficiaries. See Naming a Beneficiary for details on beneficiary selection.
Related Content
Get more information on why TCDRS is a model plan when it comes to retirement.

Military Service Time
You may be able to receive service time for time served in the U.S. Military before you became a TCDRS member and count that service ...
Read more
Disability Benefit
If you become disabled, you may be eligible for a disability retirement benefit. This allows you to retire early with a lifetime mont...
Read more
03.03.2023
With TCDRS, Retirement is More Than Fantasy
Early in your career, retirement can feel out of reach. But now that you've drafted TCDRS onto your retirement dream team, you're wel...
Read more