As a vested CalSTRS member, you're guaranteed a lifetime monthly retirement benefit. You also have the option to provide a monthly lifetime benefit to one or more people after you die.

You can specify your wishes now or you can wait until after you apply for retirement.

An advantage of electing an option before you retire is that your benefit will likely be higher than if you wait.

To elect an option before retirement, fill out the Preretirement Election of an Option form. You can also find this form in your myCalSTRS account.

Learn more about selecting beneficiary options in our Member Handbook.