Life Changes

Reporting Life Changes

Your security is our priority

Only the benefit recipient – or the recipient's authorized representative – may change information that would affect the payment or delivery of monthly benefits.

The expanding sections below provide guidance on updating your account information and reporting a divorce or death.

To update your name or mailing address

Currently, a signature is required to update a TRS benefit recipient's name or mailing address.

Call TRS (406-444-3134) to have the appropriate form mailed to you. Or, you can download a form using the links below:

TRS Form 029, Member/Benefit Recipient Name Change

TRS Form 116, Change of Address

To initiate direct deposit or change your bank account

To begin having your benefit electronically deposited to your checking or savings account, or to have your payment deposited into a different checking or savings account, you will need to complete, sign, and return the form linked below. (Important! Notify TRS before closing your current bank account.)

TRS Form 114, Electronic Deposit

If you are unable to download and print a form, call TRS at 406-444-3134 to have one mailed to you.

If you are a TRS retiree who elected the Normal Form allowance or a 10/20-year Period Certain and Life allowance at retirement, you should review your beneficiaries periodically and submit a new beneficiary designation to TRS if updates are needed. You can obtain the necessary form by calling TRS at 406.444.3134. 

The easiest way to review your current beneficiary designation is to log into My TRS, the secure online member portal. 

  • If you have never used My TRS, visit the Using 'My TRS' page of this website for more information.

The Fact Sheet linked below explains the scenarios in which a retired TRS member may update their beneficiary designation or choose a new Joint Annuitant, if applicable. 

If you and your joint annuitant have divorced

Contact TRS right away (406-444-3134) if you are a TRS retiree who elected a Joint and Survivor Annuity Option A, B, C, D, or E and you are no longer married to your designated joint annuitant.

It's important that you understand your rights and options. If you notify TRS within 18 months of your divorce, you may be eligible to name a new joint annuitant, if desired.

Family Law Orders

Find information and official TRS Family Law Order (FLO) forms on the Family Law Orders page of this website.

Contact TRS (406.444.3134) as soon as possible if:

  • You wish to report the death of a TRS benefit recipient, or
  • You are a TRS retiree who elected a Joint and Survivor Annuity Option A, B, C, D, or E and your joint annuitant has passed away. Timely reporting (within 18 months) may allow you to name a new joint annuitant, if desired.