Manage your life changes
If you have, or are going through a divorce, your spouse may have an interest in your TRA benefit. Learn about Minnesota law and how TRA handles divorce decrees.
TRA retirees may return to work in a TRA-covered position. Learn more about how this decision can affect your benefit.
If someone acts on your behalf, submit your power of attorney information to TRA. Learn how to submit a power of attorney or revoke an existing one.
FAQs – Retirees
You can change your physical or email address by signing in to your myTRA account.
Your record may include:
- A permanent address
- A temporary address with a start and end date
You may also change your address by calling the Teachers Retirement Association of Minnesota (TRA) or by mailing or faxing a written request.
Your ability to change a beneficiary depends on the annuity plan you selected at retirement.
If you selected a no refund, guaranteed refund, or 15-year guaranteed plan, you may change your beneficiary at any time. Call TRA to request a Post-Retirement Beneficiary Designation form.
If you selected a 100%, 75%, or 50% joint and survivor plan, you cannot change your beneficiary.
Contact TRA as soon as possible if your beneficiary dies before you. An adjustment may be required to your benefit.
If you named a spouse as your beneficiary and later divorce, the beneficiary designation may be rescinded if ordered by the court.
If you named a non-spouse, the beneficiary designation may be rescinded if both parties agree.
If you are receiving a benefit and need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, send TRA a copy of the legal document that shows the name change.
If you need to change the name of a beneficiary, send TRA a copy of the legal document that shows the name change.
Notify TRA as soon as possible following the death of a member.
When you call, have the member’s Social Security number or TRA number available. TRA will provide information to the member’s representative about any survivor benefits.
TRA will request:
- A certified death certificate
- A marriage certificate for a surviving spouse, if applicable
- Birth certificates for beneficiaries
Copies will be made, and original documents will be returned. TRA may also request name-change documentation.
You can print an income verification letter by signing in to your myTRA account.
Income verification letters may be requested by:
- Members
- Financial institutions
- Insurance carriers
- Housing authorities
- Other government entities
These letters verify your gross monthly benefit amount, not your salary as a teacher.
If TRA receives a request from a third party, a written request and a release form signed by the member are required.
Your 1099-R shows:
- Total annuity payments
- Federal and state income tax withheld
- The taxable portion of your annuity for the previous calendar year
You can download your 1099-R from your myTRA account by mid-January each year. By January 31, TRA also mails a copy to the address on file.
If you have a temporary winter address, consider updating your address before November 1 to ensure delivery.
