FRS Beneficiary Documents Needed: Complete Checklist for Survivor Claims

The Division of Retirement needs the required documents to complete an FRS survivor claim. Missing paperwork can stall a claim and lead to follow-up correspondence. Gathering everything upfront can help avoid delays.

Death Certificates

The Division typically requests certified copies of the death certificate in two versions: one showing the cause of death and one without it. Order multiple certified copies from the county vital records office or funeral director—you'll need them for Social Security, the employer, insurance companies, and the bank as well.

Certified copies carry a raised seal or registrar signature. Photocopies are not accepted.

Birth Verification

The Division requires proof of the beneficiary's date of birth. Accepted documents include:

• A REAL ID-compliant driver's license or state ID (issued after 2010 with the gold star)
• A valid U.S. passport
• A certified copy of the birth certificate
• In some cases, historical documents such as census records or life insurance policies more than 30 years old

If you're claiming on behalf of a minor child, you'll need the child's birth certificate as well.

Marriage Certificate

Surviving spouses must provide a certified copy of the marriage certificate to establish the spousal relationship. If you married after the member's initial beneficiary designation, this document is particularly important—it supports your statutory priority as primary beneficiary under Florida law.

Relationship and Dependency Documentation

If you're claiming as a joint annuitant who isn't the spouse, additional proof is required:

• Dependent child under 25 (joint annuitant): Birth certificate
• Dependent child receiving line-of-duty continuation after age 18: Proof of unmarried status and full-time enrollment, where applicable
• Disabled child: Medical documentation establishing physical or mental disability and incapacity for self-support
• Dependent parent or grandparent: Federal tax returns or other financial records showing the member provided at least half of your support
• Legal ward: Certified court guardianship papers

Legal and Estate Documents

If benefits default to the member's estate (because no beneficiary was designated or all beneficiaries predeceased the member), the Division requires:

• An Estate Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS
• Certified Letters of Administration from a Florida probate court
• A formal affidavit from the court-appointed personal representative

For claims involving a Domestic Relations Order (divorce decree splitting pension benefits), submit certified copies of the court order.

Tax Withholding Forms

Submit Form W-4P if you want to specify federal income tax withholding for monthly benefit payments. If you do not submit one, ask the Division what withholding will apply.

Where to Submit

Mail completed forms and documents to the Division of Retirement at P.O. Box 9000, Tallahassee, FL 32315. For Investment Plan claims, submit through Alight Solutions at P.O. Box 785027, Orlando, FL 32878, or via myfrs.com.

The Florida FRS Survivor Benefits Guide includes the full document checklist organized by claim type, with a tracker to mark each item as gathered, submitted, and confirmed.

See more Florida guides →