60W-4.008. Designation of Beneficiary

(1) A participant, prior to applying for supplemental benefits, may designate a beneficiary to receive the benefits which may be payable in the event of the participant’s death pursuant to these rules on Form BEN-001 (Rev. 06/04), http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-01848, Florida Retirement System Pension Plan Beneficiary Designation Form Active Members Only, as adopted in Rule 60S-4.011, F.A.C., herein incorporated by reference. This form may be obtained from the Forms page of the Division’s website, www.frs.MyFlorida.com, or by calling the Division’s Bureau of Retirement Calculations toll free at [phone], if calling from outside the Tallahassee calling area or locally at [phone], or if hearing or speech impaired by calling the Division via T.D.D. at the Florida Relay System by dialing 711 or [phone].

(2) A participant may designate multiple beneficiaries, sequentially or jointly, on the BEN-001 form.

(3) A participant may change his or her designation of a beneficiary at any time prior to applying for supplemental benefits by submitting a new BEN-001 form to the Division.

(4) Upon application for the supplemental benefit, a participant shall be required to complete a new designation of beneficiary on the application form as provided by the Division.

(5) If no beneficiary is designated or if no designated beneficiary survives the participant, the Division shall direct the payment of supplemental benefits, if any, to the spouse of the deceased participant, or if the spouse is not living, to the living children of the deceased participant, or on their behalf if under 18 years of age. If no children survive, any remaining supplemental benefits shall be payable to the participant's father and/or mother, if living; otherwise, to the legal representative of the participant’s estate.

(6) If a participant is retired under Option 3 or 4, the designated beneficiary shall be a joint annuitant. The joint annuitant must be the spouse or someone who is financially dependent as defined in the definition of joint annuitant in subsection 60W-6.001(5), F.A.C. Proof of financial dependency shall be required and may include the following documents, as determined by the Division based on the circumstances of the joint annuitant:

(a) Copy of participant’s federal income tax return(s) claiming the dependent as an exemption.

(b) Copy of participant’s and joint annuitant’s (if any) federal income tax return showing that one-half or more of the joint annuitant’s support is provided by the participant.

(c) Additional documentation such as medical or institutional cost statements.

(d) Papers indicating child custody and support payments.

(e) Other proof as required by the Division based on individual circumstances.

Rulemaking Authority 121.40(13) FS. Law Implemented 121.40(9) FS. History–New 2-4-86, Formerly 22Q-4.008, Amended 3-31-13.