Supporting Documents

This is the page where you may upload supporting documents to TRS. Supporting documentation must be provided in order for TRS to review your request.

Required Documentation for Name Change

TRS requires a copy of a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, or the court order that effects the name change.

Required Documentation for Proof of Date of Birth

The following items are considered acceptable date-of-birth documentation. 

• Birth certificate;
• Passport (book or card);
• Naturalization document; OR
• Driver’s license or non-driver ID card from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida.

If none of the above is available, you can submit two of the following:

• Driver's license or non-driver ID card from other states not listed above, or any learner’s permit;
• Certificate of military record;
• Report of Confidential Social Security Benefit Information (Form SSA2458); or
• Other government-issued identification

Documentation must not be expired. Photocopies of all documents are acceptable.

Please note that any date-of-birth documentation in a language other than English must be accompanied by a translation. Birth certificates from Puerto Rico are only valid with issue dates from July 1, 2010, or after.

Also, you do not have to provide date-of-birth documentation if TRS has certified your date of birth. You can verify this by visiting your Profile page. If the red Certify is present next to your date of birth, you will have to provide validation documentation to TRS.

Required Documentation for Death Benefit Claim

Requirements for processing your claim vary depending on your distribution elections. However, TRS requires an original death certificate or certified copy be submitted directly to TRS for all claims. Only those documents that can be uploaded are listed on this screen. TRS must receive all required documents within six months of the date you file your claim. Include your claim code and the deceased’s membership number on any documents you mail. If you are having trouble uploading documents, check to make sure that any pop-up blockers are disabled.

Note: If you are a claimant filing a death benefit claim on behalf of an organization, you are required to provide a copy of your organization’s organization chart that displays the claimant’s name. If you are a claimant filing a death benefit claim on behalf of a trust, you are required to provide a copy of the trust document that displays the claimant’s name. (If the trust instrument is an inter vivos trust (living trust), you must provide a complete copy of the trust agreement; if the trust instrument is a testamentary trust, you must provide a complete copy of the deceased’s will.)

Required Documentation for Trust Beneficiary Designations

TRS requires that you file a Verification of Trust Instrument Legality form (code EN4) for any trust beneficiary you want to designate. You may also be asked to provide TRS with a copy of the trust or other information TRS considers necessary to administer payments to a trust beneficiary.

Note: If you are a TRS member, label any documents you mail with your membership number. If you are a claimant filing a death benefit claim, TRS must receive the required trust verification form and any other required documents within six months of the date you file your claim; include your claim code and the deceased's membership number on any documents you mail.

Required Documentation for Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)

If you are a TRS member, you must submit the below supporting documentation. If you are a claimant filing a death benefit claim, you will be alerted online if you need to submit documentation.

• An Authorization Letter on bank letterhead from your bank.  The letter must be signed by a bank officer and indicate the owner(s) of the account, the type of account, the complete account and routing numbers, the bank branch location, and the contact information of the bank officer; -OR-
• A preprinted, voided check or direct deposit authorization form, plus a copy of a valid (unexpired) photo identification that was issued by a U.S. federal or state government agency and includes your date of birth.

 File Upload Requirements

• Maximum file size: 4MB
• Accepted file type: .gif, .img, .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .png, .tiff, .bmp, and .pcx
• File name limit: 30 characters

Steps to Upload:

• Choose a document from the drop-down list, click "Select File," select the file you wish to upload, then click "Upload" when it appears. Uploaded files will appear on the screen.
• If you uploaded a file that you do not wish to submit to TRS, click "Delete."
• Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for up to 20 files.
• Click "Confirm" to send request and your file(s) to TRS. Up to 20 files may be uploaded for a request.

If you are not able to upload your documentation at this time, click the checkbox labeled "I will upload document(s) later or send via mail." and then submit your request. You will be able to return and upload files at a later time, or you can mail your documents to TRS.

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