[UCRRA] Tips on Protecting Survivors and Beneficiaries

[Cristina Otegui]

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August 4, 2026

To:

UCR Emeriti & Retirees



From:

UCR Central HR Retirement Center on behalf of UC Office of the President



Re:

*Tips on Protecting Survivors and Beneficiaries *



At every stage in life, it is important to remain proactive in preparing
valuable documents, records, and accounts, always organized to help provide
peace of mind and make it easier for loved ones to manage important matters
when needed. These important documents may include wills, living trusts,
advance health care directives to name a few.

One of the main items that is important to include is information on UC
benefits. For emeriti and retirees who are members of the UC Retirement
Plan (including Pension Choice), survivor benefits are based on the timing
and length of UC service. Depending on an emeriti or retirees eligibility,
the beneficiary or contingent annuitant that is designated may qualify for
monthly retirement income, medical and dental coverage, life insurance, and
the UC Retirement Plan Basic Death Benefit of $7,500.

For emeriti and retirees who participate in Savings Choice, their
retirement savings and life insurance benefits will be distributed to the
beneficiary or beneficiaries they have designated.

The Retirement Administration Service Center (RASC) will work directly with
survivors and beneficiaries to guide them through the process of claiming
any benefits for which they may be eligible and has provided the following
tips for support.

·       Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. There may be life
instances where changes to beneficiaries are needed due to the loss of a
family member, welcoming a new family member or entering into a marriage or
domestic partnership. UCnet provides information on how to update your
beneficiaries at:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/resources/benefits-resources/beneficiary-information/



·       Prepare a list of key contacts and important documents for loved
ones to reference during a time of need (e.g., Social Security information,
insurance policies, bank accounts, and UC related documents).

·       Invite your loved ones to attend upcoming or view recorded UC’s
Confident Retiree: Legacy Planning, Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved
Ones webinar series and more information and resources can be found on the
UCnet webpage at:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/employee-news/uc-confident-retiree-legacy-resources/

For more information on protecting your loved ones, please view the UCnet
webpage at:
https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/employee-news/preparation-for-your-survivors-benefits/.
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