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Forms

• Moving Money to Your TIAA-CREF Accounts
• Taking Money From Your TIAA-CREF Accounts
• Opening an Account
• Adding/ Changing Your Beneficiary
• General Tax Forms
• Maintaining Your Accounts

Adding/Changing Your Beneficiary

• What is the difference between Primary and Contingent beneficiaries?
• Can I name a trust or children as beneficiaries?
• I have more than two beneficiaries; do I need to submit multiple forms?
• Why can't I view my beneficiary information?

What is the difference between Primary and Contingent beneficiaries? Your primary beneficiary is the person or entity designated as the first to receive the proceeds of your account upon your death.

The contingent (secondary) beneficiary is the second choice to receive the proceeds of your account. Your contingent beneficiary receives the benefit only if the primary beneficiary dies before you.  If no beneficiaries are living at your death, benefits are payable to your estate.

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Can I name a trust or children as beneficiaries? Yes, you may name children and trusts as beneficiaries.

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I have more than two primary beneficiaries; do I need to submit multiple forms? The easiest and most efficient way to change your beneficiary is to log in to your account.

If you're completing a paper form and have more beneficiaries than the form allows, you can attach a letter with the additional beneficiary information.

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Why can't I view my beneficiary information?  If you're receiving a message that "Although you have previously designated beneficiaries for this contract, the system cannot list your designations," please be assured that your beneficiary information is on record.  If you click on "View/Edit Details" at the bottom of the page and enter your beneficiary information, you will be able to view it online.

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