Marital Status Change

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In some cases, a marital status change can affect your annuity. As a result, you should notify us of any marital status changes so that we can ensure your account is up to date. For example, if you are married and receiving a benefit under Option B50, if you divorce, or if your spouse dies, you will need to change your annuity option, as Option B50 would no longer be valid. Changes to your annuity option are not retroactive, so contact ASPRS as soon as possible at 501-682-7800 when you experience a marital status change.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a change to my marital status?

You may send a request in your myASPRS portal by clicking Submit Forms/View Documents, then selecting the Demographic Change request.
You may also submit written documentation to ASPRS at 124 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 400, Little Rock, AR 72201. We will provide you with the necessary form to complete the change. To obtain a form, call 501-682-7800 or visit Content Form.

Can I change my annuity option at any time?

You can change your annuity option in the following situations:

Event	Description
Marriage	If you marry and have elected Straight Life, Option A60, or Option A120 at retirement, you may change your annuity option to Option B50 or Option B75.
Death of Spouse or Divorce	If your beneficiary dies or you experience a divorce and have elected Option B50 or Option B75, you may change your annuity option to Straight Life, Option A60, or Option A120.

-OR-

Event	Election at Retirement	Option Change
Marriage	Straight Life, Option A60, or Option A120	Option B50 or Option B75
Death of Spouse or Divorce	Option B50 or Option B75	Straight Life, Option A60, or Option A120

Can I change my beneficiaries at any time?

No, you may only change beneficiaries in certain situations.

For Option A60 and Option A120, you may remove a beneficiary due to death or divorce. You may only designate a new beneficiary if no more beneficiaries remain.

For Option B50 and Option B75, you may remove a beneficiary due to death or divorce. However, the beneficiary cannot simply be replaced, as you will need to change your annuity option to Straight Life, Option A60, or Option A120. You will designate at least one beneficiary if you choose Option A60 or Option A120. Your annuity will be recalculated according to your chosen annuity option.

What additional documents do I need to submit?

For any death, you will need to submit a copy of the death certificate.

For Option B50 and B75, you must submit a copy of your marriage license as well as proof of age for your beneficiary if you are naming your spouse as beneficiary. If you are naming a dependent child over the age of 40, you must submit proof of age for your beneficiary and a copy of the previous year’s federal tax returns showing the beneficiary claimed as a dependent.

After your death, any beneficiaries must submit a copy of their Social Security card to receive payments.

Contact

Phone:
(501) 682-7800
(800) 682-7377

Address:
124 W. Capitol, Suite 400
Little Rock, AR 72201

Hours:
8:00AM - 4:30PM

Disclaimer on Benefits and Rights

Disclaimer Concerning Benefit Calculations, Benefit Projections, Counseling, and Certain Conditions Regarding APERS Benefits and Rights

The purpose of this Disclaimer is to summarize, in plain language, existing APERS policy concerning benefit calculations, benefit projections, counseling, and certain conditions regarding APERS benefits and rights. This Disclaimer does not reflect any alteration or amendment of existing APERS policy. This site includes general information about APERS programs and benefits and may not represent or include completely the law and/or rules that govern APERS. Arkansas law and/or administrative rules will supersede any information in conflict.

APERS strives to provide accurate information and assistance to plan participants who have questions regarding their APERS benefits. All information and calculations concerning benefits are based upon current law and policy, even though information often concerns future benefits. Likewise, laws and policies affecting plan participants are subject to change from time to time. The Arkansas General Assembly, U. S. Congress, federal agencies, and the APERS Board of Trustees may change how benefits are calculated and change other rights of plan participants. Any benefit projection or information provided by APERS is subject to future law or policy that is applicable to APERS.

APERS staff depends upon information provided by the plan participants and offers counseling and projects future benefit estimates based upon that information. Such estimates can vary materially from actual results. Calculations concerning benefits, as well as the information APERS provides during counseling, can be materially affected if the plan participant provides inaccurate or incomplete information, or omits material facts. Plan participants are presumed to have knowledge of all publicly available laws and policies that affect their APERS benefits and rights. APERS is under no duty to ensure that plan participants are specifically informed of a new law or policy unless required within the law or policy itself. If APERS attempts to notify plan participants who may be affected by a change of a law or policy, the failure to notify a specific plan participant does not create any right or cause of action for the plan participant.

APERS does not provide plan participants with specific recommendations regarding retirement options, tax advice, or legal advice. Each plan participant is solely responsible for determining whether benefit calculations, benefit projections, benefit estimates, and retirement plan options are suitable for the plan participant based upon his or her specific retirement objectives and personal and financial situation. APERS encourages plan participants to consult their own lawyer, accountant, tax professional, or other retirement adviser before making a decision that affects their benefits and rights regarding APERS.

Federal law and policy, state law and policy, APERS records and documents, and accurate data always govern the final determination of plan participant benefits and rights. An error by APERS does not create any common law rights on behalf of the plan participant. The rights of a plan participant are solely governed by the rights set forth in law and policy applicable to APERS.