This May Be the Best Financial Move You Could Make
What happens if you don’t set up beneficiaries? It depends on the state. However, your money will typically go through probate court before it’s distributed to your heirs according to your will. If you don’t have a will, it will be distributed according to your state law.
The fastest, simplest, most efficient, and least frustrating way to ensure that the people and/or organizations you love have access to this money is to name beneficiaries.
Information You Need to Add or Update Your Beneficiary
- Your TIAA or Fidelity login and password
- Your selected beneficiary’s name and relationship
- Your selected beneficiary’s date of birth and email (recommended)
- Your selected beneficiary’s Social Security number (optional)
Go One Step Further: Name a Contingent Beneficiary
Contingent Beneficiaries will receive your account proceeds if the named primary beneficiary predeceases the account holder or passes away shortly after the account holder but before the account proceeds are dispersed. Naming a Contingent Beneficiary matters because it:
- ensures the money in your account won’t end up as part of your estate and have to go through probate court if something happens to your primary beneficiary before account disbursement;
- gives you another way to control your estate by letting you choose the amount you assign to each beneficiary; and
- can help you leave a legacy and pass wealth on to future generations when you name grandchildren (or great-grandchildren) to be contingent beneficiaries, which can help cover important expenses like college education costs, the down payment for a house, and more.
TIAA Retirement Account Holders

If you have already updated your beneficiary information but have additional account questions, you can contact TIAA to check in on your account, review your strategy, as well as make investing, allocation, or contribution changes that make sense for your retirement journey at your convenience by Scheduling a Virtual Meeting or calling 800-732-8354.
You may also use the TIAA mobile app to manage beneficiaries. Log in to the mobile app, choose Profile, and choose Manage Beneficiaries. If you have questions or need assistance, visit TIAA’s Resource Beneficiary Center or call TIAA at 800-842-2252.
If you want to check your account, click on Do It Yourself.
Fidelity Retirement Account Holders

You can easily set up your beneficiaries on NetBenefits.com or scan the QR code.
To navigate your beneficiary designations online:
- Log on to Fidelity NetBenefits
- Click on the Profile link
- Select beneficiaries
- Follow the online instructions
If you have questions or need additional assistance, you can schedule a virtual meeting with a Fidelity representative or call 800-642-7131.