Beneficiary Designation: If you are a vested employee on the active payroll when you die, and your spouse is listed as your sole primary. All three retirement systems have options for spouses and other beneficiaries to receive benefits in the event that you (the member) die before they do.Our ERISA attorneys at the Peace Law Firm describe some issues involving ERISA plans and beneficiaries. Contact us for help today. ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement plans in private industry. If the Retirement Office has been advised of an urgent need for the Member to complete a beneficiary designation, the Retirement. All forms are fillable and ready for download and printing. The 2012 ERISA Advisory Council studied current challenges and best practices concerning beneficiary designations in retirement and life insurance plans. If you are eligible for retirement at the time of your deathinservice and your Named Beneficiary is an Option.