Generally, an ERISA plan participant can select just about anyone to be their beneficiary. Gov, log in to FRS Online, select Beneficiary under Member Information, and fill in the required information.The Summary Plan Description (SPD) should include your plan's claims procedures. Usually, you fill out the required paperwork and submit it to the plan. This form is for currently employed members or terminated members (not retired) who wish to designate or change their beneficiaries. If the spouse has NOT waived her rights under this plan, then she is the beneficiary REGARDLESS of what a beneficiary designation says. It's in an ERISA account owner's best interest to have specific beneficiaries designated in retirement accounts. This will facilitate the transfer of assets. The 2012 ERISA Advisory Council studied current challenges and best practices concerning beneficiary designations in retirement and life insurance plans. When a spouse dies, their assets typically transfer to their surviving spouse, as long as their surviving spouse was named as the beneficiary of the account.