For life insurance policies, retirement accounts (i.e., 401ks/403bs, IRAs, etc.), Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and trusts, the beneficiary you name inherits the account assets, generally regardless of what your will states. For checking or savings accounts, or CDs, you may name a payable on death (POD) beneficiary.
An eligible designated beneficiary (EDB) must be an individual, and not a nonperson entity such as a trust, an estate, or a charity (which would be not designated beneficiaries).
The Spouse Is the Automatic Beneficiary for Married People A federal law, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), governs most pensions and retirement accounts.
In general, ERISA does not cover plans established or maintained by governmental entities, churches for their employees, or plans which are maintained solely to comply with applicable workers compensation, unemployment or disability laws.
Generally, an ERISA plan participant can select just about anyone to be their beneficiary. Typically, a plan participant selects their spouse, children, or other family members.
How to name a beneficiary on your 401(k) account Fill out the beneficiary designation form supplied by your 401(k) provider. Set your beneficiary designations directly through an online portal on your provider's website. Call your provider and choose your beneficiaries over the phone.
Generally, you can review and update your beneficiary designations by contacting the company or organization that provides your insurance or retirement plan. You can sometimes do this online. Otherwise, you'll have to complete, sign, and mail a paper form.