Verify Your Identity to Keep Your Benefits Secure

Section 121.091(14)(g), Florida Statutes, requires the Division of Retirement (division) to verify that benefit recipients are still living. Rule 60S-4.002(9), Florida Administrative Code, contains processes for completing this verification. To address this requirement, the Florida Retirement System (FRS) has partnered with a third-party vendor to provide an online verification service. Alternatively, we allow a paper-based process.

The verification is important because some states do not send real-time date-of-death information to Florida, and it helps keep your benefits secure and directed to the right recipients.

When the Division of Retirement needs you to verify your identity, you will receive a letter and an email with instructions. Note that the email will a have direct link to begin verifying.

You are strongly encouraged to verify your identity through our Third-Party Vendor. Alternatively, you may complete our paper-based process.

Verification Method	Your Benefit	Speed & Timeline
Third-Party Vendor	Fastest, most secure option. Minimal risk of payment delay.	Minutes to Hours
Paper-Based Process	An alternative for those without online access.	Up to 8-12 Weeks for processing

By completing the verification through our third-party vendor as soon as you receive your notice, you will ensure that you receive your benefit payments on time.

FAQs

Why am I being asked to verify my identity?

To keep retirement benefit payments secure and accurate, the Division of Retirement must confirm that payees are living and eligible for benefits.

Why is the Division of Retirement using a third-party vendor? How else can I verify my identity?

For faster processing, the division uses a third-party vendor to enable you to verify your identity using your mobile phone or your computer with a webcam. As an option, you can still use the paper-based process.

How will I know if I successfully completed the verification of my identity?

Once you have verified your identity through our third-party vendor, the division will review it and will send a letter or email of completion.

Why must I verify my identity after years of receiving my retirement benefit?

Identity verification ensures your retirement benefit is secure, protecting you against social engineering and fraud.

Why can't I verify my identity over the phone?

The third-party vendor uses identifying documentation in comparison to biometric analysis, which cannot be done over the phone.