The age at which required minimum distributions (RMDs) must begin has been changed from 70½ to 72. This change is effective for individuals who reach age 70½ after Dec. 31, 2019, and who have since left active service.

• TRS members who were subject to RMD rules in 2019 (generally, retirees who reached age 70½ by Dec. 31, 2019) will need to receive RMDs in 2020.
• TRS members who reach age 70½ after Dec. 31, 2019, will not be subject to RMD requirements until the year in which they reach age 72 (or the year they leave active service, if later).
• TRS members who were in active service and were at least age 70½ on Dec. 31, 2019, will be subject to RMD requirements in the year they leave active service.

There are also changes in how money goes to beneficiaries after a retiree's death. The Teachers' Retirement System will be sending more information as it becomes available.

The changes took place as a result of the federal Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act that was signed into law in December.