NHRS doesn't publish the factors behind Options 1 to 4, so this page describes them in words only. Our calculator shows the Maximum Retirement Allowance in dollars and nothing else.
The 7 choices
| Option | What it does | To survivor |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Retirement Allowance | The maximum pension payable until death. At death, beneficiaries get any accumulated contributions at retirement minus all annuity payments received. | none |
| Option 1 | A reduced pension until death; at death a lump sum of accumulated contributions at retirement minus all member annuity payments received. | none |
| Option 2 (100% Survivorship) | Reduced pension; up to 100% continues to the primary beneficiary(ies) for life. | 100% |
| Option 3 (50% Survivorship) | Reduced pension; 50% continues to the primary beneficiary(ies) for life. | 50% |
| Option 4(A) (100% pop-up) | Like Option 2; if the beneficiary dies first, the pension pops up to the Maximum Retirement Allowance. | 100% |
| Option 4(B) (50% pop-up) | Like Option 3, with the pop-up. | 50% |
| Option 4(C) (custom) | A customized percentage (other than 50% or 100%) or a flat amount to the beneficiary(ies); subject to Board of Trustees approval. | custom |
NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF pp. 1-2; NHRS page 'Benefit Payment Options'; NHRS Service Retirement Booklet (Rev 7/2023), PDF pp. 4-5; RSA 100-A:13
Survivorship reductions depend on the option, the member's age and each primary beneficiary's age. A single beneficiary can be any one person; multiple beneficiaries under a Survivorship Option can only be the member's spouse and children. Option or beneficiary changes are allowed within 120 days after the date of NHRS's original notice of retirement (exceptions in law). A beneficiary may renounce at any time and the benefit pops up to the maximum. NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF pp. 1-2; NHRS page 'Benefit Payment Options'; NHRS Service Retirement Booklet (Rev 7/2023), PDF pp. 4-5; RSA 100-A:13
NHRS publishes no factors for Options 1-4; the reduction depends on the member's and beneficiaries' ages. The engine shows only the Maximum Retirement Allowance.
Maximum Retirement Allowance only.
What would settle it: An NHRS estimate or the My Account calculator.
Choosing
- No one depends on your pension? The Maximum Retirement Allowance pays the most. Option 1 pays slightly less but guarantees that whatever is left of your own contributions goes to your beneficiary.
- A spouse or partner who'd need the income? Option 2 continues the whole pension to them; Option 3 continues half. The bigger the share and the younger they are, the larger your reduction.
- Worried your beneficiary might die first? Options 4(A) and 4(B) "pop up" to the maximum if that happens.
- Something in between? Option 4(C) lets you name a different percentage or a flat amount, if NHRS's Board approves.
Ask NHRS for an estimate showing each option with your beneficiary's date of birth before you file. You can change your mind for a while after you retire, but not forever.
If you die before you retire
Active (or service-retirement-eligible) members may pre-select a maximum Survivorship Option: if they die before filing for retirement, the beneficiary gets a lifetime pension equal to the 100% Survivorship Option as if retirement occurred the day before death. Not automatic; a notarized form is required and the election ends when NHRS receives a retirement application. Group I Summaries (Rev. 10/2024), PDF p. 2, Pre-Selection of a Survivorship Option; NHRS page 'Pre-retirement Death Benefits' More in death and survivor benefits.
No lump sum, no DROP
No DROP or partial lump-sum option appears in NHRS's Group I publications or RSA 100-A sections read. NHRS page 'Benefit Payment Options'; RSA 100-A:13
- At retirement you choose: the Maximum Retirement Allowance; Option 1 (slightly lower, with any remaining contributions paid at death); Option 2 (100% to your beneficiary for life); Option 3 (50%); Options 4(A) and 4(B) (100% or 50% with a 'pop-up' to the maximum if your beneficiary dies first); or Option 4(C), a custom amount the Board must approve.NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF p. 1; RSA 100-A:13, III
- Check with NHRSThe reduction for a survivor option depends on the option, your age and your beneficiary's age. NHRS doesn't publish the factors; ask NHRS for an estimate.NHRS doesn't publish option factors, so we show only the Maximum Retirement Allowance in dollars.NHRS page 'Benefit Payment Options'
- You can change your option or beneficiary within 120 days after NHRS's original notice of retirement. After that only a few exceptions apply. A beneficiary can renounce at any time, which pops your pension up to the maximum.NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF p. 2; RSA 100-A:13, I-II
- Multiple beneficiaries under a survivor option can only be your spouse and children. An estate or trust can only be named under the Maximum Allowance or Option 1.NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022), PDF pp. 1-2
Next: estimate the maximum in the calculator, see how it's figured, or read about taxes on your pension.
Questions
What payment options does NHRS offer?
7: Maximum Retirement Allowance, Option 1, Option 2 (100% Survivorship), Option 3 (50% Survivorship), Option 4(A) (100% pop-up), Option 4(B) (50% pop-up), Option 4(C) (custom). The Maximum Retirement Allowance pays the most, for your life only; the others pay less so that something continues after you die.
How much less do NHRS survivor options pay?
NHRS doesn't publish the factors. The reduction depends on the option, your age and your beneficiary's age. Ask NHRS for an estimate with your beneficiary's date of birth.
Can I change my NHRS option after I retire?
Within 120 days after the date of NHRS's original notice of retirement, with a few exceptions in law after that. A beneficiary can renounce at any time, which pops your pension up to the maximum.
Source: NHRS Group I (Employee and Teacher) Member Benefits summaries, Tiers A, B and C, Rev. 10/2024, PDF p. 2. Also: NHRS Benefit Payment Options brochure (Rev 7/2022); NHRS member web pages (saved Nov. 12, 2026); NHRS Service Retirement Booklet (Rev 7/2023); RSA 100-A:13. Last reviewed .