SUPPORT
FAQs
Search our FAQ library or browse by topic.
Frequently asked questions
All FAQs about forms to take money out
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requires spousal consent for certain transactions. If your employer is subject to ERISA rules or has elected to adopt the provisions, your spouse must approve and sign off on withdrawals.
Your spouse must sign the waiver in front of a Notary or, if still employed with the sponsoring institution, the designated plan representative. Please note: Your spouse’s signature cannot be dated before your signature.
Download and print the Spousal/Nonspousal Waiver email form that you received from us.
If you're not married, complete page two only. If you're married, complete only page three.
Yes. Our fax number is 800-914-8922.
You can fax lump-sum cash withdrawal forms and systematic cash withdrawal forms and have your withdrawal deposited into your bank account as long as we have your bank information on file.
How to find out if your bank is on file
TIAA would have your bank information on file if you've had any payment sent to your bank in the past. If your bank information is on file, please complete the direct deposit section of the form and write “Bank information on file” in the margin.
TIAA would have your bank information on file if you've had any payment sent to your bank in the past. If your bank information is on file, please complete the direct deposit section of the form and write “Bank information on file” in the margin.
For direct deposit requests to a checking account, you must complete the direct deposit section of the forms and attach a matching original voided check for TIAA to process the direct deposit request and the transaction. Please note that the address on your check must match the address on file and that starter checks are not acceptable.
For direct deposit requests to a savings account, complete the Direct Deposit section of the forms and attach a Letter of Authorization from the receiving bank (on the bank’s letterhead with the bank’s address), that includes the following:
• The name on the account, which must include the participant as one of the account holders.
• The address for the account owner/participant.
• The account number and account type.
• ABA Routing Number.
• Bank Signature Guarantee, including bank stamp and/or seal, from authorized bank personnel.
• The address for the account owner/participant.
• The account number and account type.
• ABA Routing Number.
• Bank Signature Guarantee, including bank stamp and/or seal, from authorized bank personnel.
If you're unsure whether your account is on file, please call us at 800-842-2252.
If your bank information isn't on file
If your bank information is not on file and you would like the funds to be sent to your bank account, you are required to mail your forms to TIAA. You can still fax your form, and a check will be sent to your mailing address.
If your bank information is not on file and you would like the funds to be sent to your bank account, you are required to mail your forms to TIAA. You can still fax your form, and a check will be sent to your mailing address.
Note: If you are requesting a check to be mailed and your address has been changed within 14 days of the withdrawal request, a Letter of Authorization on the bank’s letterhead with the bank’s address is required. The letter must include the following:
1. The name on the account, which must include the participant as one of the account holders.
2. The address for the account owner/participant.
3. The account number and account type.
4. Bank Signature Guarantee, including bank stamp and/or seal, from an authorized bank personnel. If this is not included, the withdrawal request will not be processed. Withdrawal forms requesting a check to be mailed without a Bank Signature Guarantee must be received more than 14 days after the address change.
2. The address for the account owner/participant.
3. The account number and account type.
4. Bank Signature Guarantee, including bank stamp and/or seal, from an authorized bank personnel. If this is not included, the withdrawal request will not be processed. Withdrawal forms requesting a check to be mailed without a Bank Signature Guarantee must be received more than 14 days after the address change.
Our mailing address
TIAA
P.O.BOX 1268
Charlotte, NC 28201
TIAA
P.O.BOX 1268
Charlotte, NC 28201
Our overnight address
TIAA
8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
TIAA
8500 Andrew Carnegie Blvd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Your contract number is either your TIAA number or your CREF number. These can be found in two places: your enrollment or mutual fund account confirmation documents or your quarterly statements.
That depends on your employer's plan rules. Your plan rules determine when you're eligible to withdraw funds and whether your employer's authorization is required beforehand. Please contact your benefits office to find out.
For most plans, once you receive your employer's authroization, you can indicate "on file" for any future withdrawals. Some plans require an employer's authorization for every withdrawal. A licensed retirement consultant can help you determine if you need this authorization, and can give you the names of required signers.
If you do need employer authorization, you'll need to personally present, fax, or send the form to your employer before sending the form to TIAA.
Within six months of retirement, you should contact TIAA to request the forms you’ll need to begin receiving income.
You can also receive projections for systematic cash withdrawals, fixed-period income, minimum distributions and interest-only payments.
Complete, sign and send us your completed forms about 90 days before you want to start your income. Include a record of age form for you and annuity partner (if applicable) for any lifetime income choices.
If your plan is subject to spousal rights (ERISA) and you are married, be sure to complete the spousal waiver section of your form or forms. If you're unmarried, please complete the unmarried determination section.
If you have any questions or are unsure about any of the steps, we're here to help. Call 800-842-2252.
A Medallion Signature Guarantee protects you from fraud and is necessary to comply with stock transfer rules.
For certain transactions—such as redeeming shares within 30 days of changing your address, bank account or adding news services—a Medallion Signature Guarantee is required for each owner of record on the account.
What is it?
The guarantee is an endorsement from an eligible guarantor that the signature or signatures on the request are valid. Certain commercial banks, trust companies, savings associations, credit unions and members of the U.S. stock exchange participate in the Medallion Signature Guarantee program.
The guarantee is an endorsement from an eligible guarantor that the signature or signatures on the request are valid. Certain commercial banks, trust companies, savings associations, credit unions and members of the U.S. stock exchange participate in the Medallion Signature Guarantee program.
Any other form of signature verification will not be accepted. For example, a notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee.
For more information about when a signature guarantee is required, please call 800-897-9059.
Online help
Other options
Calling us
800-842-2252
Weekdays, 8 am-10 pm (ET)
Saturdays, 9 am-6 pm (ET)
Scheduling a call
You can tell us when to call you.