(1) A retiree, alternate payee, or contingent annuitant shall make the selection of beneficiary in writing and on the form provided by MPERA, dated and signed by the individual participant, and witnessed by a disinterested third party. 

(2) Except as provided in (3), the designation of beneficiary shall be effective immediately upon filing with MPERA.

(3) If a retirement system member who has applied for retirement dies prior to receipt of their initial retirement benefit, the member's beneficiary must revert to the beneficiary or beneficiaries designated on their retirement system membership form.