Pennsylvania Statutes Title 24 Pa.C.S.A. Education § 8349. Payment of benefits from the system

(a) Annuities.--Any annuity granted under the provisions of this part and paid from the fund shall be paid in equal monthly installments commencing by the required beginning date.

(b) Death benefits.--If the amount of a death benefit payable from the fund to a beneficiary of a member under section 8347 (relating to death benefits) or under the provisions of Option 1 of section 8345(a)(1) (relating to member's options) is $10,000 or more, such beneficiary may elect to receive payment according to one of the following options:

(c) Death or absence of beneficiary.--If the beneficiary designated by a member should predecease him or die within 30 days of his death, or if a valid nomination of a beneficiary is not in effect at his death, any money payable to a beneficiary shall be paid to the estate of the member.

(d) Required distributions.--All payments pursuant to this section shall start and be made in compliance with the required beginning date, minimum distribution requirements and incidental death benefit rules of IRC § 401(a)(9).