Protect Your Heirs

To make sure the savings in your 401(k) retirement plan are distributed as you wish, you need to name a beneficiary. Naming a beneficiary for your retirement plan savings and keeping the designation up to date is important. If you’ve recently been married, divorced or had a child, it may be a good time to revisit your beneficiary designation.

Designating a beneficiary online is easy

You can easily and securely designate a beneficiary or update your beneficiary information online at www.vanguard.com

Follow these simple steps to access your beneficiary information:

  • Long on to your account at www.vanguard.com
  • Select My Profile (If you have multiple accounts with Vanguard, you may need to select Employer plans before you click My Profile)
  • Select Beneficiaries

Note: If you are not registered for online account access, go to www.vanguard.com/register. You will need your plan number, which can be found on your most recent statement.

Prefer a Form?

Request a copy of the Beneficiary Designation form by contacting Vanguard Participant Services at 1-800-523-1188, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, or request a form online at www.vanguard.com.

  • Select "Go to the Personal Investors Site"
  • Click the "Plan Summary" tab
  • On the "Plan Summary" page, click "Forms" which is located in the top tool bar. (If you are in more than one Union Pacific plan, you will need to select a plan name from the drop down menu to access the Plan Summary page.)
  • Click "Plan-specific forms"
  • Click "Beneficiary Designation"

Note: Participants in the C&NW Profit Sharing Retirement Savings Plan, Plan 092428, will need to complete a paper beneficiary designation form.