Survivor Benefit

Monthly Survivor Benefit

Individuals who were covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) who pass away, their surviving spouse or former spouse may be entitled to a recurring monthly survivor benefit if certain qualifying conditions are met.  A surviving spouse may qualify for an annuity if the deceased employee completed 10 years of creditable service with 18 months of that time being in the civilian service.

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Further the surviving spouse must also meet the 9 month minimum requirement of being married to the deceased to qualify for the monthly benefit.  If the federal employee’s death occurred prior to 9 months of marriage, the surviving spouse might still be eligible for the benefit if a child was born of the marriage or the employee’s death was accidental.

A former employee may qualify for the benefit if the same 9 month marriage provision is met and a valid court order is on file with the Office of Personnel Management.

Discuss your benefits with your human resources benefits specialist and always make sure you understand exactly how they apply to you and your family.

P. S.  Always Remember to Share What You Know.