CFR Subpart F

CFR Subpart F
in effect

5 C.F.R. § 831.601 Purpose and scope.

(a) This subpart explains the annuity benefits payable in the event of the death of employees, retirees, and Members; the actions that employees, retirees, Members, and their current spouses, former spouses, and eligible children must take to qualify for survivor annuities; and the types of evidence required to demonstrate entitlement to provide survivor annuities or qualify for survivor annuities. (b) Unless otherwise specified, this subpart, except §§ 831.682 and 831.683 and the provisions relating to children's survivor annuities, only applies to employees and Members who retire under a provision of law that permits election of a reduced annuity to provide a survivor annuity.

5 C.F.R. § 831.602 Relation to other regulations.

(a) Part 838 of this chapter contains information about former spouses' entitlement to survivor annuities based on provisions in court orders or court-approved property settlement agreements. (b) Subpart T of this part contains information about entitlement to lump-sum death benefits. (c) Parts 870, 871, 872 and 873 of this chapter contain information about coverage under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Program. (d) Part 890 of this chapter contains information about coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. (e) Section 831.109 contains information about the administrative review rights available to a person who has been denied a survivor annuity or an opportunity to make an election under this subpart. (f) Subparts C and U of this part contain information about service credit deposits by survivors of employees or Members.

5 C.F.R. § 831.603 Definitions.

As used in this subpart— CSRS means subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code. Current spouse means a living person who is married to the employee, Member, or retiree at the time of the employee's, Member's, or retiree's death. Current spouse annuity means a recurring benefit under CSRS that is payable (after the employee's, Member's, or retiree's death) to a current spouse who meets the requirements of § 831.642. Deposit means a deposit required by the Civil Service Retirement Spouse Equity Act of 1984, Pub. L. 98-615, 98 Stat. 3195. Deposit, as used in this subpart does not include a service credit deposit or redeposit under sections 8334(c) or (d) of title 5, United States Code. First regular monthly payment means the first annuity check payable on a recurring basis (other than an estimated payment or an adjustment check) after OPM has initially adjudicated the regular rate of annuity payable under CSRS and has paid the annuity accrued since the time of retirement. The “first regular monthly payment” is generally preceded by estimated payments before the claim can be adjudicated and by an adjustment check (including the difference between the estimated rate and the initially adjudicated rate). Former spouse means a living person who was married for at least 9 months to an employee, Member, or retiree who performed at least 18 months of creditable service in a position covered by CSRS and whose marriage to the employee was terminated prior to the death of the employee, Member, or retiree. Except in §§ 831.682 and 831.683, former spouse includes only persons who were married to an employee or Member on or after May 7, 1985, or who were the spouse of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, regardless of the date of termination of the marriage. Former spouse annuity means a recurring benefit under CSRS that is payable to a former spouse after the employee's, Member's, or retiree's death. Fully reduced annuity means the recurring payments under CSRS received by a retiree who has elected the maximum allowable reduction in annuity to provide a current spouse annuity and/or a former spouse annuity or annuities. Insurable interest annuity means the recurring payments under CSRS to a retiree who has elected a reduction in annuity to provide a survivor annuity to a person with an insurable interest in the retiree. Marriage means a marriage recognized in law or equity under the whole law of the jurisdiction with the most significant interest in the marital status of the employee, Member, or retiree unless the law of that jurisdiction is contrary to the public policy of the United States. If a jurisdiction would recognize more than one marriage in law or equity, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will recognize only one marriage, but will defer to the local courts to determine which marriage should be recognized. Member means a Member of Congress. Net annuity means the net annuity as defined in § 838.103 of this chapter. Partially reduced annuity means the recurring payments under CSRS to a retiree who has elected less than the maximum allowable reduction in annuity to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity. Present value factor means the amount of money (earning interest at an assumed rate) required at the time of annuity commencement to fund an annuity that starts at the rate of $1 a month and is payable in monthly installments for the annuitant's lifetime based on mortality rates for annuitants paid from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund; and increases each year at an assumed rate of cost of living adjustment. Assumed rates of interest, mortality, and cost-of-living adjustments used in computing the present value are those used by the Board of Actuaries of the Civil Service Retirement System for valuation of the System based on dynamic assumptions. The present value factors are unisex factors obtained as a composite of sex-distinct present value factors. Qualifying court order means a court order that awards a former spouse annuity and that satisfies the requirements of section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, for awarding a former spouse annuity. Retiree means a former employee or Member who is receiving recurring payments under CSRS based on service by the employee or Member. “Retiree,” as used in this subpart, does not include a current spouse, former spouse, child, or person with an insurable interest receiving a survivor annuity. Self-only annuity means the recurring unreduced payments under CSRS to a retiree with no survivor annuity to anyone. Time of retirement means the effective commencing date for a retired employee's or Member's annuity.

5 C.F.R. § 831.621 Changes of election before final adjudication.

An employee or Member may name a new survivor or change his election of type of annuity if, not later than 30 days after the date of the first regular monthly payment, the named survivor dies or the employee or Member files with OPM a new written election. All required evidence of spousal consent or justification for waiver of spousal consent, if applicable, must accompany any new written election under this section.

5 C.F.R. § 831.622 Changes of election after final adjudication.

(a) Except as provided in section 8339 (j) or (k) of title 5, United States Code, or §§ 831.682, 831.684, 831.685, or paragraph (b) of this section, an employee or Member may not revoke or change the election or name another survivor later than 30 days after the date of the first regular monthly payment. (b)(1) Except as provided in § 831.613 and paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, a retiree who was married at the time of retirement and has elected a self-only annuity, or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, or a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity, or an insurable interest annuity may elect, no later than 18 months after the time of retirement, an annuity reduction or an increased annuity reduction to provide a current spouse annuity. (2) A current spouse annuity based on an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section cannot be paid if it will, when combined with any former spouse annuity or annuities that are required by court order, exceed the maximum survivor annuity permitted under § 831.641. (3) To make an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the retiree must pay, in full, a deposit determined under § 831.662, plus interest, at the rate provided under § 831.105(g), no later than 18 months after the time of retirement. (4) If a retiree makes an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section and is prevented from paying the deposit within the 18-month time limit because OPM did not send him or her a notice of the amount of the deposit at least 30 days before the time limit expires, the time limit for making the deposit will be extended to 30 days after OPM sends the notice of the amount of the deposit. (5) An election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, cancels any spousal consent under § 831.611 to the extent of the election. (6) An election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section is void unless it is filed with OPM before the retiree dies. (7) If a retiree who had elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity or former spouse annuities makes an election under paragraph (b)(1) of this section which would cause the combined current spouse annuity and former spouse annuity (or annuities) to exceed the maximum allowed under § 831.641, the former spouse annuity (or annuities) must be reduced to not exceed the maximum allowable under § 831.641.

5 C.F.R. § 831.671 Proof of eligibility for a child's annuity.

(a) Proof of paternity. (1) A judicial determination of parentage conclusively establishes the paternity of a child. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a child born to the wife of a married person is presumed to be the child of the wife's husband. This presumption may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence that the husband is not the father of the child. (3) When paternity is not established under paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section, paternity is determined by a preponderance of the credible evidence as defined in § 1201.56(c)(2) of this title. (b) Proof of adoption. (1) An adopted child is— (i) A child adopted by the employee or retiree before the death of the employee or retiree; or (ii) A child who lived with the employee or retiree and for whom a petition for adoption was filed by the employee or retiree and who is adopted by the current spouse of the employee or retiree after the death of the employee or retiree. (2) The only acceptable evidence to prove status as an adopted child under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section is a copy of the judicial decree of adoption. (3) The only acceptable evidence to prove status as an adopted child under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section is copies of— (i) The petition for adoption filed by the employee or retiree (clearly showing the date filed); and (ii) The judicial decree of adoption. (c) Dependency. To be eligible for survivor annuity benefits, a child must have been dependent on the employee or retiree at the time of the employee's or retiree's death. (d) Proof of dependency. (1) A child is presumed to have been dependent on the deceased employee or retiree if he or she is— (i) A legitimate child; or (ii) An adopted child; or (iii) A stepchild or recognized natural child who lived with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship at the time of the employee's or retiree's death; or (iv) A recognized natural child for whom a judicial determination of support was obtained; or (v) A recognized natural child to whose support the employee or retiree made regular and substantial contributions. (2) The following are examples of proofs of regular and substantial support. More than one of the following proofs may be required to show support of a child who did not live with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship and for whom a judicial determination of support was not obtained. (i) Evidence of eligibility as a dependent child for benefits under other State or Federal programs; (ii) Proof of inclusion of the child as a dependent on the decedent's income tax returns for the years immediately before the employee's or retiree's death; (iii) Cancelled checks, money orders, or receipts for periodic payments received from the employee or retiree for or on behalf of the child; (iv) Evidence of goods or services that shows regular contributions of considerable value; (v) Proof of coverage of the child as a family member under the employee's or retiree's Federal Employees Health Benefits enrollment; and (vi) Other proof of a similar nature that OPM may find to be sufficient to demonstrate support or parentage. (3) Survivor benefits may be denied— (i) If evidence shows that the deceased employee or retiree did not recognize the claimant as his or her own despite a willingness to support the child; or (ii) If evidence casts doubt upon the parentage of the claimant, despite the deceased employee's or retiree's recognition and support of the child.

5 C.F.R. § 831.672 Annuity for a child age 18 to 22 during full-time school attendance.

(a) General requirements for an annuity. (1) For a child age 18 to 22 to be eligible to receive an annuity as a full-time student, the child must also meet all other requirements applicable to qualify for an annuity by a child who has not attained age 18. (2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, OPM must receive certification, in a form prescribed by OPM, that the child is regularly pursuing a full-time course of study in an accredited institution. (b) Full-time course of study. (1) Generally, a full-time course of study is a noncorrespondence course which, if successfully completed, will lead to completion of the education within the period generally accepted as minimum for completion, by a full-time day student, of the academic or training program concerned. (2) A certification by an accredited institution that the student's workload is sufficient to constitute a full-time course of study for the program in which the student is enrolled is prima facie evidence that the student is pursuing a full-time course of study. (c) Certification of school attendance. (1) OPM may periodically request the recipient of a child's annuity payments to furnish certification of school attendance. The certification must be completed in the form prescribed by OPM. (2) If OPM requests the recipient of a child's annuity payments to provide a self-certification of school attendance, the recipient must complete and sign the certification form. (3) If OPM requests the recipient of a child's annuity payments to provide a certification by the school, the certification must be signed by an official who is either in charge of the school or in charge of the school's records. OPM will not accept certification forms signed by instructors, counselors, aides, roommates, or others not in charge of the school or the records. (i) If the educational institution is above the high school level, the certification must be signed by the president or chancellor, vice president or vice chancellor, dean or assistant dean, registrar or administrator, assistant registrar or assistant administrator, or the equivalent. (ii) If the educational institution is at the high school level, the certification must be signed by the superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent of schools, principal, vice principal, assistant principal, or the equivalent. (iii) If the educational institution is a technical or trade school, the certification must be signed by the president, vice president, director, assistant director, or the equivalent. (4) OPM will accept a facsimile signature of a school official only if it is accompanied by a raised seal of the institution or other evidence clearly demonstrating the authenticity of the certification and making unauthorized use of the signature stamp unlikely. (d) Continuation of annuity during interim breaks. A child's annuity continues during interim breaks between school years if the following conditions are satisfied: (1) The student must have been a full-time student at the end of the school term immediately before the break. (2) The break between the end of the last term of full-time attendance and the return to full-time attendance must not exceed 5 months. (See § 831.107, concerning calculation of this time period.) (3) The recipient of a child's annuity payments must show that the student has a bona fide intent to return to school as a full-time student immediately after the break. The full-time certification for the prior term and the certification (in a form prescribed by OPM) by the recipient of a child's annuity payments that the student intends to return to school (immediately after the break) as a full-time student constitute prima facie evidence of a bona fide intent to return to school. (e) Benefits after age 22. (1) A student's eligibility for a child's annuity terminates based on reaching age 22 on— (i) June 30 of the calendar year of the child's 22nd birthday if the child's birthday is before July 1; or (ii) The last day of the month before the child's 22nd birthday if the child's birthday occurs after June 30 but before September 1 of the calendar year; or (iii) June 30 of the year after the one in which the child attains age 22 if the child's birthday is after August 31 of the calendar year. (2)(i) An otherwise eligible child who becomes a full-time student after his or her 22nd birthday but before the date the annuity terminates under paragraph (e)(1) of this section is eligible for annuity while he or she is a full-time student until the termination date under paragraph (e)(1) of this section. (ii) An otherwise eligible child who is a full-time student, and whose parent dies after the child's 22nd birthday but before the date the annuity terminates under paragraph (e)(1) of this section, is eligible for annuity while he or she is a full-time student after the death of the parent until the termination date under paragraph (e)(1) of this section.

5 C.F.R. § 831.673 Rates of child annuities.

(a) (1) The rate of annuity payable to a child survivor whose annuity commenced before February 27, 1986, is computed in accordance with the law in effect on the date when the annuity began to accrue, unless the rate of annuity is recomputed under paragraph (e) of this section on or after February 27, 1986. (2) The rate of annuity payable to a child survivor whose annuity commenced on or after February 27, 1986, or was recomputed under paragraph (e) of this section on or after February 27, 1986, is computed under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the rate of annuity of a child survivor is computed under section 8341(e)(2) (i) through (iii) of title 5, United States Code, with adjustments in accordance with section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, when the deceased employee, Member or annuitant was never married to a natural or adoptive parent of that surviving child of the former employee or Member. (c) Except as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the rate of annuity payable to a child survivor is computed under section 8341(e)(2) (A) through (C) of title 5, United States Code, with adjustments in accordance with section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, whenever a deceased employee, Member, or retiree is survived by a natural or adoptive parent of that surviving child of the employee, Member, or retiree. (d) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the rate of annuity payable to a child survivor is computed under section 8341(e)(2) (i) through (iii) of title 5, United States Code, with adjustments in accordance with section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, when the deceased employee, Member, or retiree is not survived by a natural or adoptive parent of that surviving child of the former employee or Member. (e) On the death of a natural or adoptive parent or termination of the annuity of a child, the annuity of any other child or children is recomputed and paid as though the parent or child had not survived the former employee or Member.

5 C.F.R. § 831.611 Election at time of retirement of fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(a) A married employee or Member retiring under CSRS will receive a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity unless— (1) The employee or Member, with the consent of the current spouse, elects a self-only annuity, a partially reduced annuity, or a fully reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity, in accordance with § 831.612(b) or § 831.614; or (2) The employee or Member elects a self-only annuity, a partially reduced annuity or a fully reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity, and current spousal consent is waived in accordance with § 831.608. (b) Qualifying court orders that award former spouse annuities prevent payment of current spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.614. (c) The maximum rate of a current spouse annuity is 55 percent of the rate of the retiring employee's or Member's self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position under CSRS on or after October 11, 1962. The maximum rate of a current spouse annuity is 50 percent of the rate of the retiring employee's or Member's self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position covered under CSRS between September 30, 1956, and October 11, 1962. (d)(1) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $3600, if— (i) The employee's or Member's separation on which the retirement is based was on or after October 11, 1962; or (ii) The reduction is to provide a current spouse annuity (under § 831.631) for a spouse acquired after retirement. (2) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity under this section for former employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $2400 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.

5 C.F.R. § 831.612 Election at time of retirement of a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity.

(a) An unmarried employee or Member retiring under CSRS may elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity or annuities. (b) A married employee or Member retiring under CSRS may elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity or annuities instead of a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, if the current spouse consents to the election in accordance with § 831.614 or spousal consent is waived in accordance with § 831.618. (c) An election under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section is void to the extent that it— (1) Conflicts with a qualifying court order; or (2) Would cause the total of current spouse annuities and former spouse annuities payable based on the employee's or Member's service to exceed 55 percent (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) of the self-only annuity to which the employee or Member would be entitled. (d) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a former spouse annuity will terminate on the first day of the month after the former spouse remarries before age 55 or dies, or the former spouse's eligibility for a former spouse annuity terminates under the terms of a qualifying court order, unless— (1) The retiree elects, within 2 years after the former spouse's death or remarriage, to continue the reduction to provide or increase a former spouse annuity for another former spouse, or to provide or increase a current spouse annuity; or (2) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide another former spouse annuity. (e) The maximum rate of a former spouse annuity under this section or § 831.632 is 55 percent of the rate of the retiring employee's or Member's self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position under CSRS on or after October 11, 1962. The maximum rate of a former spouse annuity under this section or § 831.632 is 50 percent of the rate of the retiring employee's or Member's self-only annuity if the employee or Member is retiring based on a separation from a position covered under CSRS between September 30, 1956, and October 11, 1962. (f)(1) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $3600, if— (i) The employee's or Member's separation on which the retirement is based was on or after October 11, 1962; or (ii) The reduction is to provide a former spouse annuity (under § 831.632) for a former spouse from whom the employee or Member was divorced after retirement. (2) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section for employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $2400 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.

5 C.F.R. § 831.613 Election of insurable interest annuity.

(a) At the time of retirement, an employee or Member in good health, who is applying for a non-disability annuity, may elect an insurable interest annuity. Spousal consent is not required, but an election under this section does not exempt a married employee or Member from the provisions of § 831.611(a). (b) An insurable interest annuity may be elected by an employee or Member electing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity or annuities. (c)(1) In the case of a married employee or Member, an election under this section may not be made on behalf of a current spouse unless that current spouse has consented to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity in accordance with § 831.611(a)(1). (2) A consent (to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity in accordance with § 831.611(a)(1)) required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section to be eligible to be the beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity is cancelled if— (i) The retiree fails to qualify to receive the insurable interest annuity; or (ii) The retiree changes his or her election to receive an insurable interest annuity under § 831.621; or (iii) The retiree elects a fully or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity under § 831.685. (3) An election of a partially reduced annuity under § 831.622(b) or § 831.685 to provide a current spouse annuity for a current spouse who is the beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity is void unless the spouse consents to the election. (4) If a retiree who had elected an insurable interest annuity to benefit a current spouse elects a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity (or, with the consent of the current spouse, a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity) under § 831.622(b) or § 831.685, the election of the insurable interest annuity is cancelled. (5)(i) A retiring employee or Member may not elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity and an insurable interest annuity to benefit the same former spouse. (ii) If a retiring employee or Member who is required by court order to provide a former spouse annuity elects an insurable interest annuity to benefit the former spouse with the court-ordered entitlement— (A) If the benefit based on the election is greater than or equal to the benefit based on the court order, the election of the insurable interest annuity will satisfy the requirements of the court order as long as the insurable interest annuity continues. (B) If the benefit based on the election is less than the benefit based on the court order, the election of the insurable interest annuity is void. (iii) An election under § 831.632 of a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to benefit a former spouse by a retiree who elected and continues to receive an insurable interest annuity to benefit that former spouse is void. (d) To elect an insurable interest annuity, an employee or Member must indicate the intention to make the election on the application for retirement; submit evidence to demonstrate that he or she is in good health; and arrange and pay for the medical examination that shows that he or she is in good health. A report of the medical examination, signed and dated by a licensed physician, must be furnished to OPM on such forms and at such time and place as OPM may prescribe. (e) An insurable interest annuity may be elected to provide a survivor benefit only for a person who has an insurable interest in the retiring employee or Member. (1) An insurable interest is presumed to exist with— (i) The current spouse; (ii) The current same-sex domestic partner; (iii) A blood or adopted relative closer than first cousins; (iv) A former spouse; (v) A former same-sex domestic partner; (vi) A person to whom the employee or Member is engaged to be married, or a person with whom the employee or Member has agreed to enter into a same-sex domestic partnership; (vii) A person with whom the employee or Member is living in a relationship that would constitute a common-law marriage in jurisdictions recognizing common-law marriages; (2) For purposes of this section, the term “same-sex domestic partner” means a person in a domestic partnership with an employee or annuitant of the same sex and the term “domestic partnership” is defined as a committed relationship between two adults, of the same sex, in which the partners— (i) Are each other's sole domestic partner and intend to remain so indefinitely; (ii) Maintain a common residence, and intend to continue to do so (or would maintain a common residence but for an assignment abroad or other employment-related, financial, or similar obstacle); (iii) Are at least 18 years of age and mentally competent to consent to contract; (iv) Share responsibility for a significant measure of each other's financial obligations; (v) Are not married or joined in a civil union to anyone else; (vi) Are not the domestic partner of anyone else; (vii) Are not related in a way that, if they were of opposite sex, would prohibit legal marriage in the U.S. jurisdiction in which the domestic partnership was formed; and (viii) Are willing to certify, if required by OPM, that they understand that willful falsification of any documentation required to establish that an individual is in a domestic partnership may lead to disciplinary action and the recovery of the cost of benefits received related to such falsification, as well as constitute a criminal violation under 18 U.S.C. 1001. (3) When an insurable interest is not presumed, the employee or Member must submit affidavits from one or more persons with personal knowledge of the named beneficiary's insurable interest in the employee or Member. The affidavits must set forth the relationship, if any, between the named beneficiary and the employee or Member, the extent to which the named beneficiary is dependent on the employee or Member, and the reasons why the named beneficiary might reasonably expect to derive financial benefit from the continued life of the employee or Member. (4) The employee or Member may be required to submit documentary evidence to establish the named beneficiary's date of birth. (f) After receipt of all required evidence to support an election of an insurable interest annuity, OPM will notify the employee or Member of initial monthly annuity rates with and without the election of an insurable interest annuity and the initial rate payable to the named beneficiary. No election of an insurable interest annuity is effective unless the employee or Member confirms the election in writing, dies, or becomes incompetent no later than 60 days after the date of the notice described in this paragraph. (g) (1) When an employee or Member elects both an insurable interest annuity and a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity and/or a former spouse annuity or annuities, each reduction is computed based on the self-only annuity computation. The combined reduction may exceed the maximum 40 percent reduction in the retired employee's or Member's annuity permitted under section 8339(k)(1) of title 5, United States Code, applicable to insurable interest annuities. (2) The rate of annuity paid to the beneficiary of an insurable interest election, when the employee or Member also elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity, equals 55 (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) percent of the rate of annuity after the insurable interest reduction. The additional reduction to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity is not considered in determining the rate of annuity paid to the beneficiary of the insurable interest election. (h)(1) Except as provided in § 831.612(d), if a retiree who is receiving a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity has also elected an insurable interest annuity to benefit a current spouse and if the eligible former spouse remarries before age 55, dies, or loses eligibility under the terms of the court order, and no other former spouse is entitled to a survivor annuity based on an election made in accordance with § 831.632 or a qualifying court order, the retiree may elect, within 2 years after the former spouse's remarriage, death, or loss of eligibility under the terms of the court order, to convert the insurable interest annuity to a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, effective on the first day of the month following the event causing the former spouse to lose eligibility. (2) An election under paragraph (h)(1) of this section cancels any consent not to receive a current spouse annuity required by paragraph (c) of this section for the current spouse to be eligible for an annuity under this section. (3) When a former spouse receiving an annuity under section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, loses eligibility to that annuity, a beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity who was the current spouse at both the time of the retiree's retirement and death may, within 2 years after the former spouse's death, remarriage, or loss of eligibility under the terms of the court order, elect to receive a current spouse annuity instead of the annuity he or she had been receiving. The election is effective on the first day of the month following the event causing the former spouse to lose eligibility. (i) Upon the death of the current spouse, a retiree whose annuity is reduced to provide both a current spouse annuity and an insurable interest benefit for a former spouse is not permitted to convert the insurable interest annuity to a reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity. (j) An employee or Member may name only one natural person as the named beneficiary of an insurable interest annuity. OPM will not accept the designation of contingent beneficiaries and such a designation is void. (k)(1) An election under this section is prospectively voided by an election of a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity under § 831.631 that would benefit the same person. (2)(i) If the spouse is not the beneficiary of the election under this section, a retiree may prospectively void an election under this section at the time the retiree elects a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity under § 831.631. (ii) A retiree's election to void an election under paragraph (k)(2)(i) of this section must be filed at the same time as the election under § 831.631. (3) An annuity reduction under this section terminates on the first day of the month after the beneficiary of the insurable interest annuity dies.

5 C.F.R. § 831.614 Election of a self-only annuity or partially reduced annuity by married employees and Members.

(a) A married employee may not elect a self-only annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity without the consent of the current spouse or a waiver of spousal consent by OPM in accordance with § 831.618. (b) Evidence of spousal consent or a request for waiver of spousal consent must be filed on a form prescribed by OPM. (c) The form will require that a notary public or other official authorized to administer oaths certify that the current spouse presented identification, gave consent, signed or marked the form, and acknowledged that the consent was given freely in the notary's or official's presence. (d) The form described in paragraph (c) of this section may be executed before a notary public, an official authorized by the law of the jurisdiction where executed to administer oaths, or an OPM employee designated for that purpose by the Associate Director.

5 C.F.R. § 831.616 Elections by previously retired retiree with new title to an annuity.

(a) A reemployed retiree (after 5 or more years of reemployed annuitant service) who elects a redetermined annuity under section 8344 of title 5, United States Code, is subject to §§ 831.611 through 831.622 at the time of the redetermination. (b) A disability retiree who recovers from disability or is restored to earning capacity is subject to §§ 831.611 through 622 at the time that he or she retires under section 8336 or 8338 of title 5, United States Code. (c) A retiree who is dropped from the retirement rolls and subsequently gains a new annuity right by fulfilling the requirements of section 8333(b) of title 5, United States Code, is subject to §§ 831.611 through 831.622 when he or she retires under that new annuity right.

5 C.F.R. § 831.618 Waiver of spousal consent requirement.

(a) The spousal consent requirement will be waived upon a showing that the spouse's whereabouts cannot be determined. A request for waiver on this basis must be accompanied by— (1) A judicial determination that the spouse's whereabouts cannot be determined; or (2) (i) Affidavits by the employee or Member and two other persons, at least one of whom is not related to the employee or Member, attesting to the inability to locate the current spouse and stating the efforts made to locate the spouse; and (ii) Documentary corroboration such as tax returns filed separately or newspaper stories about the spouse's disappearance. (b) The spousal consent requirement will be waived based on exceptional circumstances if the employee or Member presents a judicial determination finding that— (1) The case before the court involves a Federal employee who is in the process of retiring from Federal employment and the spouse of that employee; (2) The nonemployee spouse has been given notice and an opportunity to be heard concerning this order; (3) The court has considered sections 8339(j)(1) of title 5, United States Code, and this section as they relate to waiver of the spousal consent requirement for a married Federal employee to elect an annuity without a reduction to provide a survivor benefit to a spouse at retirement; and (4) The court finds that exceptional circumstances exist justifying waiver of the nonemployee spouse's consent.

5 C.F.R. § 831.619 Marital status at time of retirement.

An employee or Member is unmarried at the time of retirement for all purposes under this subpart only if the employee or Member was unmarried on the date that the annuity begins to accrue.

5 C.F.R. § 831.651 Commencing and terminating dates of survivor annuities.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, current spouse annuities, former spouse annuities, children's survivor annuities, and survivor annuities for beneficiaries of insurable interest annuities under CSRS begin to accrue on the day after death of the employee, Member, or retiree. (b)(1) A current spouse annuity begins to accrue— (i) Upon attainment of age 50 when, under section 12 of the Civil Service Retirement Act Amendments of February 29, 1948, the annuity is deferred until age 50; or (ii) Upon OPM's receipt of a claim for an annuity authorized for unremarried widows and widowers by section 2 of the Civil Service Retirement Act Amendments of June 25, 1958, 72 Stat. 218. (2) A former spouse annuity begins to accrue— (i) For annuities under § 831.683, on the later of the day after date of death of the retiree or the first day of the second month after the date the application for annuity is received in OPM; or (ii) For annuities when a former spouse annuity is authorized by court order under section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, on the later of the day after the date of death of the employee, Member, or retiree or the first day of the second month after the court order awarding the former spouse annuity and the supporting documentation required by § 838.721 or § 838.1005 of this chapter are received in OPM. (c) A survivor annuity terminates at the end of the month preceding death or any other terminating event. (d) A current spouse annuity terminated for reasons other than death may be restored under conditions defined in sections 8341(e)(2) and 8341(g) of title 5, United States Code. (e) A survivor annuity accrues on a daily basis, one-thirtieth of the monthly rate constituting the daily rate. An annuity does not accrue for the 31st day of any month, except in the initial month if the survivor's (of a deceased employee) annuity commences on the 31st day. For accrual purposes, the last day of a 28-day month constitutes 3 days and the last day of a 29-day month constitutes 2 days. (f) Initial cost-of-living increases on current and former spouse annuities, and annuities to beneficiaries of insurable interest annuities are prorated under section 8340(c) of title 5, United States Code.

5 C.F.R. § 831.631 Post-retirement election of fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in cases of retirees who retired before May 7, 1985, and married after retirement but before February 27, 1986: (1) A retiree who was unmarried at the time of retirement may elect, within 1 year after a post-retirement marriage, a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity. (2) A retiree who was married and elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity at the time of retirement may elect, within 1 year after a postretirement marriage, to provide a current spouse annuity. If a retiree elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this paragraph, the election must equal the election made at the time of retirement. (3) The reduction under paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section commences on the first day of the month beginning 1 year after the date of the post-retirement marriage. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in cases involving retirees who retired on or after May 7, 1985, or married on or after February 27, 1986— (1) A retiree who was unmarried at the time of retirement may elect, within 2 years after a post-retirement marriage, a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity. (2) A retiree who was married at the time of retirement may elect, within 2 years after a post-retirement marriage— (i) A fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity if— (A) The retiree was awarded a fully reduced annuity under § 831.611 at the time of retirement; or (B) The election at the time of retirement was made with a waiver of spousal consent in accordance with § 831.618; or (C) The marriage at the time of retirement was to a person other than the spouse who would receive a current spouse annuity based on the post-retirement election; or (ii) A partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity no greater than the current spouse annuity elected for the current spouse at retirement if— (A) The retiree elected a partially reduced annuity under § 831.614 at the time of retirement; (B) The election at the time of retirement was made with spousal consent in accordance with § 831.614; and (C) The marriage at the time of retirement was to the same person who would receive a current spouse annuity based on the post-retirement election. (3)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) or (b)(4) of this section, a retiree making an election under this section must deposit an amount equal to the difference between the amount of annuity actually paid to the retiree and the amount of annuity that would have been paid if the reduction elected under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section had been in effect continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date when each difference occurred. (ii) An election under this section may be made without deposit, if that election prospectively voids an election of an insurable interest annuity. (4)(i) An election under this section is irrevocable when received by OPM. (ii) An election under this section is effective when the marriage duration requirements of § 831.642 are satisfied. (iii) If an election under paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section does not become effective, no deposit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section is required. (iv) If payment of the deposit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section is not required because the election never became effective and if some or all of the deposit has been paid, the amount paid will be returned to the retiree, or, if the retiree has died, to the person who would be entitled to any lump-sum benefits under the order of precedence in section 8342 of title 5, United States Code. (5) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a current spouse annuity will terminate effective on the first day of the month after the marriage to the current spouse ends, unless— (i) The retiree elects, within 2 years after a divorce terminates the marriage, to continue the reduction to provide for a former spouse annuity; or (ii) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide a former spouse annuity. (c)(1) Qualifying court orders prevent payment of current spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.641. (2) If an election under this section causes the total of all current and former spouse annuities provided by a qualifying court order or elected under § 831.612, § 831.632, or this section to exceed the maximum survivor annuity permitted under § 831.641, OPM will accept the election but will pay the portion in excess of the maximum only when permitted by § 831.641(c). (d) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity under this section equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $3600.

5 C.F.R. § 831.632 Post-retirement election of fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity.

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, when the marriage of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, terminates after retirement, he or she may elect in writing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity. Such an election must be filed with OPM within 2 years after the retiree's marriage to the former spouse terminates. (2) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, and whose marriage was terminated on or after May 7, 1985, may elect in writing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity if the retiree while married to the former spouse had elected, prior to May 7, 1985, a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity for that spouse. Such an election must be filed with OPM within 2 years after the retiree's marriage to the former spouse terminates. (3) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, and before February 27, 1986, and whose marriage terminated before May 7, 1985, may elect in writing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity. Such an election must be made no later than February 27, 1988. (b)(1) Qualifying court orders prevent payment of former spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.641. (2) A retiree who elects a fully or partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity may not elect to provide a former spouse annuity in an amount that either— (i) Is smaller than the amount required by a qualifying court order; or (ii) Would cause the sum of all current and former spouse annuities based on a retiree's elections under §§ 831.611, 831.612, 831.631 and this section to exceed 55 percent of the rate of the retiree's self-only annuity if the retiree's retirement was based on a separation from a position under CSRS on or after October 11, 1962, or 50 percent of the rate of the retiree's self-only annuity if the retiree's retirement was based on a separation from a position under CSRS before October 11, 1962. (3) An election under this section is void— (i) In the case of a married retiree, if the current spouse does not consent to the election on a form as described in § 831.614(c) and spousal consent is not waived by OPM in accordance with § 831.618; or (ii) To the extent that it provides a former spouse annuity for the spouse who was married to the retiree at the time of retirement in an amount that is inconsistent with any joint designation or waiver made at the time of retirement under § 831.611 (a)(1) or (a)(2); or (iii) In the case of an election under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, to the extent that it provides a former spouse annuity that exceeds the proportion of the retiree's annuity to which the former spouse would have been entitled as a current spouse annuity as of May 7, 1985. (c) An election under this section is not permitted unless the retiree agrees to deposit the amount equal to the difference between the amount of annuity actually paid to the retiree and the amount of annuity that would have been paid if the reduction elected under paragraph (a) of this section had been in effect continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date when each difference occurred. (d) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a former spouse annuity will terminate on the first day of the month after the former spouse remarries before age 55 or dies, or the former spouse's eligibility for a former spouse annuity terminates under the terms of a qualifying court order, unless— (1) The retiree elects, within 2 years after the event causing the former spouse to lose eligibility, to continue the reduction to provide or increase a former spouse annuity for another former spouse, or to provide or increase a current spouse annuity; or (2) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide another former spouse annuity. (e)(1) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $3600 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $3600, if— (i) The employee's or Member's separation on which the retirement is based was on or after October 11, 1962; or (ii) The reduction is to provide a former spouse annuity (under § 831.632) for a former spouse whom the employee or Member married after retirement. (2) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section for employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 2 1/2 percent of the first $2400 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.

5 C.F.R. § 831.661 Deposits not subject to waiver.

(a) The deposits required to elect fully or partially reduced annuities under §§ 831.622, 831.631, 831.632, 831.682, 831.684, or 831.685 are not annuity overpayments and their collection is not subject to waiver. They are subject to reconsideration only to determine whether the amount has been correctly computed. (b) [Reserved]

5 C.F.R. § 831.662 Deposits required to change an election after final adjudication.

The amount of the deposit required under § 831.622 or § 831.685 equals the sum of the monthly differences between the annuity paid to the retiree and the annuity that would have been paid if the additional annuity reduction elected under § 831.622 or § 831.685 had been in effect since the time of retirement, plus 24.5 percent of the increase in the designated base (computed as of the time of retirement) on which the survivor annuity is calculated.

5 C.F.R. § 831.663 Actuarial reduction in annuity of retirees who make post-retirement elections to provide a current spouse annuity or a former spouse annuity.

(a) Applicability of this section. This section applies to all retirees who are required to pay deposits under § 831.631 or § 831.632 and have not paid any portion of the deposit prior to October 1, 1993, or from annuity accruing before that date. (b) Other methods of payment not available. Retirees described in paragraph (a) of this section must have a permanent annuity reduction computed under paragraph (d) of this section. (c) Commencing date of the reduction. A reduction under this section commences on the same date as the annuity reduction under § 831.631 or § 831.632. (d) Computing the amount of the reduction. The annuity reduction under this section is equal to the lesser of— (1) The amount of the deposit under § 831.631 or § 831.632 divided by the present value factor for the retiree's age on the commencing date of the reduction under paragraph (c) of this section (plus any previous reduction(s) in the retiree's annuity required under this section § 831.664); or (2) Twenty-five percent of the rate of the retiree's self-only annuity on the commencing date of the reduction under paragraph (c) of this section. (e) Termination of the reduction. (1) The reduction under this section terminates on the date that the retiree dies. (2) If payment of a retiree's annuity is suspended or terminated and later reinstated, or if a new annuity becomes payable, OPM will increase the amount of the original reduction computed under paragraph (d) of this section by any cost-of-living adjustments under section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, occurring between the commencing date of the original reduction and the commencing date of the reinstated or new annuity (but the adjusted reduction may not exceed 25 percent of the rate of the reinstated or new self-only annuity).

5 C.F.R. § 831.664 Post-retirement survivor election deposits that were partially paid before October 1, 1993.

(a) Applicability of this section. This section applies to all retirees who are required to pay deposits under § 831.631, § 831.632, § 831.682, or § 831.684 and have paid some portion (but not all) of the deposit prior to October 1, 1993, or from annuity accruing before that date. (b) Other methods of payment not available. Retirees described in paragraph (a) of this section must have a permanent annuity reduction computed under paragraph (d) of this section. (c) Commencing date of the reduction. A reduction under this section commences on October 1, 1993. (d) Computing the amount of the reduction. The annuity reduction under this section is equal to the lesser of— (1) The amount of the principal balance remaining to be paid on October 1, 1993, divided by the present value factor for the retiree's age on October 1, 1993; or (2) Twenty-five percent of the rate of the retiree's self-only annuity on October 1, 1993. (e) Termination of the reduction. (1) The reduction under this section terminates on the date that the retiree dies. (2) If payment of a retiree's annuity is suspended or terminated and later reinstated, or if a new annuity becomes payable, OPM will increase the amount of the original reduction computed under paragraph (d) of this section by any cost-of-living adjustments under section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, occurring between the commencing date of the original reduction and the commencing date of the reinstated or new annuity (but the adjustment reduction may not exceed 25 percent of the rate of the reinstated or new self-only annuity).

5 C.F.R. § 831.665 Payment of deposits under § 831.631, § 831.632, § 831.682, or § 831.684 under pre-October 1, 1993, law or when the retiree has died prior to October 1, 1993.

(a) If a retiree fails to make a deposit required under § 831.682 or § 831.684 within 60 days after the date of the notice required by § 831.682(e) or § 831.684(c), the deposit will be collected by offset from his or her annuity in installments equal to 25 percent of the retiree's net annuity (as defined in § 838.103 of this chapter). (b) If a retiree fails to make a deposit required by § 831.631 or § 831.632 within 2 years after the date of the post-retirement marriage or divorce, the deposit will be collected by offset from his or her annuity in installments equal to 25 percent of the retiree's net annuity (as defined in § 838.103 of this chapter). (c) If a retiree dies before a deposit required under §§ 831.631, 831.632, 831.682, or 831.684 is fully made, the deposit will be collected from the survivor annuity (for which the election required the deposit) before any payments of the survivor annuity are made.

5 C.F.R. § 831.681 Annual notice required by Public Law 95-317.

At least once every 12 consecutive months, OPM will send a notice to all retirees to inform them about the survivor annuity elections available to them, under sections 8339(j), 8339(k)(2), and 8339(o) of title 5, United States Code.

5 C.F.R. § 831.682 Election by a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, to provide a former spouse annuity.

(a) A retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, including a retiree receiving a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, may elect a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity. (b) The election should be made by letter addressed to OPM. The election must— (1) Be in writing; and (2) Agree to pay any deposit due under paragraph (c) of this section; and (3) Be signed by the retiree; and (4) Be filed with OPM before September 8, 1987. (c)(1)(i) If a retiree who is receiving an insurable interest annuity elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this section to benefit the same person, the insurable interest annuity terminates. A retiree who is receiving an insurable interest annuity at the time that an annuity is elected under this section does not owe any further deposit. (ii) If a retiree who had been receiving an insurable interest annuity, which was terminated to elect a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity for a spouse acquired after retirement, elects to provide a former spouse annuity for a former spouse who was the beneficiary of the insurable interest annuity, the retiree must deposit an amount equal to the sum of the monthly differences between the self-only annuity and a fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity (with the same base as elected to provide the former spouse annuity) from the date the insurable interest annuity terminated, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date to which each monthly difference is attributable. (2) A retiree who elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this section, to provide a former spouse annuity for a former spouse for whom the retiree had elected (during the marriage to that former spouse) a reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity, must deposit an amount equal to the sum of the monthly differences between the self-only annuity and the amount of annuity that would have been in effect had a fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity (with the same base as elected to provide the former spouse annuity) been in effect continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date to which each monthly difference is attributable, except that the retiree will not be charged for any period during which the survivor reduction was in effect for that former spouse. (3) A retiree who elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this section, and is not covered under paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, must deposit an amount equal to the sum of the monthly difference between the self-only annuity and a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity (with the same base as elected to provide the former spouse annuity) since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date to which each monthly difference is attributable. (d) If a retiree who is receiving a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this section to provide a former spouse annuity, the annuity will be reduced separately to provide for the current and former spouse annuities. Each separate reduction will be computed based on the self-only annuity, and the separate reductions are cumulative. (e)(1) In response to a retiree's inquiry about providing a former spouse annuity under this section, OPM will send an application form. The application form will include a notice to retirees that filing the application constitutes an official election which cannot be revoked after 30 days after the annuity check in which the annuity reduction first appears. (2) If the retiree returns the application electing a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this section, OPM will notify the retiree of— (i) The rate of the fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity; and (ii) The rate of the potential former spouse annuity; and (iii) The amount of the deposit, including interest, that is due as of the date that the annuity reduction is scheduled to begin; and (iv) The amount and duration of installment payments if no deposit is made. (3) The notice under paragraph (e)(2) of this section will advise the retiree that the deposit will be collected in installments under § 831.665, unless lump-sum payment is made within 60 days from the date of the notice. (4) OPM will reduce the annuity and begin collection of the deposit in installments effective with the first check payable more than 60 days after the date on the notice required under paragraph (e)(2) of this section. (f)(1) A retiree who made an election under this section prior to September 9, 1986 may modify that election by designating a lesser portion of the retiree's annuity be used as the base for the annuity reduction and the former spouse annuity. (2) Any modification under paragraph (f)(1) of this section must be in writing and received in OPM no later than the date provided for applications in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. (g) The annuity reduction resulting in a fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity under this section terminates on the first day of the month after the former spouse remarries before age 55 or dies. (h) A former spouse is eligible to receive only one survivor annuity based on the service of one employee or Member. (i) If a former spouse is entitled to a former spouse annuity based on an election under this section, but absent that election would have been entitled to a former spouse annuity under § 831.683 (i.e., filed a timely application as well as meeting all other requirements), the amount of the former spouse annuity payable will equal 55 percent of the annuity of the retiree on whose service the survivor annuity is based.

5 C.F.R. § 831.683 Annuities for former spouses of employees or Members retired before May 7, 1985.

(a)(1) The former spouse of a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985 (or of an employee or Member who died before May 7, 1985, was employed in a position covered by CSRS at the time of death, and was eligible to retire at the time of death), is entitled, after the death of the retiree, employee, or Member, to a survivor annuity equal to 55 percent of the self-only annuity of the retiree on whose service the survivor annuity is based if the former spouse, at the time of application, meets all of the following requirements: (i) The former spouse's marriage to the retiree, employee, or Member was dissolved after September 14, 1978, and before May 8, 1987. The date of dissolution of a marriage is the date when the marriage between the former spouse and the retiree, employee, or Member ended under the law of the jurisdiction that terminated the marriage, rather than the date when restrictions on remarriage ended. The date of entry of the decree terminating the marriage will be rebuttably presumed to be the date when the marriage was dissolved. (ii) The former spouse was married to the retiree, employee, or Member for at least 10 years of the retiree's, employee's, or Member's creditable service. Creditability of service is determined in accordance with section 8332 of title 5, United States Code, and subpart C of this part. (iii) The former spouse has not remarried before reaching age 55. (iv) The former spouse applies to OPM for a survivor annuity, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section and § 831.643(b), before May 8, 1989. (v) The former spouse is at least 50 years old on May 7, 1987, and when filing the application. (2) A former spouse who is not eligible for an annuity under paragraph (a)(1) of this section and who is the former spouse of a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985 (or of an employee or Member who died before May 7, 1985, was employed in a position covered by CSRS at the time of death, and was eligible to retire at the time of death), is entitled, after the death of the retiree, employee, or Member, to a survivor annuity equal to 55 percent of the self-only annuity of the retiree on whose service the survivor annuity is based if the former spouse, at the time of application, meets all of the following requirements: (i) The former spouse was married to the retiree, employee, or Member for at least 10 years of the retiree's, employee's, or Member's creditable service. Creditability of service is determined in accordance with section 8332 of title 5, United States Code, and subpart C of this part. (ii) The former spouse has not remarried after September 14, 1978, before reaching age 55. (iii) The former spouse applies to OPM for a survivor annuity, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section and § 831.643(b), before May 8, 1989. (iv) The former spouse is at least 50 years old on May 7, 1987, and when filing the application. (v) No current spouse, other former spouse, or insurable interest designee is receiving or has been designated to receive a survivor annuity based on the service of the employee, Member, or retiree. (3) If two or more eligible former spouses of a retiree, employee, or Member apply for annuities under paragraph (a)(2) of this section based on the service of the same retiree, employee, or Member, and neither meets the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the former spouse whose application OPM receives first is entitled to the annuity. (b)(1) Application must be filed on the form prescribed for that purpose by OPM. The application form will require the former spouse to certify under the penalty provided by section 1001 of title 18, United States Code, that he or she meets the requirements listed in paragraph (a) of this section. (2) In addition to the application form required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the former spouse must submit proof of his or her age and the date when the marriage to the retiree commenced, and a certified copy of the divorce decree terminating the marriage to the retiree. (3)(i) Former spouses applying for benefits under this section must meet the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section at the time of application. (ii) An annuity under this section terminates on the last day of the month before the former spouse remarries before age 55 or dies, except that a remarriage before September 15, 1978, does not cause termination of a former spouse annuity under this section. A former spouse who is receiving a former spouse annuity under this section must notify OPM within 30 days after he or she remarries before age 55. (c) Survivor annuities payable under this section commence on the later of the day after the date of death of the retiree or the first day of the second month after the application is filed under § 831.643(b). (d) Cost-of-living adjustments under section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, are applicable to annuities payable under this section. (e) If a former spouse is eligible for a former spouse annuity under this section and another current spouse annuity or former spouse annuity (under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System) resulting from the death of the same retiree, the annuity under this section will be paid instead of the other current spouse annuity or former spouse annuity.

5 C.F.R. § 831.684 Second chance elections to provide survivor benefits.

(a) A married retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, and is not currently receiving a fully or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity may elect a fully or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity for a spouse acquired after retirement if the following conditions are met: (1) (i) The retiree was married at the time of retirement and did not elect a survivor annuity at that time; or (ii) The retiree failed to elect a fully or partially reduced annuity within 1 year after a post-retirement marriage that occurred before November 8, 1984, and the retiree attempted to elect a fully or partially reduced annuity after the time limit expired and that request was disallowed as untimely. (2) The retiree applies for a fully or partially reduced annuity under this section before November 9, 1985. (3) The retiree agrees to pay the amount due under paragraph (d) of this section. (b) Applications must be filed on the form prescribed by OPM, except filing the form is excused when the retiree dies before filing the required form if: (1) The retiree made a written request, after November 8, 1984, to elect a fully or partially reduced annuity under this section, and (2) The retiree was denied the opportunity to file the required form because the retiree, without fault, did not receive the form in sufficient time for the retiree to be reasonably expected to complete the form before death. (c)(1) In response to a retiree's inquiry about providing a current spouse annuity under this section, OPM will send an application form. This application will include instructions to assist the retiree in estimating the amount of reduction in the annuity to provide the current spouse annuity and the amount of the required deposit. The application form will include a notice to retirees that filing the application constitutes an official election which cannot be revoked after 30 days after the annuity check in which the annuity reduction first appears. (2) If the retiree returns the application electing a fully or partially reduced annuity under this section, OPM will notify the retiree of— (i) The rate of the fully reduced annuity; and (ii) The rate of the potential current spouse annuity; and (iii) The amount of the deposit, including interest, that is due as of the date that the annuity reduction is scheduled to begin; and (iv) The amount and duration of installment payments if no deposit is made. (3) The notice under paragraph (c)(2) of this section will advise the retiree that the deposit will be collected in installments under § 831.665, unless lump-sum payment is made within 60 days from the date of this notice. (4) OPM will reduce the annuity and begin collection of the deposit in installments effective with the first check payable more than 60 days after the date on the notice required under paragraph (c)(2) of this section. (d) The retiree must state on the application form whether the application is made under paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section or paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section. If the application is made under paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section, the retiree must prove that he or she had attempted to elect a fully reduced annuity and that OPM rejected that application because it was filed too late. The proof must consist of a copy of OPM's letter rejecting the previous election as untimely filed or an affidavit swearing or affirming that he or she made an untimely application which OPM rejected. The affidavit is sufficient documentation to provide proof of the retiree's attempt to elect a reduced annuity, unless the record contains convincing evidence to rebut the certification. (e) A retiree who elects to provide a current spouse annuity under this section must agree to pay a deposit equal to the difference between the amount of annuity actually paid to the retiree and the amount of annuity that would have been paid if a fully reduced annuity were being paid continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date when each difference occurred. (f) The rate of a survivor annuity under this section will be computed under the laws in effect at the time of the retiree's separation from the Federal service.

5 C.F.R. § 831.685 Changes in elections to provide a current spouse annuity by a retiree who retired before May 28, 1986.

(a) Except as provided in § 831.613 and paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a retiree who retired before May 28, 1986, was married at the time of retirement, and at the time of retirement did not elect a fully reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity may elect a fully reduced annuity or a greater partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity. (b)(1) An election under paragraph (a) of this section may be made only by a retiree who is married to the same spouse to whom the retiree was married at the time of retirement. (2) A current spouse annuity based on an election under paragraph (a) of this section cannot be paid if it will, when combined with any former spouse annuity or annuities that are required by court order, exceed the maximum survivor annuity permitted under § 831.641. (3)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, to make an election under paragraph (a) of this section, the retiree must pay the deposit computed under § 831.662, in full, no later than November 28, 1987. (ii) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section, failure to pay the deposit, in full, before November 29, 1987, voids an election made under paragraph (a) of this section. (4) If a retiree makes an election under paragraph (a) of this section and is prevented from paying the deposit within the 18-month time limit because OPM did not send him or her a notice of the amount of the deposit at least 30 days before the time limit expires, the time limit for making the deposit will be extended to 30 days after OPM sends the notice of the amount of the deposit. (5) For a retiree whose annuity commenced on or after May 7, 1985, an election under paragraph (a) of this section cancels any spouse consent under § 831.611 to the extent of the election. (c) If a retiree who had elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity makes an election under paragraph (a) of this section that would cause the combined current spouse annuity and former spouse annuity (or annuities) to exceed the maximum allowed under § 831.641, the former spouse annuity (or annuities) must be reduced to conform with that allowed under § 831.641. (d) An election under paragraph (a) of this section is void unless it is filed with OPM before the retiree dies.

5 C.F.R. § 831.641 Division of a survivor annuity.

(a) Except as provided in §§ 831.682 and 831.683, the maximum combined total of all current and former spouse annuities (not including any benefits based on an election of an insurable interest annuity) payable based on the service of a former employee or Member equals 55 percent (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) of the rate of the self-only annuity that otherwise would have been paid to the employee, Member, or retiree. (b) By using the elections available under this subpart or to comply with a court order under subpart Q, a survivor annuity may be divided into a combination of former spouse annuities and a current spouse annuity so long as the aggregate total of current and former spouse annuities does not exceed the maximum limitation in paragraph (a) of this section. (c) Upon termination of former spouse annuity payments because of death or remarriage of the former spouse, or by operation of a court order, the current spouse will be entitled to a current spouse annuity or an increased current spouse annuity if— (1) The employee or Member died while employed in a position covered under CSRS; or (2) The current spouse was married to the employee or Member continuously from the time of retirement and did not consent to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity; or (3) The current spouse married a retiree after retirement and the retiree elected, under § 831.631, to provide a current spouse annuity for that spouse in the event that the former spouse annuity payments terminate.

5 C.F.R. § 831.642 Marriage duration requirements.

(a) The surviving spouse of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, or of a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, but married that surviving spouse on or after November 8, 1984, or of an employee or Member who dies while serving in a position covered by CSRS on or after May 7, 1985, or of an employee or Member who died while serving in a position covered by CSRS before May 7, 1985, but married that surviving spouse on or after November 8, 1984, can qualify for a current spouse annuity only if— (1) The surviving spouse and the employee, Member, or retiree had been married for at least 9 months, as explained in paragraph (b) of this section; or (2) A child was born of the marriage, as explained in paragraph (c) of this section; or (3) The death of the employee, Member, or retiree was accidental as explained in paragraph (d) of this section. (b) For satisfying the 9-month marriage requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the aggregate time of all marriages between the spouse applying for a current spouse annuity and the employee, Member, or retiree is included. (c) For satisfying the child-born-of-the-marriage requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, any child, including a posthumous child, born to the spouse and the employee, Member, or retiree is included. This includes a child born out of wedlock or of a prior marriage between the same parties. (d)(1) A death is accidental if it results from homicide or from bodily injuries incurred solely through violent, external, and accidental means. The term “accidental” does not include a death— (i) Caused wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, by disease or bodily or mental infirmity, or by medical or surgical treatment or diagnosis thereof; or (ii) Caused wholly or partially, directly, or indirectly, by ptomaine, by bacterial infection, except only septic infection of and through a visible wound sustained solely through violent, external, and accidental means; or (iii) Caused wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, by hernia, no matter how or when sustained; or (iv) Caused by or the result of intentional self-destruction or intentionally self-inflicted injury, while sane or insane; or (v) Caused by or as a result of the self-administration or illegal or illegally obtained drugs. (2) A State judicial or administrative adjudication of the cause of death for criminal or insurance purposes is conclusive evidence of whether a death is accidental. (3) A death certificate showing the cause of death as accident or homicide is prima facie evidence that the death was accidental.

5 C.F.R. § 831.643 Time for filing applications for death benefits.

(a) A survivor of a deceased employee, Member, or retiree, may file an application for annuity, personally or through a representative, at any time within 30 years after the death of the employee, Member, or retiree. (b) A former spouse claiming eligibility for an annuity based on § 831.683 may file an application at any time between November 8, 1984 and May 7, 1989. Within this period, the date that the first correspondence indicating a desire to file a claim is received by OPM will be treated as the application date for meeting timeliness deadlines and determining the commencing date of the survivor annuity under § 831.683 if the former spouse is eligible on that date.

5 C.F.R. § 831.644 Remarriage.

(a)(1) If a recipient of a current spouse annuity remarried before November 8, 1984, the current spouse annuity terminates on the last day of the month before the recipient remarried before attaining age 60. (2) If a recipient of a current spouse annuity remarries on or after November 8, 1984, a current spouse annuity terminates on the last day of the month before the recipient remarries before attaining age 55. (b) A former spouse annuity or eligibility for a future former spouse annuity terminates on the last day of the month before the month in which the former spouse remarries before attaining age 55. (c) If a current spouse annuity is terminated because of remarriage of the recipient, the annuity is reinstated on the day of the termination of the remarriage by death, annulment, or divorce if— (1) The surviving spouse elects to receive this annuity instead of a survivor benefit to which he or she may be entitled, under CSRS or another retirement system for Government employees, by reason of the remarriage; and (2) Any lump sum paid on termination of the annuity is repaid (in a single payment or by withholding payment of the annuity until the amount of the lump sum has accrued). (d) (1) If present or future entitlement to a former spouse annuity is terminated because of remarriage before age 55, the entitlement will not be reinstated upon termination of the remarriage by death or divorce. (2) If present or future entitlement to a former spouse annuity is terminated because of remarriage before age 55, the entitlement will not be reinstated upon annulment of the remarriage unless— (i) The decree of annulment states that the marriage is without legal effect retroactively from the marriage's inception; and (ii) The former spouse's entitlement is based on section 4(b)(1)(B) or section (4)(b)(4) of Pub. L. 98-615. (3) If a retiree who is receiving a reduced annuity to provide a former spouse annuity and who has remarried that former spouse (before the former spouse attained age 55) dies, the retiree will be deemed to have elected to continue the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity unless the retiree requests (or has requested) in writing that OPM terminate the reduction.

5 C.F.R. § 831.645 Elections between survivor annuities.

(a) A current spouse annuity cannot be reinstated under § 831.644 unless— (1) The surviving spouse elects to receive the reinstated current spouse annuity instead of any other payments (except any accrued but unpaid annuity and any unpaid employee contributions) to which he or she may be entitled under CSRS, or any other retirement system for Government employees, by reason of the remarriage; and (2) Any lump sum paid on termination of the annuity is returned to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. (b) A current spouse is entitled to a current spouse annuity based on an election under § 831.631 only upon electing this current spouse annuity instead of any other payments (except any accrued but unpaid annuity and any unpaid employee contributions) to which he or she may be entitled under CSRS, or any other retirement system for Government employees. (c) A former spouse who marries a retiree is entitled to a former spouse annuity based on an election by that retiree under § 831.632, or § 831.682, or a qualifying court order terminating that marriage to that retiree only upon electing this former spouse annuity instead of any other payments (except any accrued but unpaid annuity and any unpaid employee contributions) to which he or she may be entitled under CSRS, or any other retirement system for Government employees. (d) As used in this section, “any other retirement system for Government employees” does not include Survivor Benefit Payments from a military retirement system or social security benefits.

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