#rbi #fersretirement #survivorbenefits Before a federal employee retires, they need to determine how much money they will leave a surviving spouse in the event of the employee’s death. There are 3 options for survivor annuity. Before making an option, consider your and your spouse’s overall income needs in your retirement planning.

Retirement Benefits Institute has trained thousands of federal employees as they make plans for federal retirement. For more information about your federal retirement benefits, go to our website at to get support.

The information contained in this video should not be used in any actual transaction without the advice and guidance of a tax or financial professional who is familiar with all the relevant facts. The information contained here is general in nature and is not intended as legal, tax or investment advice. Furthermore, the information contained herein may not be applicable to or suitable for the individuals’ specific circumstances or needs and may require consideration of other matters. RBI is not a broker-dealer, investment advisory firm, insurance company, or agency and does not provide investment or insurance-related advice or recommendations. Brandon Christy, President of RBI, is also president of Christy Capital Management, Inc. (CCM), a registered investment advisor….(read more)

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Federal Employee Survivor Benefits Explained in English

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and the additional stress of navigating financial matters can be overwhelming. However, for federal employees in the United States, there are survivor benefits in place to provide some much-needed support during such challenging times. These benefits ensure that the family members of federal employees continue to receive financial assistance and protection after the employee’s death. In this article, we will dive into the details of federal employee survivor benefits and how they work.

Survivor benefits for federal employees are administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which is responsible for managing the civil service retirement and insurance programs. These benefits cover a range of areas, including annuity payments, health insurance, and death benefits.

Annuitant Payments:
One of the primary survivor benefits for federal employees is the survivor annuity payment. This payment is a percentage of the federal employee’s annuity and is provided to the surviving spouse or eligible children. The amount of the survivor annuity is generally 50% of the deceased federal employee’s annuity, although it can be increased to 55% if the deceased employee elected a higher level of survivor benefit.

The survivor annuity payment is usually adjusted annually to account for inflation, ensuring that the surviving family members receive a steady income. However, it’s important to note that the payment for children typically ends once they turn 18, or 22 if they are full-time students.

Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB):
In addition to annuity payments, survivors of federal employees can continue to receive health insurance coverage under the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program. This coverage allows surviving family members to maintain their health insurance without any interruption.

To be eligible for FEHB coverage, the surviving spouse must have been enrolled in the FEHB program as a family member when the federal employee passed away. Surviving dependents are also eligible to continue FEHB coverage as long as they meet the required criteria.

Death Benefits:
Survivors of federal employees are also entitled to certain death benefits. These benefits can include a lump sum payment, potential proceeds from life insurance coverage, and access to any remaining Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) funds. The TSP is similar to a 401(k) retirement savings plan available to federal employees.

The lump sum death benefit payment is a fixed amount and can assist the survivors with immediate expenses related to their loved one’s passing. Additionally, the life insurance coverage and TSP funds can contribute to providing financial stability in the long term.

Applying for Survivor Benefits:
When a loved one who was a federal employee passes away, survivors need to contact the deceased employee’s agency as soon as possible to initiate the process of applying for survivor benefits. The agency will provide guidance on what documents and information are required for the application.

Survivors must complete various forms, such as the Application for Death Benefits, to ensure the prompt provision of survivor benefits. It is essential to submit the application and required documents within the designated time frames to avoid potential delays or complications.

In conclusion, federal employee survivor benefits offer critical financial support for family members during incredibly challenging times. These benefits include annuity payments, health insurance coverage, and death benefits, providing stability and protection in the face of loss. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application process is crucial for survivors to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to. The Office of Personnel Management offers detailed information and assistance to help families navigate the process successfully.