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What you or your spouse need to know

By: Rosanna Shaw
Alaskan Region Retirement Specialist

This is not an subject we talk much about but it is something we need to know. To report the death of an annuitant or survivor annuitant, one may either telephone OPM or write them as quickly as possible. To reach OPM via telephone, you may phone (202) 606-0500 or toll free 1-888-767-6738, TDD 1-800-878-5707. OPM's Survivor Express allows the payment of a survivor annuity as soon as a survivor calls. If you prefer, you may also write the OPM. The address is as follows:

U.S. Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045

Keep in mind that when corresponding with OPM, you will need to have available the social security number, date of birth, and also the retirement claim number (found on any correspondence received from OPM). After OPM receives notification that either an annuitant or a survivor annuitant has passed away, they will forward you all the necessary paperwork that will need to be completed for any benefits that will be payable. It is important to complete that paperwork as quickly as possible (normally within 30 days) to expedite the process. This will speed up the time needed to process life insurance claims and change health insurance enrollments. Keep in mind, that to make a claim for benefits, you will need to also submit a certified death certificate.

Before all the above takes place, it is essential that as an annuitant you ensure your designation of beneficiaries are current and up to date. If you're uncertain, you should complete an SF-2823 for your life insurance (SF 3102 for FERS or SF 2802 for CSRS).  OPM forms are available online, including instructions for downloading and using online forms (most require Adobe Acrobat - which is a free download from a link on OPM's site).  These forms should be submitted DIRECTLY to OPM. You may also submit a TSP-3 directly to the Thrift Savings Plan if you wish to update this designation.   TSP forms are available on the TSP web site.  Your present situation may have changed since you retired. 

Although once retired your servicing agency becomes OPM, I will be glad to answer any questions or concerns. My email address is rosanna.shaw@faa.gov or you may phone me direct at (907) 271-4986.

Note:  With Adobe Acrobat forms you can print the form exactly as it was intended to be published.  If you do not have a copy of Adobe Acrobat, you can obtain a free copy at the Adobe Website.

FAA Regional Administrator Robert Lewis
Editor, Charlie Muhs