Navigating Survivor Benefits: What Happens When Benefits End
Welcome back to our comprehensive series, “Everything About Survivor Benefits.” In this segment, we’ll delve into the topic of when survivor benefits end and the various circumstances that can affect their continuation.
Understanding the End of Survivor Benefits
Survivor annuity payments are typically payable through the end of the month prior to the date of the event that caused the loss of eligibility. For instance, if a remarriage takes place in April, benefits would cease on March 31.
Ending of Benefits for Widows, Widowers, and Former Spouses
For widows, widowers, and former spouses, survivor annuities end if the survivor remarries before reaching age 55 and was married to the deceased employee or annuitant for less than 30 years. However, if the remarriage occurs after age 55, the survivor remains eligible for benefits. An annuity for a former spouse entitled based on a court order ends when the terms of the court order are met. Insurable interest annuities are payable for the life of the survivor.
Restoring Benefits
If an annuity to a surviving spouse ends due to remarriage, it can be restored if the remarriage ends. To restore the benefit, the survivor must repay any lump sum payment of retirement contributions, if applicable. For restoring a current spouse’s annuity, a written request, along with a copy of the decree of divorce, annulment, or death certificate, must be submitted. However, former spouse benefits that end due to remarriage cannot be restored.
Ending of Benefits for Children
Benefits for children end when the child turns 18, marries, or dies. Benefits for student children end when the student child turns 22, gets married, dies, stops attending school, transfers to an unrecognized school, changes to less than full-time school attendance, enters military service or a government service academy, or fails to submit self-certification of full-time school attendance.
Taking Action to Minimize Overpayments
It’s crucial to contact OPM immediately if any of the aforementioned events occur to avoid potential overpayment of benefits. Include your claim number and a copy of relevant documents, such as a marriage certificate.
Understanding the nuances of survivor benefits is essential for planning your financial future. Stay tuned for part eleven, where we’ll continue to explore important information about survivor benefits.