What are the Survivor Benefits Under FERS?

FERS survivor benefits are designed to provide financial support to the surviving family members of federal employees who pass away. These benefits help ease the financial burden on the family during a difficult time.

It's important to note that survivor benefits under FERS can vary based on individual circumstances, including the length of federal service, marital status, and specific details of the employee's situation. Below is a simplified explanation of survivor benefits. For a more in-depth look at these benefits see our article, "FERS Employee Survivor Benefits".

What are the Survivor Benefits Under FERS?

HAZZARDOUS CONDITIONS MERIT SPECIAL BENEFITS

Survivor benefits are not the same as life insurance benefits. For an in-depth look at the life insurance provided to federal employees please see our article 'What is FEGLI & How Does it Work?'.

Basics of Employee Survivor Benefits

Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs): Law enforcement officers, including federal agents, park rangers, and other similar positions, have special retirement rules. They can retire earlier than regular FERS employees and are eligible for enhanced retirement benefits based on their service. LEOs who meet specific criteria can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years of service.

Firefighters: Firefighters, including federal firefighters, have their own set of special retirement rules. Similar to LEOs, firefighters can retire earlier than regular FERS employees and receive enhanced retirement benefits. Qualified firefighters can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years of service.

Air Traffic Controllers: Air traffic controllers also have special retirement provisions. They can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years of service. These provisions recognize the high-stress nature of air traffic control positions.

Customs and Border Protection Officers (CBPOs): Customs and Border Protection Officers have specific retirement rules that allow them to retire earlier than regular FERS employees. CBPOs can retire at age 50 with 20 years of service or at any age with 25 years of service.

It's important to note that the specific requirements and benefits associated with these special retirement provisions may vary, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. If you are in a high-risk occupation covered by one of these special provisions, it's recommended that you consult with your agency's HR department, OPM or a licensed financial professional who specializes in FERS planning and benefits.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS & BENEFITS

Applying for Benefits

Contact the personnel office of the Federal agency where the employee worked. You should complete the Application for Death Benefits, Standard Form (SF) 3104(PDF file) and attach any other forms and/or evidence as the application or circumstances require. Attach a copy of the employee’s death certificate and a copy of the certificate of the marriage to the widow or widower. Give the application to the personnel office. If you are the surviving spouse or former spouse, you and deceased person’s employing agency should also complete Form (SF) 3104B(PDF file) Standard Documentation and Elections in Support of Application for Death Benefits when Deceased was an Employee at the Time of Death. A widow or widower who is claiming benefits for himself/herself and on behalf of children should file one application.

Again, it is important to note that the specific requirements and benefits associated with survivor benefits may vary, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Additionally, the information on this page is not exhaustive. If you are in the circumstance where you are in need of applying for survivor benefits, it's recommended that you consult with your agency's HR department, OPM or a certified Federal Retirement Consultant (FRC) for detailed and up-to-date information.

SPECIFIC GUIDANCE FOR APPLYING FOR SURVIVOR BENEFITS

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