SAMPLE LETTER TO OPM:

When an annuitant’s spouse dies, the
annuitant should act as soon as possible to
SAMPLE LETTER TO OPM:
(Include only those paragraphs that apply.)
send OPM a copy of the death certificate,
along with other applicable
requests and
statements (discussed in the sample letter).
If difficulty is encountered, the annuitant
should outline the problem and ask for assistance in a letter addressed to the Retirement
Benefits Service Department.
Restoration of Full Annuity
Where an annuitant has elected a reduction in annuity to provide a spousal survivor
benefit and the annuitant’s spouse later dies,
the annuitant is entitled by law to have the
reduction eliminated and to receive the full
annuity rate retroactive to the first of the
month after the spouse’s death. The annuitant should, without delay, write directly to:
Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
Boyers, PA 16017
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The letter should contain the annuitant’s
full name, date of birth, Social Security
number, civil service retirement (CSA) claim
number, and a copy of the death certificate.
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IMPORTANT
Federal Income Tax Withholding
Several other items should be covered in
If federal income tax is withheld from the
the letter, if applicable to the annuitant’s
annuity and the annuitant wishes to change
individual situation. These require request-
the amount withheld, the annuitant with
ing forms which will be sent by OPM as
touchtone telephone should call OPM at 1-
soon as possible. Each form comes with
800-409-6528, otherwise write: Office of
instructions.
Personnel Management, Allotment Branch,
Death
P.O. Box 961, Washington, DC 20044.
Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program (FEHBP)
If there are no minor or disabled children or others needing coverage, the annui-
Upon receipt of the request from the
annuitant, OPM will change the withholding
as the annuitant indicates. No forms are
required.
tant should request a change in enrollment
from family to self only.
Designation of Beneficiary
Review of Will and Other
Documents
of an
The annuitant’s legal advisor should be
If the annuitant wishes to designate a
consulted to review annuitant’s will and all
new beneficiary for federal employees group
important financial and estate-related docu-
life insurance (FEGLI) and any unexpended
ments. Substantial changes may be needed
balance in the retirement fund, the letters
right away.
should request standard forms SF 2823,
Annuitant’s
(FEGLI) and SF 2808, (CSRS) or SF 3102
(FERS).
Spouse
Family Life Insurance
If the deceased spouse was covered by
option C-family life insurance, the annuitant should also request FEGLI form FE6DEP, Statement of Claim.
6 0 6 N o r t h Wa s h i n g t o n S t r e e t
Alexandr ia, Virginia 22314-1914
(703) 838-7760 • FAX (703) 838-7782
h t t p : / / w w w. n a r fe . o rg
F-25A (06/00)