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# Retirement Eligibility Surveys

# Overview

## 2023 Disability Earnings Survey

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) officially began its Retirement Services program’s 2023 Disability Earnings Survey (DES) on Services Online as of February 14, 2024. OPM is surveying its entire population of 46,444 disability annuitants under age 60. OPM will analyze annuitants’ responses to determine if they are eligible to continue receiving benefits. We will also verify if they have earned over the 80% earnings limit during any employment in the 2023 tax year after they began receiving benefits. When this limit is met or exceeded, annuitants are considered restored to earnings capacity and their benefits will cease as of June 30, 2024.

All disability annuitants under age 60 (excluding appointed representative payees, guardians, conservators, and organizational payees) were sent notifications via mail or email. The notifications announced the opening of the survey through Services Online along with further instructions on how to complete the survey:
                - During the week starting January 21, 2024, all members of the survey population who did not have an active Services Online account were sent notification by  mail .
                - Email  notification was sent on Tuesday, January 22, 2024, to all members of the survey population who had an active Services Online Account.

Both notifications provided additional Services Online survey completion instructions. The 2023 DES is available on Services Online as of Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Annuitants may submit their reported earnings through Services Online from February 14, 2024, through June 30, 2024. We ask that all annuitants complete the survey, regardless of whether they had earned income in 2023.

All disability annuitants who have appointed representative payees, organizational payees, or court appointed guardians or conservators will be mailed a paper survey no later than April 1, 2024. 

Annuitants are encouraged to call the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 (Mon – Fri, 7:40 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET) for any inquiries regarding the 2022 Disability Earnings Survey.

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## Marital Status Certification Survey

Retirement Services mails Marital Status Certification Survey forms to surviving spouses who receive survivor annuity benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS). Statutory provisions under CSRS and FERS require OPM to terminate a survivor annuity benefit if a survivor annuitant remarries prior to turning age 55, unless the surviving spouse was married to the deceased for at least 30 years prior to his or her death. OPM sends the Marital Survey to survivor annuitants annually to determine their continued entitlement under these provisions.

**If you receive this benefit, you must complete this survey form**. Your form must be signed, dated, and include your daytime telephone number and email address to be considered complete.

You must complete and return this form within 30 days of the date on the form. You may fax your form to Retirement Surveys and Students Branch at (202) 606-0022 or mail it to:

Office of Personnel Management Retirement Surveys & Students Branch Marital Survey Form Enclosed 1900 E Street, NW, Room 2416 Washington, DC 20415

If you have questions about this form, you may call the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 (open Monday to Friday, 7:40 a.m.– 5:00 p.m. ET).

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## The Student Certification Survey

OPM administers annuity (retirement) benefits for the federal workforce through the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS).

If you are the adult child, aged 18 to 22, of a deceased federal employee or retiree, you may be eligible to receive your deceased parent’s monthly annuity payment (“survivor benefit”) if you are enrolled full time in a qualifying educational program. To be eligible for this benefit, you must maintain full-time enrollment at an educational institution. Your grades do not affect your eligibility.

Survivor benefits are not awarded automatically, and so you will need to submit paperwork to OPM, which we will use to determine your eligibility.

### New Adult Child Survivor Benefit Applicants

If this is your first time applying for an adult child survivor benefit, you will need to submit these documents:
                - Either a “ CSRS Application for Death Benefits ” (SF-2800) or “ FERS Application for Death Benefits ” (FERS SF-3104), depending on which retirement program your deceased parent participated in. If you aren’t sure, call us at 888-767-6738 Monday through Friday from 7:40 am to 5:00 pm EST/EDT for help.
                - A completed “ Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance ” (RI 25-41) form
                - A copy of your parent’s death certificate.

Mail these documents to:

U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementP.O. Box 45Boyers, PA 16017-0045

*Have questions?* Call our Retirement Information Office at 888-767-6738 Monday through Friday from 7:40 am to 5:00 pm EST/EDT. It will help to know your parent’s birthdate and Social Security number.

### Adult Child Survivors Currently Receiving Student Benefits

Every year by law, OPM must confirm your eligibility to continue receiving a survivor benefit. If you are currently receiving a monthly survivor benefit, OPM’s Retirement Services office will mail you a form called “Self-Certification of Full-Time School Attendance for the School Year” (Form RI 25-14) approximately a month before your current annual certification expires.

When you receive this form, you must complete and mail it in a timely manner, so that we can recertify your ongoing eligibility for this benefit. For help filling out this form, read these instructions. Send us your completed form by email, fax, or regular mail.
                - Email:  Student.Surveys@opm.gov
                - Fax: (202) 606-0022
                - Mailing address:  U.S. Office of Personnel Management  Retirement Surveys and Students Branch, Room 2416  1900 E St, NW  Washington, DC 20415.

*Note*: If your survivor benefit has been suspended for five months or longer, you should submit the form called “Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance” (Form RI 25-41) instead.

*Need help?* For any ongoing Student Benefit eligibility questions that cannot be addressed by the Retirement Information Office at 888-767-6738, please email us at Student.Surveys@opm.gov or call us at 202-606-0249.

### About This Benefit

Entitlement to an adult child survivor annuity based on enrollment as a full-time student is governed by sections 8341(a)(4)(C), (e)(2)-(4) of title 5, United States Code, and section 831.672 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (if covered under CSRS); and sections 8441(4)(c) and 8443 of title 5, United States Code, and section 843.410 of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations (if covered under FERS).

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## The Representative Payee Survey

Retirement Services mails Representative Payee Surveys to payees receiving benefits on behalf of annuitants, surviving spouses, and disabled dependents who are not able to manage their financial affairs. To protect the annuity rolls, we send this survey to ensure that the beneficiary is still living, to confirm that the person receiving the benefits on behalf of an annuitant is still the payee of record, and that the payee is using the annuity in the best interest of the annuitant.

All Representative Payees must complete and mail the Representative Payee Survey to:

**U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementRetirement Surveys and Students BranchRep Payee Survey1900 E Street NW, Room 2416Washington, DC 20415**

Once we receive your survey, we will screen it for completeness and compare it to our records to confirm no changes are necessary. If we find any discrepancies, we will request additional information. Representative Payees have 30 days from the date of receipt to complete and return the survey by mail. Benefits will be suspended if you do not reply to the survey.

If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738, Monday through Friday, 7:40 AM EST to 5:00 PM EST.

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## FERS Annuity Supplement Earnings Survey

Retirement Services mails in April and May of each year the Annuity Supplement Earnings Report form (Retirement Services Internal Form [RI] 92-22). Applicable annuitants are required to use this form to report any wages they received during the immediate previous tax year. This form is mailed each year to our retirement population of non-disability annuitants between their current Minimum Retirement Age (MRA) and age 62. You can find your individual MRA at Eligibility (opm.gov).

Certain Federal Employees’ Retirement System (FERS) non-disability annuitants who retire before age 62 are entitled to an annuity supplement in addition to their basic FERS annuity benefit. This supplement provides a benefit similar to Social Security benefits that annuitants would be eligible to receive from the Social Security Administration (SSA) had the annuitants retired at age 62.

Salary and/or wages the annuitant earns after retirement can affect continued receipt of the annuity supplement. Therefore, the supplement is subject to an earnings test. OPM mails out the Annuity Supplement Earnings Report form to the annuitants in this category every year while they are in receipt of an annuity supplement. Annuitants use the form to report any wages and/or self-employment income (i.e., other than annuity benefits) earned the previous tax year. Annuitants must sign and date their completed survey response and provide their daytime telephone number. All forms must be fully completed and returned (if applicable per form instructions) no later than June 30 each year.

Annuitants are encouraged to call the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 (Monday – Friday, 7:40 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET) for any inquiries regarding the annual Annuity Supplement Earnings Report form.

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# Disability Earnings Survey FAQs

                -  Is there an alternative way to submit my 2023 earnings other than through SOL?View more  Unless you have an assigned Representative Payee, Organizational Payee, or Court Appointed Guardian or Conservator to manage your benefits, then you must submit your 2023 earnings through SOL. 
                -  I am a retiree receiving disability benefits and my SOL account has been suspended. How do I unlock my account?View more  On theaccount linking screen, first try toreset your Services Online password using the automated password reset process. It that is unsuccessful, please contact the Retirement Information Office toll free at 1-888-767-6738 (Mon-Fri from 7:40 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time). If you encounter problems with your login.gov credentials, please call 1-844-875-6446 or send an email through www.login.gov/contact/ stating your access problem. 
                -  Where can I locate the Disability Earnings Survey on SOL?View more  Use the following link www.servicesonline.opm.gov to gain access to SOL. Within SOL, during the Survey period, a link to the survey will be located at the bottom of the main Menu options. 
                -  If I submitted my earnings information using Services Online, will I receive a confirmation?View more  Yes, if you submitted your earnings using Services Online will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours of your successful submission of your earnings. You will also be able to confirm your survey submission in the "Transaction History" option in the Services Online menu. 
                -  I submitted the wrong reported earnings on the DES on SOL, can I resubmit my earnings again through SOL?View more  No, you must request and complete a paper 2023 DES form and mail it back to OPM for processing. 
                -  Do I have to report my benefits as earnings on the Disability Earnings Survey?View more  No, do not report your benefits as earnings on the Disability Earnings Survey. You only need to report your gross employment earnings and/or your net self-employment earnings. 
                -  How long do I have to submit my work earnings in Services Online?View more  You will be able to submit your earnings via Services Online through June 30, 2024. 
                -  Why was my disability annuity suspended by the Retirement Surveys and Students Branch?View more  All disability annuitants who were mailed a paper notice reminding them of the upcoming 2023 DES on SOL must have their annuity suspended if the paper notice reminder was returned to the Retirement Surveys & Students Branch as undeliverable. If the mailing address on record had not been updated since Jan 5, 2024, then the annuity is placed in suspension. 
                -  What do I need to do to restore my annuity?View more  Please contact the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 so that you may be directed to the appropriate specialist within the Retirement Surveys and Students Branch so that a current mailing address can be confirmed, a new Disability Earnings Survey mailed, and your annuity can be restored. 
                -  I only received federal disability retirement and Social Security benefits as income in 2023. Is this considered earned income?View more  No, this is not considered earned income. For Representative/Organizational Payees and Guardians/Conservators an explanation can be found on the back of the mailed “Annuitant’s Report of Earned Income for 2023.” (RI 30-2) 
                -  I received either unemployment compensation, workers compensation, withdrawal of money from my TSP or 401K plan. Is this considered earned income?View more  No, unemployment compensation, workers compensation, and TSP or 401K disbursements are not considered earned income. 
                -  I received earned income before the effective date of my disability retirement. Is this considered earned income?View more  No, income earned before the effective date of your disability retirement does not count as earned income. 
                -  I did not have any earned income in 2023. Do I need to complete and submit the Disability Earnings Survey?View more  Yes, please complete the form along with placing all Zeros in Reporting Earnings field. 
                -  I received a "restored to earning capacity" termination letter. How do I apply for reinstatement of my disability annuity?View more  Your disability annuity was terminated because your reported earned income for 2023 met or exceeded your 80% restored to earning capacity limit. If you believe your 2023 earned income is below your 80% restored to earning capacity limit, fax a letter of request for a restoration of disability annuity package to (202) 606-0022 with an ATTENTION to: Retirement Surveys and Students-Request for DES Restoration. Please also include your completed 2023 Tax Return with all associated W-2s. 
                -   What does the term 'Earned Income' Mean?View more  
"Earned Income" means:
- Any salary or pay you received working for someone else (including overtime, vacation pay, bonuses, and severance pay, etc.);
- If you are self-employed, any self-employment net earnings made from working or managing your own business;
- Deferred income (income you earned but didn’t receive during this calendar year); and
- If you are re-employed in Federal service, the gross income before your employing agency offsets your salary.

Generally, all income subject to Federal Employment taxes or self-employment net profit is considered earned income. Work wages are on any W-2 statement issued by an employer.

DO NOT INCLUDE MONEY EARNED BEFORE RETIREMENT.
 
                -   What is Not Considered Earned Income:View more  Income reported on form 1099 such as Civil Service Retirement benefits, annuities, pensions, Social Security benefits, Veteran’s benefits, and military retired pay, withdrawals from 401 K plans, unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, interest and dividends from savings accounts, stocks, personal loans, or home mortgages held, insurance proceeds, gifts, inheritances, estates, trusts, endowments, prizes, awards, gambling or lottery winnings, alimony/child support, scholarships or fellowships, pay for jury duty, capital gains from the sale of personal property, amounts received in court actions, and rents or royalties UNLESS received in the course of your trade or business. 

# FERS Annuity Supplement Survey FAQs

                -  When will I receive my survey? My neighbor already received theirs.View more  All applicable annuitants should receive the mailing by the end of May each year. 
                -  What do I report as earnings?View more  A. Any employment wages and/or self-employment income earned in the 2022 tax year and after both retirement and obtaining 56 years and 4 months of age. 
                -  What earnings do I use from my W2?View more  Please use the highest amount from box 1, 3 or 5. 
                -  Does foreign income count toward the earnings limit?View more  Foreign income will count towards the earnings limit if such earnings were subject to FICA tax. However, if there is a Totalization Agreement between the United States and the foreign country in question, then the foreign wages will not be counted if such wages were subject to the foreign nation’s social insurance program under the terms of the foreign nation’s agreement with the United States. The following is a listing of all current countries that the United States has a Totalization Agreement with: https://www.ssa.gov/international/agreements_overview.html. 
                -  I never received this earnings survey before. What's this about? View more  The annuity supplement portion of your monthly payment is subject to an annual earnings test. If you earn more than the exempt amount ($19,560 for 2022), you must complete and return the survey. The amount of the exempt amount (or limitation) is set by the Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/rtea.html). If you made more than the earnings limit, your supplement will be reduced $1 for every $2 you go over the limit. Your basic FERS annuity is not affected. 
                -  I didn’t have any earnings besides my annuity. Do I still need to complete and return the form?View more  If your supplement was reduced in a previous year, you need to complete and return the form. Otherwise, you are not required to return the form. 
                -  I worked, but I earned less than the exempt amount of $19,560. Do I have to return the form?View more  You do not have to return the form (unless your supplement has been reduced in a previous year). 
                -  I am an FAA Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Instructor or supervisor. Do I have to report earnings?View more  Only earnings from FAA/ATC Contracted Instructors or supervisors are excluded as of 01/01/2022 through 12/31/2022. Any other employment earnings need to be reported. **Do Not Report**: Post retirement earnings of a retired air traffic controller who is reemployed as an air traffic control instructor, or supervisor under contract with the Federal Aviation Administration, including an instructor or supervisor working at an on-site facility (such as an airport). See 5 U.S.C. § 8421a(c). 
                -  What is the exempt amount for this **current** 2023 tax year?View more  The exempt amount for 2023 is $21,240. 
                -  When will I see the difference in my check?View more  You should see the difference on the August 1, 2023, payment date. 
                -  I am self employed. What do I count as earnings?View more  You should count your **net** profit/earnings (i.e., your earnings after expenses). 
                -  I lost my supplement in a previous year and I want to get it reinstated.View more  Are you under 62 for the tax year in question? If so, request reinstatement in writing, and list your claim number, phone number, and a return address on your signed request. **Provide your 1040 tax returns for the year in question, associated W-2s (both you and spouse if filed jointly), and the Social Security Administration’s Summary of Earnings Report.** Please fax this documentation to Retirement Surveys and Students at (202) 606-0022. This documentation may also be mailed to the following address:U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementRetirement Surveys and Students, TRB-2416FERS Supplement Survey1900 E St, NWWashington, D.C. 20415 
                -  I serve in the Reserves (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) and I earned over the exempt amount. Do I have to count that as earnings?View more  Yes, all earned income through employment should be counted no matter what the source. The only exceptions are certain foreign-earned income and income earned as a FAA Contract Instructor or supervisor as explained above. 
                -  I took some money out of my TSP account. Do I count that as earnings?View more  No, only work earnings are subject to the annual earnings test. 

# Marital Survey FAQs

                -  What is the Marital Certification Survey?View more  The Civil Service Retirement law establishes that surviving spouses are not permitted to continue to receive a benefit if they remarry prior to age 55, unless they were married to the deceased for at least 30 years prior to his or her death. The Marital Survey is sent annually in response to this law. The form must be signed and dated and must include the recipient’s daytime telephone number. All forms must be completed and returned within 30 days from the date of the form. The survey is not available online. 
                -  Who is included in the Marital Certification Survey?View more  A. The Marital Certification Survey is sent to all surviving spouses under age 55 who currently receive a benefit from a deceased federal employee. 
                -  Where can I submit my completed Marital Certification Survey?View more  
The survey may be faxed to (202) 606-0022 or mailed to:

Office of Personnel Management Retirement Surveys & Students Branch Marital Survey Enclosed 1900 E Street, NW (Room 2416) Washington, DC 20415 
 
                -  What happens if a surviving spouse remarries prior to age 55View more  If married to the deceased federal employee for more than 30 years, the annuity continues. If not, the annuity is discontinued. The surviving spouse must provide documentation that confirms the remarriage and may be subject to overpayment collection as applicable. 
                -  Why are surviving spouse annuities suspended?View more  The survivor annuity is suspended if a survey is returned as undeliverable or a surviving spouse does not return a completed survey. Once OPM receives the completed survey and reviews it for continued eligibility, the annuity may be restored. 
                -  Whom do I contact with any questions or concerns about the Marital Certification Survey?View more  You may call the Retirement Information Office at 1-888-767-6738 (Monday to Friday, 7:40 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET) with any questions about the Marital Certification Survey. 

# Rep Payee Survey FAQs

                -  What is the Representative Payee Survey?View more  The Representative Payee Survey is a questionnaire sent to all representative payees on record to ensure that the beneficiary is still living and that the representative payee on record is still serving in that capacity. 
                -  Why did I receive the Representative Payee Survey?View more  You received the Representative Payee Survey because our records indicate that you have been approved to serve as the representative payee for the named retiree/survivor during the survey year. 
                -  Do I need to return this survey?View more  Yes, it is mandatory that you complete and return the survey within 30 days of receipt. 
                -  What period does this survey cover?View more  The survey period is January 1 through December 31 of the survey year in question. 
                -  What if I was approved to serve as the representative payee after January 1 of the survey year in question?View more  You should report your answers after you became the representative payee. 
                -  How should the survey be returned to OPM?View more  The survey can be faxed to (202) 606-0022 or mailed to:U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementRetirement Surveys and StudentsAttn: Rep Payee Survey1900 E St NW, Room 2416Washington DC 20415 
                -  How can I get a Representative Payee Survey?View more  ter we confirm you are the representative payee on file during the survey year in question, we can email or fax the survey form to you. 
                -  Do I need to complete and return the form if I am no longer the Representative Payee?View more  Yes, the form must be completed and returned. The form should not be forwarded to the new representative payee to complete. 
                -  The annuitant’s benefits were previously suspended for not completing the Representative Payee Survey. Will the annuitant’s account become active again? Will I, as the representative payee, receive all funds owed to the annuitant?View more  Once we receive a completed Representative Payee Survey and all other relevant documents, we will reinstate the annuity back to the date of suspension and will pay the representative payee the amount the annuitant was owed during the suspension. 

# Student Certification Survey FAQs

                -  Does the government award student survivor benefits automatically?View more  No. When a federal employee or retiree dies, the surviving parent or other person responsible for the eligible children must complete an “Application for Death Benefits” (SF-2800) and the “Initial Certification of Full-Time School Attendance” (RI 25-41) certification form. Please send these completed forms, in addition to a death certificate to the following address:U.S. Office of Personnel ManagementP.O. Box 45Boyers, PA 16017 
                -  Does OPM pay annuity benefits to minor children (under age 18)?View more  Yes, OPM pays annuity benefits to minor children under a separate survivor child benefit. Payments are made to the following on behalf of the minor children:                    -  To a court-appointed guardian or other fiduciary; or 
                  -  To the surviving parent or other person who has care and custody of the children. 
                -  How does OPM pay annuity benefits to individuals who are between 18 and 22 years of age and are considered a full-time student? View more  Annuity payments are paid as follows:                    -  Annuity benefits can be paid to a student beneficiary who is at least 18 years of age. The student may request to receive the payment directly; or 
                  -  Alternately, annuity benefits can also be paid to the representative payee if the student is not able to handle their own affairs. 
                -  What are the requirements to receive monthly student survivor annuity benefits?View more  The following are the requirements:                    -  The child must be the unmarried survivor of a federal employee who has 18 months of creditable civilian service or of a civil service retiree. A “child” includes an adopted child, stepchild, or recognized child born out of wedlock; and 
                  -  The child must have been a dependent of the deceased employee or retiree. A child is considered dependent if they:                      -  Were born within wedlock to the deceased employee or retiree; or 
                    -  Are an adopted child of the deceased employee or retiree or meet all the following conditions:                        -  The child lived with the deceased; 
                      -  The deceased filed a petition to adopt the child; and 
                      -  The child was adopted by the surviving spouse after the employee or retiree died; or 
                    -  Are a stepchild or recognized child born out of wedlock who lived with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship at the time of the employee or retiree’s death; or 
                    -  Are a recognized child born out of wedlock for whom a judicial determination of support has been obtained; or 
                    -  Are a recognized child born out of wedlock for whom proof exists that the deceased employee or retiree made regular and substantial contributions to the child’s support. 
                -  What are the allowable educational institutions?View more  The following are allowable educational institutions:                    -  High schools; 
                  -  Technical or vocational institutes; 
                  -  Business schools; 
                  -  Junior or community colleges; 
                  -  Colleges; and 
                  -  Universities. 
                -  What is considered “full-time enrollment” at each of the allowable educational institutions?View more                      -  *For a High School*:                      -  25 to 35 hours of class attendance. (Special programs generally require a minimum of 20 hours per week.); or 
                    -  Work-Study Programs – Generally require some regularly scheduled class attendance in combination with work periods. The combination of class attendance along with work periods may constitute a full-time course of study. High school work-study programs are considered full time if the school gives the student credit for successfully completing the work-study program; 
                  -  *For Technical or Vocational Institutes*:                      -  25 or more clocked hours each week in activities related directly to training in the school. 
                  -  *For Business Schools, Junior or Community Colleges, and Colleges or Universities*:                      -  Must be an accredited educational institution. 
                    -  Must be enrolled in a full-time course of study.                        -  A full-time course of study or training is generally considered 12 semester or quarter credit hours, allowing the student to graduate in the normal length of time (or what is considered a full-time course of study for the specific educational institution the student is attending). 
                      -  *Cooperative Programs* – Generally, these are not considered a full-time course of study or training. However, if the student receives full-time academic credit in a cooperative program and is not receiving pay primarily as an employee, the student may meet the eligibility criteria for retaining survivor benefits between 18 and 22 years of age as a student regularly pursuing a full-time course of study or training. 
                -  When do Annuity Benefits stop for the student?View more  Annuity benefits stop when the student:                    -  Turns 22; or                      -  However, if their 22nd birthday falls on or after September 1 and before the following July 1, payments continue until the end of the month preceding the one in which full-time schooling stops or the following June 30, whichever comes first. For example, if a student turns 22 on September 1 and finishes full-time schooling the following May 10, they will receive their last monthly annuity payment on May 1 for the month of April. 
                  -  Marries; or 
                  -  Dies; or 
                  -  Stops attending school; or 
                  -  Transfers to a non-accredited school; or 
                  -  Changes to less than a full-time course of study or training; or 
                  -  Enters military service or a U.S. military service academy (such as the U.S. Naval Academy); or 
                  -  Fails to submit required proof that they are a student regularly pursuing a full-time course of study or training.