CSRS Designation of Beneficiary

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FERS i 

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

 Table of Contents

Subchapter 34A Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)

Part 34A1 General Information

Section 34A1.1-1 Overview.................................................................................................................... 1 

A. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 1 

B. Topics Covered .................................................................................................................................. 1 

C. Organization of Subchapter ............................................................................................................... 2 

D. Statement of Authority ....................................................................................................................... 2 

Section 34A1.1-2 Standard Form (SF) 2808.......................................................................................... 3 

A. General ............................................................................................................................................... 3 

B. No Effect on Survivor Annuity .......................................................................................................... 3 

C. Other Types of Designations .............................................................................................................. 3 

Section 34A1.1-3 Need to Designate a Beneficiary............................................................................... 4 

A. General Rule ...................................................................................................................................... 4 

B. Order of Precedence ........................................................................................................................... 4 

C. When a New Designation is Not Required ........................................................................................ 5 

Part 34A2 Rules Regarding the Designation of a Beneficiary

Section 34A2.1-1 Who May Designate a Beneficiary .......................................................................... 6 

A. General Rule ...................................................................................................................................... 6 

B. Designation Must Be Made by a Competent Individual .................................................................... 6 

C. Who May Not Designate a Beneficiary .............................................................................................. 6 

Section 34A2.1-2 Who May Be Designated as Beneficiary ................................................................. 7 

A. General Rule ...................................................................................................................................... 7 

B. Designation of Estate ......................................................................................................................... 7 

C. Designation of a Creditor ................................................................................................................... 7 

D. Designation of U.S. Government ....................................................................................................... 8 

E. Designation of a Trust Account ......................................................................................................... 8 

F. Designation of a Contingent Beneficiary ........................................................................................... 9 

G. Witness Not Eligible as Beneficiary .................................................................................................. 9 
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Section 34A2.1-3 Validity of Designations of Beneficiary.................................................................. 10

A. General Rule ..................................................................................................................................... 10

B. Designation Must Be in Writing ....................................................................................................... 10

C. Designation Must Be Signed............................................................................................................. 10

D. Designation Must Be Witnessed ....................................................................................................... 10

E. Designation Must Be Received by OPM Prior to Death ................................................................... 11

F. Last Will and Testament ................................................................................................................... 11

Section 34A2.1-4 Items That May Cause a Designation To Be Invalid ............................................ 12

A. Items That May Cause a Designation to Be Invalid .......................................................................... 12

B. Defects That Are Acceptable on the SF 2808................................................................................... 13

Section 34A2.1-5 When Designation of Beneficiary Becomes Effective............................................ 14

A. Effective Date of Designation of Beneficiary ................................................................................... 14

Section 34A2.1-6 Payment of Shares to Beneficiaries ........................................................................ 15

A. General Rule ..................................................................................................................................... 15

B. Designations Where Shares Total Less Than 100 Percent ................................................................ 15

C. Designations Where Shares Total More Than 100 Percent ............................................................... 15

D. Deceased Beneficiaries ..................................................................................................................... 15

Section 34A2.1-7 Change or Cancellation of Designation of Beneficiary ......................................... 16

A. General Rule ..................................................................................................................................... 16

B. Designation Effective Until Canceled or Changed ........................................................................... 16

C. When a Change or Cancellation Is Permitted.................................................................................... 16

D. Preferred Language to Be Used to Cancel ........................................................................................ 16

E. Effect of Filing a New Designation ................................................................................................... 16

F. Transferring to FERS Cancels a Prior Designation ........................................................................... 16

G. Effect of Automatic FERS Coverage ................................................................................................ 16

H. Actions That Do Not Cancel a Designation of Beneficiary ............................................................... 17

Section 34A2.1-8 Miscellaneous............................................................................................................ 18

A. Designations Must Be Kept Confidential .......................................................................................... 18

B. Designations That Dispose of Voluntary Contributions .................................................................... 18

C. Miscellaneous Provisions Not Recognized ....................................................................................... 18

D. Common-Disaster Clause Is Invalid on SF 2808 .............................................................................. 19

E. Designations of Precise Amounts Instead of Shares ......................................................................... 19

Part 34A3 Procedures

Section 34A3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries................................................... 20

A. Employee Responsibility................................................................................................................... 20

B. Former Employee or Retiree Responsibility ..................................................................................... 21

C. OPM Responsibility .......................................................................................................................... 21
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CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Subchapter 34B Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Part 34B1 General Information

Section 34B1.1-1 Overview .................................................................................................................... 22

A. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 22

B. Organization of Subchapter .............................................................................................................. 22

C. Statement of Authority ...................................................................................................................... 23

Section 34B1.1-2 Applicable CSRS Provisions .................................................................................... 24

A. Applicable CSRS Provisions ............................................................................................................ 24

B. General Exceptions ........................................................................................................................... 24

C. Specific Exceptions ........................................................................................................................... 24

Section 34B1.1-3 Standard Form (SF) 3102......................................................................................... 25

A. General .............................................................................................................................................. 25

B. No Effect on Other Survivor Benefits ............................................................................................... 25

C. Other Types of Designations ............................................................................................................. 25

Part 34B2 Rules Regarding the Designation of a Beneficiary

Section 34B2.1-1 Validity of Designations of Beneficiary ................................................................... 26 

A. General Rule ..................................................................................................................................... 26 

B. Applicable CSRS Provisions ............................................................................................................ 26 

C. Employees File Designations With Employing Agency ................................................................... 26 

D. Former Employees and Retirees File With OPM .............................................................................. 26 

E. Transferees ........................................................................................................................................ 27 

Part 34B3 Procedures

Section 34B3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries.................................................... 28

A. Employee Responsibility................................................................................................................... 28

B. Former Employee or Retiree Responsibility ..................................................................................... 29

C. Employing Agency Responsibility for Current Employee Filings .................................................... 29

D. OPM Responsibility for Former Employee and Retiree Filings ........................................................ 30 

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Chapter 34A CSRS

Part 34A1 General Information

Section 34A1.1-1 Overview

A. Introduction This subchapter covers the designation of a beneficiary to receive any lumpsum benefit due under the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) upon the 

designator's death.

The lump-sum payment due upon the death of an employee, former employee, 

or retiree is the total lump-sum credit to the individual's credit in the 

Retirement Fund, and annuity accrued and unpaid on the death of a retiree. If 

a survivor is eligible for a survivor annuity, the lump-sum credit is not payable; 

however, accrued and unpaid annuity is payable.

NOTE 1: See Chapter 75, Lump-Sum Benefits, for a detailed description of the 

lump-sum credit.

NOTE 2: This Chapter does not address payment of accrued and unpaid 

survivor annuity.

B. Topics Covered  When a designation of beneficiary may be necessary;

 Who may designate a beneficiary and who may be designated;

 What makes a designation of beneficiary valid or invalid;

 How shares are paid to beneficiaries;

 How to change or cancel a designation; and

 Procedures to follow in order to designate a beneficiary or beneficiaries.
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Section 34A1.1-1 Overview (Cont.)

C. Organization of 

Subchapter

This subchapter has three parts:

Part 

 

 Name of Part 

 

Page 

 

34A1 General 1

34A2 Rules Regarding the Designation

 of a Beneficiary 6

34A3 Procedures 20

Subchapter 34B outlines the rules applicable to the designation of beneficiary under 

FERS.

D. Statement of 

Authority

This subchapter is based on the laws and regulations cited below.

 United States Code: 5 U.S.C. 8342

 Code of Federal Regulations: 5 CFR 831.2003-2006
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Section 34A1.1-2 Standard Form (SF) 2808 

A. General SF 2808, Designation of Beneficiary, Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS)

https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf2808.pdf,is used by an employee, 

former employee, or retiree participating in CSRS to designate a beneficiary or 

beneficiaries of any lump-sum amount payable upon his or her death.

B. No Effect on 

Survivor Annuity

Designation of beneficiary on SF 2808 is for lump-sum purposes only and 

does not affect the right of any individual who is eligible for survivor annuity 

benefits. Survivor annuities are --

 Payable either by operation of law, by court order, or as a result of an 

election made by a retiring or retired employee; and

 Never contingent upon a designation of beneficiary as discussed in this 

subchapter.

C. Other Types of 

Designations

The SF 2808, Designation of Beneficiary, Civil Service Retirement System, 

should not be confused with forms used for other types of benefits, such as:

 SF 3102, Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees Retirement 

System (see subchapter B);

 SF 2823, Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees' Group Life 

Insurance Program;

 SF 1152, Designation of Beneficiary, Unpaid Compensation of 

Deceased Civilian Employee; or

 TSP 3, Designation of Beneficiary, Thrift Savings Plan.
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Section 34A1.1-3 Need to Designate a Beneficiary

A. General Rule A designation of beneficiary is not mandatory. Payment of all or any part of 

the lump-sum death benefit for which there is no designated beneficiary in 

place at the time of death will be made to the person or persons who survive 

the deceased in the order of precedence established by law (see paragraph B 

below). An individual should designate a beneficiary only --

 To provide for payment to some individual or individuals who would 

not otherwise be entitled under the order of precedence;

 To specify payment of a different share to an individual than he or she 

would receive under the order of precedence; or

 When evidence of a valid marriage or divorce is not readily available. 

(For example, if an employee does not have and cannot easily secure a 

certificate of a ceremonial marriage or evidence of death or divorce 

dissolving a prior marriage, then he or she should designate a 

beneficiary).

B. Order of 

Precedence

Lump-sum payments upon the death of an employee, former employee, or 

retiree are paid to the person or persons surviving the deceased in accordance 

with the following order of precedence:

1. To the properly designated beneficiary or beneficiaries.

2. If there is no properly designated beneficiary, to the widow or widower.

3. If none of the above, to the child or children, with the share of any 

deceased child distributed among the descendants of that child.

4. If none of the above, to the parents in equal shares or the entire amount 

to the surviving parent.

5. If none of the above, to the executor or administrator of the estate, or to 

any other person who has authority under applicable State law to 

represent the deceased's estate.

6. If none of the above, to the other next of kin who are entitled under the 

laws of the domicile of the deceased at the date of the death.
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Section 34A1.1-3 Need to Designate a Beneficiary (Cont.) 

C. When a New 

Designation Is Not 

Required

A new designation of beneficiary is not required --

1. Upon transfer of an employee from one agency to another.

2. When the address of the beneficiary or designator has been changed.

3. When a designator or a beneficiary changes his or her name subsequent to 

the filing of a designation of beneficiary.

4. When the relationship between the designator and the beneficiary has 

changed. (For example, if an employee designated his wife as a 

beneficiary and they later divorce, the designation remains valid. If such a 

change in relationship causes the employee to want to change his 

designation, he or she needs to file a new designation).
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Part 34A2 Rules Regarding the Designation of a Beneficiary 

Section 34A2.1-1 Who May Designate a Beneficiary

A. General Rule A beneficiary may be designated at any time by an employee, former 

employee, or retired employee. Limitations on this right are discussed in 

paragraphs B and C of this section.

B. Designation Must 

Be Made by a 

Competent 

Individual

To be valid, a designation of beneficiary must be made by an individual who is 

mentally competent at the time of the designation. The legal presumption is 

that the designator was competent to name a beneficiary; the burden of proof 

that he or she was not rests upon the individual alleging the incompetency.

C. Who May Not 

Designate a 

Beneficiary

The right to designate a beneficiary is a personal one and may be exercised 

only by the employee, former employee, or retiree. No other individual, no 

matter what his or her status, may designate a beneficiary for the employee, 

former employee, or retiree. Common examples of unacceptable designations 

are as follows:

1. Guardian or Attorney

A designation executed under authority of a power of attorney or by a 

duly appointed guardian or committee will not be recognized.

2. Survivor Annuitant

A survivor annuitant cannot designate a beneficiary for any future lumpsum payment based on the service of the deceased.
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Section 34A2.1-2 Who May Be Designated as Beneficiary

A. General Rule Except as explained in paragraph G below, any individual, firm, corporation, 

or legal entity may be designated as a beneficiary. Any number of 

beneficiaries can be named to share the lump-sum benefit in any proportion. 

The sum of the proportions cannot exceed 100 percent.

B. Designation of 

Estate

When a designation names an "estate," "administrator," or "executor" as 

beneficiary, the person who qualifies under applicable State law to collect 

amounts payable to the estate qualifies as the beneficiary. If there is no courtappointed representative of the estate, OPM will pay a person who qualifies 

under the small-estate procedures of the State. The designation does not have 

to identify the specific individual or institution that will assume the role of 

representative of the estate.

C. Designation of a 

Creditor

If an employee, former employee, or retiree describes a beneficiary's 

relationship as "creditor," OPM will not require proof of the deceased's 

indebtedness to the creditor or verification of the amount of any indebtedness. 

It is the designator's responsibility to change or cancel the designation of a 

creditor if the debt is extinguished. The fact that the beneficiary identified as a 

"creditor" is no longer a creditor at the time of the designator's death does not 

invalidate the designation. (See section 34A1.1-3, paragraph C4). The 

designation of a creditor cannot be made contingent on the existence of a debt. 

(See section 34A2.1-8, paragraph C).

The creditor should be specifically designated to receive either a share of the 

total lump-sum benefit or a precise amount. If payment under the designation 

does not exhaust the entire lump-sum benefit, the remaining balance is paid 

first to any other named beneficiary, and then to the individual or individuals 

next in the order of precedence. (See Section 34A1.1-3, paragraph B, for the 

order of precedence, and section 34A2.1-8, paragraph E, for instructions on 

designating precise amounts).
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Section 34A2.1-2 Who May Be Designated as Beneficiary (Cont.)

D. Designation of U.S. 

Government

A designator may name the U.S. Government as beneficiary. An unqualified 

designation of the U.S. Government as beneficiary is presumed to be a 

designation of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund.

E. Designation of a 

Trust Account

A designation of a trust account should include the following information on 

the SF 2808 to be clear and to allow quick identification of the entitled party:

 A statement that the CSRS or FERS lump sum death benefit is to be 

paid to the trustee or successor trustee

 The name and date of the trust 

1. Inter Vivos Trust

 An inter vivos trust is a trust that was created during the individual's 

lifetime. 

2. Testamentary Trust

A testamentary trust is one that an employee creates at death by their will. 

A sample format of each type of trust is included at the end of this chapter.

To be valid, the trustee designation must:

a. be attached to and made part of the Designation of Beneficiary form

b. be receipted by the Employing Office in the same manner as the 

Designation of Beneficiary form in case it gets separated from the

Designation form

c. state on the Designation of Beneficary form, “See attached” in the space 

for the designation.
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CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34A2.1-2 Who May Be Designated as Beneficiary (Cont.)

E. Designation of a 

Trust Account 

(Cont.)

If an individual --

 Wishes to follow a different format ;

 Cannot furnish the information requested ; or

 Requests additional information concerning the designation of a trust 

account for the payment of the benefits under the retirement system, 

he or she should contact his agency’s headquarters retirement 

counselor at http://apps.opm.gov/abo. If necessary, the retirement 

counselor may contact their liaison at OPM for additional guidance.

F. Designation of a 

Contingent 

Beneficiary

A contingent beneficiary is a secondary beneficiary who only becomes entitled

to payment if the primary beneficiary is not living at the time the lump-sum 

benefit becomes payable. Such a designation should be written as follows:

Jane Doe, if living.....All

Otherwise to:

John Doe................All

NOTE: When the primary beneficiary is also entitled to a survivor annuity 

based on the service of the deceased, any lump-sum payment payable 

upon the survivor's death (not including unpaid survivor annuity) is 

made to the contingent beneficiary.

G. Witness Not 

Eligible as 

Beneficiary

A witness to a designation of beneficiary is ineligible to receive payment on 

the basis of that designation. However, the fact that a witness is also named as 

a beneficiary does not necessarily make the entire designation invalid. (The 

designation is entirely void only if the witness is the sole beneficiary named).

NOTE: Upon receipt of a designation in which a witness is a designated 

beneficiary, OPM follows the procedure for correcting defects 

outlined in section 34A3.1-1, paragraph C.
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Section 34A2.1-3 Validity of Designations of Beneficiary

A. General Rule To be valid, a CSRS designation of beneficiary must be in writing, signed by 

the designator, witnessed, and received by OPM prior to the death of the 

designator.

B. Designation Must 

Be in Writing

The prescribed form for designating a beneficiary is SF 2808, Designation of 

Beneficiary, Civil Service Retirement System.

A designation of beneficiary may be submitted to OPM, in writing, other than 

on an SF 2808. Such a designation is acceptable in lieu of one on the 

SF 2808, assuming all other requirements are met. Upon receipt, OPM will 

request that the designation be redone on an SF 2808.

C. Designation Must 

Be Signed

The designation must be properly signed by the designator to be valid.

Acceptable signatures include:

1. Signatures made by mark, symbol, or fingerprint.

2. Signatures printed but not typewritten.

3. Signatures that include the initials of the first, middle name and the full 

surname.

D. Designation Must 

Be Witnessed

A CSRS designation of beneficiary must be signed by at least one witness to 

the designator's signature. Although SF 2808 calls for two witnesses, the 

signature of one witness who is not named as beneficiary is acceptable. If 

there is no witness, the designation is invalid. (See section 34A2.1-2, 

paragraph G, regarding rule that witness may not be a beneficiary.)

The types of signatures described in paragraph C above, which are acceptable 

from the designator, are also acceptable from a witness. Omission of a witness' 

address does not invalidate the designation.
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CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34A2.1-3 Validity of Designations of Beneficiary (Cont.)

E. Designation Must 

Be Received by 

OPM Prior to 

death

A CSRS designation of beneficiary must be received by OPM prior to the 

death of the designator.

1. A designation of beneficiary that is filed with the employing agency for 

transmittal to OPM is invalid if the designator dies before it is received by 

OPM.

2. A designation that was mailed to OPM, either by the agency or the 

individual, is invalid if the designator dies before it is received by OPM.

3. A designation of beneficiary that is received by OPM on the same day as the 

designator's death occurs is valid if it is otherwise properly executed.

4. The original designation must be received by OPM prior to the death of the 

designator. Receipt by OPM of a "FAX" or any other kind of copy before 

the date of death does not make the designation valid.

F. Last Will and 

Testament

A designation of beneficiary may be made in a last will or testament if it is 

witnessed and filed and meets all other requirements of this Chapter.
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September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Section 34A2.1-4 Items That May Cause a Designation to Be Invalid

A. Items That May 

Cause a 

Designation to Be 

Invalid

The following are common mistakes that should be avoided:

1. The beneficiaries named on original and duplicate of SF 2808 are 

different.

2. A beneficiary is not specifically named. The following are examples of 

such a beneficiary:

 Per stirpes designation (one that provides for the equal distribution of 

benefits among the children of a deceased named beneficiary); or

 A designation on which a beneficiary is not yet in existence (for 

example, "Mary Smith's children--born and unborn").

3. Two beneficiaries are named connected by the word "or."

4. The designator's name as shown in the body of the designation differs 

materially from the signature. The difference is not material if initials of 

first and middle names are used in one place and full names in the other.

5. A guardian is named, but there is no indication for whom he or she is to 

receive payment.

6. One or more beneficiaries have signed as a witness. (See section 34A2.1-2, 

paragraph G, for information about the consequences of designating a 

witness as a beneficiary.)

7. There are miscellaneous provisions (such as "payment of just debts," 

"payment in installments") that cannot be recognized. (See section 

34A2.1-8, paragraph C.)

8. Shares of beneficiaries are not stated or are incorrectly stated, that is, they 

exceed 100 percent in total.
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Section 34A2.1-4 Items That May Cause a Designation To Be Invalid (Cont.)

A. Items That May 

Cause a 

Designation To Be 

Invalid (Cont.)

9. The given name of the beneficiary is not stated (for example, "Mrs. John 

Doe" instead of "Mary Doe").

10. The designation is not properly signed by the designator. (See section 

34A2.1-3, paragraph C.)

NOTE: See also section 34A2.1-8 for miscellaneous provisions concerning 

designations of beneficiary. See section 34A3.1-1, paragraph C, for 

OPM procedures for handling designations with defects.

B. Defects That Are 

Acceptable on the 

SF 2808

Some designations of beneficiary are received by OPM that, although they are 

not perfectly executed, are acceptable and valid. Upon receipt of such, OPM 

will invite a new designation. The following are examples of defects that may 

occur on a SF 2808 that are acceptable.

1. The relationship of beneficiary to designator is not stated.

2. There are corrections or erasures in non-critical areas, such as an address.

3. Addresses of witnesses are omitted.

4. The date of execution of the designation is omitted or obviously incorrect.

5. The place of employment is omitted or incorrectly stated.

NOTE: See section 34A3.1-1, paragraph C, for OPM procedures for handling 

designations with defects.
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Section 34A2.1-5 When Designation of Beneficiary Becomes Effective

A. Effective Date of 

Designation of 

Beneficiary

A designation of beneficiary is not effective until the moment of the event that 

makes the lump sum payable. At that moment, title vests in the beneficiary or 

beneficiaries then living, and payment must be made accordingly. (See section 

34A2.1-6, paragraph D, for information about payment of shares to deceased 

beneficiaries.)

If there is no designated beneficiary to whom the lump sum can be paid, 

settlement must be made with the individual(s) who are next in the order of 

precedence of payment. (See section 34A1.1-3, paragraph B, for the order of 

precedence).
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Section 34A2.1-6 Payment of Shares to Beneficiaries

A.General Rule When more than one beneficiary is designated, and the share or percentage to 

be received by each one is specified, each beneficiary is paid the portion 

indicated.

If the share that each is to receive is not specified, the amount due is to be 

divided in equal shares among the beneficiaries named. Under such 

circumstances, the beneficiaries' relationship to the designator is not material; 

they share equally even if one is more closely related than the other.

B. Designations Where 

Shares Total Less 

Than 100 Percent

Under designations in which the total of the shares of several beneficiaries 

named equals less than 100 percent, each beneficiary is paid the exact share 

specified. The balance of the amount not disposed of by the designation is 

paid to the individual(s) who are next after the beneficiaries in the order of 

precedence of payment. (See section 34A1.1-3, paragraph B, for the order of 

precedence.)

NOTE 1: Filing a designation that disposes of less than the total amount due 

has the effect of canceling any prior designation even though the 

prior one may have disposed of the total amount due.

NOTE 2: If it appears that the designation of share equaling less than 100 

percent was an inadvertent error, OPM may contact the designator 

in accordance with the procedures outlined in section 34A3.1-1, 

paragraph C.

C. Designations Where 

Shares Total More 

Than 100 Percent

When the shares in a designation total more than 100 percent, OPM contacts 

the designator and requests a new designation. (See OPM procedures in 

section 34A3.1-1, paragraph C.)

D. Deceased 

Beneficiaries

If more than one beneficiary is named, the share of any deceased beneficiary or 

beneficiaries who may die before a lump-sum benefit becomes due is 

distributed equally among the surviving beneficiaries or entirely to the sole 

surviving beneficiary. The survivors of a designated beneficiary who dies 

before the death of the designator have no claim to the lump-sum benefit. 

However, if a designated beneficiary dies after the death of the designator but 

before receiving his or her share, the share is payable to the beneficiary's estate 

or heirs in accordance with governing State law.
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September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Section 34A2.1-7 Change or Cancellation of Designation of Beneficiary

A. General Rule A change or cancellation of designation of beneficiary may be made only in 

the same manner as a new designation is made. The change or cancellation 

must be in written form (preferably on SF 2808), properly signed, witnessed, 

and received by OPM prior to the death of the designator.

B. Designation 

Effective Until 

Canceled or 

Changed

A valid designation remains effective until it is changed or canceled.

C. When a Change or 

Cancellation Is 

Permitted

A change of beneficiary or cancellation of a designation may be made at any 

time and without the knowledge and consent of the previous beneficiary. No 

provision may be given in a previous designation to restrict or waive the 

designator's right to change or cancel.

D. Preferred 

Language To Be 

Used to Cancel

The preferred language to be written on the SF 2808 by a designator in 

canceling a prior designation is "Cancel All Prior Designations." Similar 

words are acceptable to effect cancellation.

E. Effect of Filing a 

New Designation

Filing a new, valid designation of beneficiary has the effect of canceling a 

prior one. Therefore, where a new designation is filed in order to change or 

add beneficiaries, those originally designated who are to continue as 

beneficiaries must again be named on the new designation; otherwise they will 

be excluded.

F. Transferring to 

FERS Cancels a 

Prior Designation

When an employee transfers to FERS, any prior CSRS designation of 

beneficiary is automatically canceled on the effective date of the FERS 

election.

G. Effect of 

Automatic FERS 

Coverage

If an employee was automatically covered by FERS by operation of law, any 

CSRS designation of beneficiary remains valid and applicable under FERS, 

unless later canceled.
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CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34A2.1-7 Change or Cancellation of Designation of Beneficiary (Cont.)

H. Actions That Do 

Not Cancel a 

Designation of 

Beneficiary

The following actions are not recognized by OPM as a change or cancellation 

of designation of beneficiary:

1. Payment of a refund of all retirement contributions or of a lump-sum 

payment under the alternative annuity provision. The original 

designation, unless properly changed or canceled, is effective to dispose of

any contributions made upon reemployment in the Federal service, and/or 

annuity accrued and unpaid on death.

2. A change or cancellation of a designation of beneficiary in a last will and 

testament, unless it is properly witnessed and filed and meets all other 

requirements. (See section 34A2.1-3.)

3. The election by a retiring or retired employee of a survivor annuity. A 

survivor annuity election has no effect on who is entitled to the lump-sum 

payment, should it become payable.
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September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Section 34A2.1-8 Miscellaneous

A. Designations Must

Be Kept 

Confidential

Since designations of beneficiary are confidential instruments, during the life 

of the designator no information concerning the beneficiary may be given to 

anyone except the designator. After the designator's death, information 

regarding the beneficiary may be given to individuals who have legitimate 

interest in the case and to government agencies.

B. Designations That 

Dispose of 

Voluntary 

Contributions

For purposes of lump-sum death benefits, the balance of any individual's 

voluntary contributions account (see Chapter 31, Voluntary Contributions) is 

considered part of the lump-sum credit and is payable according to the regular 

order of precedence. (See section 34A1.1-3, paragraph B.) Thus, even if a 

designation is silent with respect to voluntary contributions, any voluntary 

contributions to the individual's credit are payable in accordance with the 

designation.

If an individual wishes to separately designate a beneficiary to receive the 

voluntary contributions part of the lump-sum benefit, he or she must write 

"voluntary contributions balance only" in the share block of SF 2808. The 

remaining amount of the lump-sum benefit may be then designated by writing 

"remainder" or "_% of remainder" in the share block, as appropriate.

C. Miscellaneous 

Provisions Not 

Recognized

A designation of beneficiary is not intended as a will. Inclusion of 

miscellaneous provisions (some commonly included in wills) in a designation 

cannot be recognized by OPM. The following are examples of miscellaneous 

provisions that cannot be recognized:

1. "Payment of just debts."

2. "Payment on the monthly installment plan."

3. Specific purposes for which the beneficiary is to use the money paid him 

under the designation; for example, the "education of a child."

4. Money to be retained in the Retirement Fund and "interest to be paid 

annually."

5. Money to be paid to a contingent beneficiary upon a condition or event 

other than the death of the primary beneficiary; for example, "To my son 

John if he is living at home--otherwise to my daughter Mary."
 CSRS Designation of Beneficiary 19

Chapter 34

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34A2.1-8 Miscellaneous (Cont.) 

D. Common-Disaster 

Clause Is Invalid 

on SF 2808

A common-disaster clause, which is language that stipulates the designated 

beneficiary shall be entitled to the lump-sum payment only if he or she 

survives the designator for a period of time, is not acceptable in a retirement 

designation of beneficiary.

E. Designations of 

Precise Amounts 

Instead of Shares

Where a beneficiary has been named to receive a precise amount instead of a 

share, no more than the precise amount will be paid to the beneficiary, with 

any remaining portion of the lump-sum death benefit being distributed among 

the other designated beneficiaries or under the order of precedence. No 

amount in excess of the lump-sum death benefit due will be paid. OPM 

prefers that designations of beneficiary specify shares, and will ask the

designator to submit a new designation showing shares (see section 34A3.1-1, 

paragraph C, item 3). If it is necessary for the designator to specify a precise 

amount (for example see section 34A2.1-2, paragraph C), the designation 

should also show shares, as in the following example:

John Doe. . . . . . . . . . . . .ALL

but no more than $5,000.00, with

any balance paid as follows:

Sally Smith . . . . . . . . . . .ALL
20 CSRS Designation of Beneficiary

Chapter 34

September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Part 34A3 Procedures

Section 34A3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries 

A. Employee 

Responsibility

A current employee must take the following steps to designate a beneficiary or 

beneficiaries:

1. Obtain an SF 2808, Designation of Beneficiary, Civil Service Retirement 

System form, from the employing agency or on line at

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf-2802.pdf

2. Type or print all entries on the SF 2808 except signatures. Follow the 

procedures listed below:

 The SF 2808 must be prepared in two parts; an original and duplicate.

 The name of each beneficiary should be written in full.

EXAMPLE: Correct Incorrect

Joan L. Thomas J.L. Thomas

 Mrs. Frank M. Thomas

 Print the address and relationship of each beneficiary to the designator.

 Indicate the share to be paid to each beneficiary. If more than one 

beneficiary is designated, the shares should add up to 100 percent.

3. Sign and date the designation in the presence of two witnesses who will then 

sign the SF 2808 and include their addresses. (See section 34A2.1-3, 

paragraph D, for more information.)

4. Mail the original and duplicate copy of the SF 2808 to:

U. S. Office of Personnel Management

Retirement Operations Center

P. O. Box 45

Boyers, PA 16017-0045

5. Upon receipt of the processed duplicate SF 2808 from OPM, place the 

duplicate with other important papers and retain it as evidence of the filing 

of the designation.
 CSRS Designation of Beneficiary 21

Chapter 34

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34A3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries (Cont.)

B. Former Employee 

or Retiree 

Responsibility

A former employee or retiree must take the following steps to designate a 

beneficiary or beneficiaries:

1. Request an SF 2808, Designation of Beneficiary, Civil Service Retirement 

System, from OPM at the following address or go on line to 

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf-2802.pdf and mail the completed 

form to:

U. S. Office of Personnel Management

Retirement Operations Center

P. O. Box 45

Boyers, PA 16017-0045

2. Follow procedures 2 through 5 listed above in paragraph A.

C. OPM 

Responsibility

1. Upon receipt of the SF 2808, OPM marks the form to show the date of 

receipt and reviews the designation for major defects.

2. If OPM finds one or more defects that render the designation totally invalid, 

it will return the designation to the employee, former employee, or retiree 

with an explanation.

3. If OPM finds one or more defects that do not affect the designation's validity 

or that render the designation only partially invalid, it will retain the 

original designation and contact the designator to request a new 

designation.

4. Otherwise, OPM files the original SF 2808 in the individual's retirement file 

and returns the duplicate SF 2808 to the designator as evidence that the 

original has been received and filed.

NOTE: The failure of OPM to identify a defect or to contact the designator 

about a defect does not make an unacceptable designation valid. 

The designator is responsible for filing a proper designation.
22 Designation of Beneficiary FERS 

Chapter 34

September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Subchapter 34B FERS 

Part 34B1 General Information

Section 34B1.1-1 Overview

A.Introduction Subchapter 34B outlines the rules applicable to the designation of beneficiary 

to receive any lump-sum benefit due under the Federal Employees Retirement 

System (FERS) upon the death of an employee, former employee, or retiree. 

As under CSRS, the lump-sum payment due upon the death of an employee, 

former employee, or retiree under FERS can consist of two parts: (1) the total 

lump-sum credit to the individual's credit in the Retirement Fund, and (2) in 

the case of a deceased retiree, any annuity accrued and unpaid at death. If a 

survivor is eligible for a survivor annuity, the lump-sum credit may not be 

paid; however, annuity accrued and unpaid may be paid.

NOTE 1: The rules for computing the interest portion of the FERS lump-sum 

credit differ significantly from the CSRS rules. See Chapter 75, 

Lump-Sum Benefits, for a detailed description of the FERS lumpsum credit.

NOTE 2: This subchapter does not address payment of accrued and unpaid 

survivor annuity.

This subchapter explains how FERS differs from CSRS. It refers readers to 

the applicable CSRS rule and gives the FERS rule if it is different.

B.Organization of 

Subchapter

The FERS subchapter has three parts:

 

 

Part Name of Part Page

34B1 General Information 23

34B2 Rules Regarding the Designation

 of a Beneficiary 26

34B3 Procedures 28
Designation of Beneficiary FERS 23

Chapter 34

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34B1.1-1 Overview (Cont.)

C. Statement of 

Authority

This subchapter is based on the laws and regulations cited below.

 United States Code: 5 U.S.C.8424

 Code of Federal Regulations: 5 CFR 843.205-207
24 Designation of Beneficiary FERS 

Chapter 34

September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Section 34B1.1-2 Applicable CSRS Provisions

A. Applicable CSRS 

Provisions

The following sections of subchapter 34A apply to FERS employees with the 

exceptions noted in paragraphs B and C below:

 Section 34A1.1-3 Need to Designate a Beneficiary

 Section 34A2.1-1 Who May Designate a Beneficiary

 Section 34A2.1-2 Who May Be Designated as Beneficiary

 Section 34A2.1-5 When Designation of Beneficiary Becomes Effective

 Section 34A2.1-6 Payment of Shares to Beneficiaries

 Section 34A2.1-7 Change or Cancellation of Designation of Beneficiary

 Section 34A2.1-8 Miscellaneous

B. General Exceptions 1. The SF 3102, Designation of Beneficiary form, Federal Employees 

Retirement System https://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf3102.pdf, 

replaces the CSRS SF 2808 in all sections listed in paragraph A above. 

(See section 34B1.1-3.)

2. Under FERS, employees file the designations of beneficiary form with their 

employing agency rather than OPM. Thus, any reference in the sections 

listed in paragraph A to OPM as the place where a current employee must 

file a designation should be read to mean the designator's employing 

office. Only former employees and retirees should file SF 3102's with 

OPM. (See parts 34B2 and 34B3.)

C.Specific Exceptions 1. A FERS designation of beneficiary is canceled when a total refund of all 

retirement contributions is paid to a separated employee who is not then 

entitled to an annuity. (Compare to subparagraph H1 in CSRS section 

34A2.1-7.) As under CSRS, a lump-sum payment under the alternative 

annuity provision does not cancel a FERS designation.

2. Paragraph B of section 34A2.1-8 applies only to employees who had 

voluntary contributions accounts at the time they transferred from CSRS 

to FERS. FERS employees are not eligible to make voluntary 

contributions. (See Chapter 31.)
Designation of Beneficiary FERS 25

Chapter 34

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34B1.1-3 Standard Form (SF) 3102

A. General SF 3102, Designation of Beneficiary form, FERS is used by an employee, 

former employee, or retiree participating in FERS to designate a beneficiary or 

beneficiaries of any lump sum amount payable upon his or her death.

B. No Effect on Other 

Survivor Benefits

Filing a designation of beneficiary on SF 3102 does not affect the right of any 

individual who is eligible for survivor annuity benefits, or the basic employee 

death benefit (see Chapter 70, Spouse Benefits - Death of an Employee). 

These survivor benefits are:

 Payable either by operation of law, by court order, or as a result of an 

election made by a retiring or retired employee; and

 Never contingent upon a designation of beneficiary as discussed in this 

subchapter.

C.Other Types of 

Designations

The SF 3102, Designation of Beneficiary form, FERS, should not be confused 

with forms used for other types of benefits, such as:

 SF 2808, Designation of Beneficiary form, Civil Service Retirement 

System (see subchapter A);

 SF 2823, Designation of Beneficiary form, Federal Employees' Group 

Life Insurance Program;

 SF 1152, Designation of Beneficiary form, Unpaid Compensation of 

Deceased Civilian Employee; or

 TSP 3, Designation of Beneficiary form, Federal Retirement Thrift 

Savings Plan.
26 Designation of Beneficiary FERS 

Chapter 34

September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Part 34B2 Rules Regarding the Designation of a Beneficiary

Section 34B2.1-1 Validity of Designations of Beneficiary

A.General Rule A designation of beneficiary must be in writing, signed by the designator, 

witnessed, and filed prior to the death of the designator to be valid.

B. Applicable CSRS 

Provisions

The following CSRS provisions from section 34A2.1-3, Validity of 

Designations of Beneficiary, apply under FERS:

 Paragraph B Designation Must Be in Writing

 Paragraph C Designation Must Be Signed

 Paragraph D Designation Must Be Witnessed

 Paragraph F Last Will and Testament

NOTE: References to SF 2808 should be read to refer to SF 3102.

C. Employees File 

Designations With 

Employing

Agency

Current employees under FERS must file a designation of beneficiary with 

their employing agency (not OPM) prior to death. The rules in paragraph E 

of section 34A2.1-3 otherwise apply.

NOTE: In the case of employees who were automatically covered by FERS, 

their last CSRS designation filed with OPM remains valid. (See 

section 34A2.1-7, paragraph G.)

D. Former Employees 

and Retirees File 

With OPM

Former employees and retirees under FERS must file a designation of 

beneficiary with OPM. Paragraph E of section 34A2.1-3 applies.

Any valid designations that were completed while an employee are forwarded 

to OPM upon separation and remain valid (see Section 34B3.1-1 note 1 

below).
Designation of Beneficiary FERS 27

Chapter 34

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34B2.1-1 Validity of Designations of Beneficiary (Cont.) 

E.Transferees When an employee transfers to FERS, any prior CSRS designation of 

beneficiary on file is automatically canceled upon the effective date of the 

FERS election. (See section 34A2.1-7, paragraph F.) The employee should 

submit a new designation of beneficiary form to the employing agency on an 

SF 3102 form only --

 To provide for payment to some individual or individuals who would 

not otherwise be entitled under the order if precedence;

 To specify payment of a different share to an individual than he or she 

would receive under the order of precedence; or

 When evidence of a valid marriage or divorce is not readily available. 

(For example, if an employee does not have and cannot easily secure a 

certificate of a ceremonial marriage or evidence of death or divorce 

dissolving a prior marriage, then he or she should designate a 

beneficiary.)
28 Designation of Beneficiary FERS 

Chapter 34

September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Part 34B3 Procedures

Section 34B3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries

A. Employee 

Responsibility

A current employee must take the following steps to file a designation:

1. Obtain an SF 3102, Designation of Beneficiary form, Federal Employees 

Retirement System, from the employing agency or go on line to 

http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf3102.pdf and print out the form.

2. Type or print all entries on the SF 3102 except signatures. Follow the 

procedures listed below:

 The SF 3102 must be prepared in two parts; an original and an 

employee copy.

 The name of each beneficiary should be written in full.

EXAMPLE: Correct Incorrect

Joan L. Thomas J.L. Thomas

Mrs. Frank M. Thomas

 Print the address and relationship of each beneficiary to the designator.

 Indicate the share to be paid to each beneficiary. If the shares 

designated exceed 100%, OPM will honor the designation by 

determining each designee’s share in proportion to the share originally 

designated (see 5 CFR 843.205(g)(2).

3. Sign and date the designation in the presence of two witnesses who will then 

sign the SF 3102 and include their addresses.

4. Give the original and employee copy of the SF 3102 to the employing 

agency.

5. After receiving the processed employee copy of SF 3102 from the 

employing agency, place the copy with other important papers and retain 

it as evidence of the filing of the designation.
Designation of Beneficiary FERS 29

Chapter 34

CSRS and FERS Handbook September, 2015

Section 34B3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries (Cont.) 

B.Former Employee 

or Retiree 

Responsibility

A former employee or retiree must take the following steps to file a 

designation:

1. Go on line to http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/sf3102.pdf to print the 

form; or

2. Request an SF 3102, Designation of Beneficiary, Federal Employees 

Retirement System, from OPM at the following address :

Office of Personnel Management

FERS

Retirement Operations Center

P.O. Box 200

Boyers, PA 16017

3. Follow steps 2 and 3 in paragraph A.

4. Send the original and employee copy of the SF 3102 to OPM at the 

following address:

Office of Personnel Management

FERS

Retirement Operations Center

P.O. Box 200

Boyers, PA 16017

5. After receiving the processed employee copy of SF 3102 from OPM, place 

the copy with other important papers and retain it as evidence of the filing 

of the designation.

C. Employing Agency 

Responsibility for 

Current Employee 

Filings

1. Give the employee an SF 3102.

2. Once the employee submits the completed SF 3102, immediately mark the 

form to show the date of receipt.

3. Review the designation for defects. If any defects are found in the 

designation, retain the original copy of the designation and contact the 

designator to request a new designation.
30 Designation of Beneficiary FERS 

Chapter 34

September, 2015 CSRS and FERS Handbook 

Section 34B3.1-1 How to Designate a Beneficiary or Beneficiaries (Cont.) 

C. Employing Agency 

Responsibility for 

Current Employee 

Filings (Cont.)

4. Otherwise, certify on the SF 3102 that no witnesses are designated as 

beneficiaries.

5. Give the employee copy of the SF 3102 to the employee as evidence that the 

designation was received and filed.

6. File the original copy of the SF 3102 on the right side of the Official 

Personnel Folder (OPF).

NOTE 1: If the employee leaves Federal service, send all previously filed 

designations that are in the OPF to OPM. If the employee is 

retiring, send all previously filed designations to OPM with the 

retirement application. If the employee dies, send all previously 

filed designations with the deceased employee's Individual 

Retirement Record (SF 3100), which should be sent to OPM as 

soon as possible after death.

NOTE 2: The failure of the employing agency to identify a defect or to 

contact the designator about a defect does not make an 

unacceptable designation valid. The designator is responsible for 

filing a proper designation.

D.OPM Responsibility 

for Former 

Employee and 

Retiree Filings

The basic procedures outlined in paragraph C of section 34A3.1-1 apply in 

OPM's handling of FERS designations filed by former employees and retirees.