CSRS FERS

Children's Benefits

Chapter 73

Important Notice 

On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage 

Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, the

United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will now be able to extend 

certain benefits to Federal employees and annuitants who have legally married a 

spouse of the same sex, regardless of the employee’s or annuitant’s state of 

residency. OPM is currently in the process of updating and revising the website to 

reflect this change, and will be updating this information as soon as possible. Please 

check back in the coming weeks for updates.
 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS i 

Chapter 73
 

Table of Contents 

Subchapter 73A CSRS 

Part 73A1 General Information 

Section 73A1.1-1 Overview ...................................... 1
 

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

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

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

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

Part 73A2 Eligibility Requirements 

Section 73A2.1-1 Summary of Eligibility Requirements ................... 3
 

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

B. Specific Requirements ........................................ 3
 

Section 73A2.1-2 Dependent Child ................................. 4
 

A. Dependency ............................................... 4
 

B. Adoption in Process at Employee's Death ............................ 4
 

C. Stepchild ................................................. 4
 

D. Child Born Out of Wedlock ..................................... 5
 

Section 73A2.1-3 Child Attending School ............................. 7
 

A. Requirements .............................................. 7
 

B. Recognized Educational Institutions ................................ 7
 

C. Educational Institutions Not Qualifying ............................. 8
 

D. Full-Time Course of Study ..................................... 8
 

Section 73A2.1-4 Child Incapable of Self-Support ...................... 10
 

A. Requirements ............................................. 10
 

B. Content of Documentation ..................................... 10
 

C. Submission of Documentation .................................. 10
 

Part 73A3 Amount of Benefits 

Section 73A3.1-1 Amount of Benefits .............................. 11
 

A. General ................................................. 11
 

B. Single Orphan Rate ......................................... 11
 

C. Double Orphan Rate ........................................ 11
 

D. Note Regarding Rates in B and C ................................ 11
 

E. Recomputation of Benefits ..................................... 11
 

F. Payment ................................................ 12
 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
ii CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73
 

Part 73A4 Duration of Benefits 

Section 73A4.1-1 General Rules .................................. 13
 

A. Beginning Date ............................................ 13
 

B. Ending Date .............................................. 13
 

Section 73A4.1-2 Ending Date: Child Attending School .................. 14
 

A. Rule ................................................... 14
 

B. Birthday Falls During School Year ............................... 14
 

C. Nonschool Intervals (Vacations) ................................. 14
 

D. Resumption of Studies ....................................... 14
 

Section 73A4.1-3 Ending Date: Disabled Child Over Age 18 ............... 15
 

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

B. Becomes Capable of Self-Support ................................ 15
 

C. Recurrence of Disability After Termination ......................... 15
 

Part 73A5 Procedures 

Section 73A5.1-1 Procedures When Employee Dies ..................... 16
 

A. Agency Responsibility ....................................... 16
 

B. Parent/Guardian Responsibility ................................. 17
 

C. OPM Responsibility ......................................... 17
 

D. Health Benefits ............................................ 17
 

Subchapter 73B FERS 

Part 73B1 General Information 

Section 73B1.1-1 Overview ..................................... 18
 

A. Introduction .............................................. 18
 

B. Organization of Subchapter .................................... 18
 

C. Applicable CSRS Provision .................................... 18
 

D. Statement of Authority ....................................... 18
 

Part 73B2 Benefits Payable 

Section 73B2.1-1 Amount of Benefits ............................... 19
 

A. General Rule ............................................. 19
 

B. Employee Requirements ...................................... 19
 

April, 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS iii
 

Chapter 73
 

Section 73B2.1-2 Social Security .................................. 20
 

A. General Rule ............................................. 20
 

B. Agency Responsibility ....................................... 20
 

C. OPM Requirement ......................................... 20
 

D. Survivor Responsibility ...................................... 20
 

E. Failure to Submit SSA Award/Denial Letter ......................... 20
 

Section 73B2.1-3 Duration of Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
 

A. Applicable CSRS Provisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
 

B. Exception ............................................... 22
 

Part 73B3 Procedures 

Section 73B3.1-1 Procedures .................................... 23
 

A. General ................................................. 23
 

B. Forms ................................................. 23
 

C. Health Benefits ............................................ 23
 

Subchapter 73C Job Aids 

Section 73C1.1-1 Local Reproduction Forms ......................... 25
 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 1 

Chapter 73 

Subchapter 73A CSRS 

Part 73A1 General Information 

Section 73A1.1-1 Overview 

A. Introduction There are two kinds of death benefits: 

1. Children's Monthly Survivor Annuity 

Survivor annuities may be payable to dependent children upon the death 

of an employee or retiree. This annuity is provided by law. An 

employee or retiree does not need to elect it. 

2. Lump-Sum Payment 

A lump-sum payment may be payable to one or more children, if there 

is no one higher in the order of precedence, upon the death of an 

employee or retiree only if there is no one entitled to a survivor 

annuity. 

NOTE 1:	 This Chapter covers monthly survivor annuity payments only. 

For information on lump-sum payments, see Chapter 32, 

Refunds, and Chapters 70, Spouse Benefits - Death of an 

Employee, and 72, Spouse Benefits - Death of a Former 

Employee, as they apply. 

NOTE 2:	 A retiring employee who is in good health also may elect an 

insurable interest annuity for a child. See Chapter 52, Survivor 

Elections. 

B. Topics Covered This subchapter covers: 

•	 The requirements that any child must meet to be eligible for survivor 

benefits; 

•	 The amount of children's survivor benefit; 

•	 The duration of a child's survivor annuity; and 

•	 The procedures an agency and a parent or guardian must follow to initiate 

payment of children's survivor benefits. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
2 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A1.1-1 Overview (Cont.) 

C.	 Organization of The CSRS subchapter has five parts. 

Subchapter 

PART NAME OF PART PAGE 

73A1 General Information 1 

73A2 Eligibility Requirements 3 

73A3 Amount of Benefits 11 

73A4 Duration of Benefits 13 

73A5 Procedures 16 

NOTE: The subchapter about death benefits for children under FERS begins 

on page 19. 

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

Authority 

• United States Code: 5 U.S.C. 8341(a)(4),(e)(2),(e)(3) 

• Code of Federal Regulations: 5 CFR 831.615-17 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 3 

Chapter 73 

Part 73A2 Eligibility Requirements 

Section 73A2.1-1 Summary of Eligibility Requirements 

A.	 General If a child meets the eligibility requirements of paragraph B below, monthly 

Requirements survivor annuity benefits are automatically payable upon the death of: 

1. A retiree; and 

2. An employee who: 

•	 Completed at least 18 months of creditable civilian service at the date of 

death; and 

•	 Died while subject to CSRS. 

B.	 Specific To qualify for a survivor annuity, the child (including a legally adopted child) 

Requirements of a deceased employee or retiree: 

1. Must have been dependent (defined in section 73A2.1-2 below) on the 

employee or retiree at the time of death; 

2. Must be unmarried; and 

3. Must be: 

•	 Under age 18; 

•	 Age 18 to 22 and a full-time student; or 

•	 Over age 18 and incapable of self-support due to a disability incurred 

before age 18. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
4 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-2 Dependent Child 

A. Dependency 1. OPM considers a child under age 18 to have been dependent upon the 

deceased employee or retiree if the child is: 

• A legitimate child; 

• An adopted child, including a child described in paragraph B below; 

• A stepchild who meets the requirements of paragraph C below; or 

• A child born out of wedlock who meets the requirements of 

paragraph D below. 

B. Adoption in 

Process at 

Employee's Death 

2. In general, no additional documentation is required if a child of the 

deceased is listed on SF 2809's and there is no discrepancy regarding the 

child's date of birth. However, if the child is not listed on SF 2809's, or 

the child was adopted, born out of wedlock, or a stepchild of the deceased, 

a copy of the child's birth certificate must be submitted with the application 

for death benefits. If the child was adopted, a copy of the final decree of 

adoption must also be submitted. 

1. A child whose adoption was in process at the time of the employee's or 

retiree's death may be entitled to survivor annuity benefits as an adopted 

child if: 

• The child was living with the employee or retiree at the time of 

death; 

• A petition for adoption had been filed by the employee or retiree 

prior to his or her death; and 

• The final decree of adoption is subsequently granted to the decedent's 

surviving spouse. 

C. Stepchild 

2. The person who is applying on behalf of the child must provide a statement 

that the child was living with the deceased employee or retiree at the time 

of death and submit copies of the petition for adoption and the final decree 

of adoption. 

1. A stepchild may be entitled to survivor annuity benefits if the child lived 

with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship at the 

time of the employee's or retiree's death. 

NOTE: Temporary separations (for example, a child at college) are not a bar 

to meeting the "living with" requirement. 

April, 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 5 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-2 Dependent Child (Cont.) 

C.	 Stepchild (Cont.) 2. The person who is applying on behalf of the child must submit an affidavit 

from himself or herself and two affidavits from disinterested parties (for 

example, neighbors or friends) in a position to know the situation. The 

affidavits should show the following details: 

•	 Whether the child lived with the deceased in a regular parent-child 

relationship. 

•	 The length of time the parent-child relationship existed. (If they lived 

apart at any time, explain.) 

•	 Whether the deceased exercised parental responsibility and control over 

the child. 

•	 A statement explaining how the affiant is in a position to know the facts 

of the case. 

D. Child Born Out 

of Wedlock 

A recognized child born out of wedlock is considered dependent if: 

1. The child lived with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child 

relationship at the time of the employee's or retiree's death and the person 

applying on behalf of the child submits affidavits as described in paragraph 

C attesting that a parent-child relationship existed; 

2. The child did not live with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child 

relationship but a judicial determination of support was obtained for the 

child; 

3. The Social Security Administration (SSA) awarded benefits to the child 

based on the earnings record of the deceased, as documented by a copy of 

SSA's award letter; or 

4. Evidence shows that the child was supported by the employee or retiree 

with regular and substantial contributions by one or more of the following: 

• Evidence of eligibility as a dependent child for benefits under other 

State or Federal programs; 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
6 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-2 Dependent Child (Cont.) 

D.	 Child Born Out • Proof of inclusion of the child as a dependent on the decent's income 

of Wedlock tax returns for the year immediately before the employee's death; 

(Cont.) 

•	 Canceled checks, money orders, or receipts for periodic payments 

received from the employee or retiree for or on behalf of the child; 

•	 Evidence of goods or services that show regular contributions of 

considerable value; 

•	 Proof of coverage of the child as a family member under the 

employee's or retiree's Federal Employees Health Benefits enrollment; 

and 

•	 Other proof of a similar nature that OPM may find to be sufficient to 

demonstrate support or parentage. 

NOTE 1:	 If a Federal income tax return is submitted, it must be the last 

return filed by the decedent or his or her estate. The copy of 

the tax return must be accompanied by (1) an affidavit from 

the person who is filing on behalf of the child or a 

certification from the Internal Revenue Service that it is a true 

copy of the original; and (2) the address of the Internal 

Revenue Service office where the tax return was filed. 

NOTE 2:	 OPM may deny survivor benefits if evidence: 

•	 Shows the deceased employee or retiree did not 

recognize the claimant as his or her own despite a 

willingness to support the child; or 

•	 Casts doubt upon the parentage of the claimant, despite 

the decedent's recognition and support of the child. 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 7 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-3 Child Attending School 

A.	 Requirements For a child to be eligible for continuation of the survivor annuity beyond age 

18 due to his or her status as a student, the child must: 

1. Remain unmarried; 

2. Regularly pursue a full-time course of study at a recognized educational or 

training institution that certifies that the child is regularly pursuing a fulltime day or evening course of resident study or training. 

NOTE:	 When a child is identified as a student on the SF 2800, 

Application for Death Benefits, OPM will request certification 

of the child's school attendance from the child's payee and the 

appropriate school official. OPM will determine the child's 

eligibility for benefits after receipt of the certification form. 

A copy of the OPM student certification form, RI 25-41, is 

contained in subchapter C for local reproduction. It will 

speed OPM processing of an application if a completed 

certification accompanies the application. 

B.	 Recognized A recognized educational institution is a school that is accredited, has a 

Educational faculty, and requires study or training to be done at the school. Included are: 

Institutions 

• High schools; 

• Trade schools; 

• Technical or vocational institutes; 

• Business schools; 

• Junior colleges; and 

• Colleges, universities, or comparably recognized educational institutions. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
8 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-3 Child Attending School (Cont.) 

C.	 Educational Attendance at any of the following is not qualifying for children's benefits 

Institutions Not beyond age 18: 

Qualifying 

•	 Correspondence schools; 

•	 Elementary schools; 

•	 Government service academies (for example, U.S. Naval Academy); or 

•	 Any training program where the trainee receives pay primarily as an 

employee (for example, apprenticeship programs). 

D.	 Full-Time Course A full-time course of study consists of: 

of Study 

1. School attendance at the rate of at least 36 weeks per academic year; and 

2. A subject load sufficient, if successfully completed, to attain the educational 

or training objective within the period generally accepted as minimum for 

completion by a full-time day student of the academic or training program 

concerned. 

EXAMPLE 1: High schools generally require 25 to 35 actual clock hours of 

class attendance each week to consider a student as full-time. For special 

programs, they require a minimum of 20 hours per week. 

EXAMPLE 2: Colleges, junior colleges, and universities generally require a 

minimum number of semester hours or quarter credit hours to graduate in the 

normal length of time. Although a student carrying fewer credit hours may be 

designated as full-time for tuition purposes, this does not necessarily establish 

eligibility for student benefits. 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 9 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-3 Child Attending School (Cont.) 

D. Full-Time Course 

of Study (Cont.) 

EXAMPLE 3: Vocational or technical schools generally require that students 

make this schooling their principal activity. This means that the student spends 

as much as 40 clock hours each week in activities related directly to training in 

the school. Normally, the activities take place at school. 

EXAMPLE 4: Acceptable work-study programs generally require some 

regularly scheduled class attendance; together, the class attendance and the 

work periods constitute a full-time course of training. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
10 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A2.1-4 Child Incapable of Self-Support 

A.	 Requirements 1. A child who is age 18 or older and incapable of self-support due to physical 

or mental disability may be entitled to a survivor annuity if: 

•	 The requirements in paragraph B of section 73A2.1-1 are met; and 

•	 OPM determines that the child is incapable of self-support because of a 

physical or mental disability incurred before he or she reached age 18. 

2. The medical conditions that qualify as disabling for annuity purposes 

generally also qualify for continuation of FEHB coverage. See the list of 

qualifying conditions in The Federal Employees Health Benefits Handbook 

for Personnel and Payroll Offices (formerly FPM Supplement 890-1) for 

further information. 

B. Content of 

Documentation 

1. OPM must be provided with information from the disabled child's parent 

or guardian about the child's education, any employment, and residence. 

In addition, the child's doctor must provide information about the child's 

medical condition. Subchapter C contains a copy of OPM Form RI 25-43, 

Documentation in Support of Claim for CSRS or FERS Benefits as 

Disabled Dependent Child, for local reproduction. This form outlines the 

specific information needed. 

2. The applicant is responsible for any cost incurred in obtaining the doctor's 

statement and sending it to OPM. 

C. Submission of 

Documentation 

3. An alternative to OPM Form RI 25-43 is a copy of the letter from the 

Social Security Administration awarding benefits to the child based on 

SSA's finding that the child is incapable of self-support because of a 

physical or mental disability incurred before age 18. 

If the disability exists at the time the application for death benefits is made, and 

the disabled child is 18 or older, attach the SSA award letter or OPM Form RI 

25-43 to the Application for Death Benefits (SF 2800). (See section 73A5.1-1 

for further procedural details.) 

If the disabled child is under 18 when the application for death benefits is 

made, the OPM Form RI 25-43 or SSA award letter should be submitted 90 

days before the child reaches age 18. The information must be accompanied 

by a letter requesting a continuation of benefits because of the disability. 

The letter and documentation or SSA award letter should be sent to: Office of 

Personnel Management, Retirement Operations Center, Boyers, PA 

16017. The letter must include the name and date of birth of the deceased 

employee or retiree and the case number (CSF number). 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 11 

Chapter 73 

Part 73A3 Amount of Benefits 

Section 73A3.1-1 Amount of Benefits 

A.	 General The children's survivor benefit is a specific dollar amount that is established by 

the formula in U.S.C. 8341(e)(2) and increased by CSRS COLA's. This 

benefit is payable in addition to any survivor annuity payable to a spouse. 

Each child's rate is determined individually based on circumstances described 

below. 

B. Single Orphan	 When the child has a living parent who was married to the employee or retiree 

Rate	 (either at death or at any time prior to date of death), the benefit payable to 

that child is usually the lesser of: 

1. > $344 < per month per child; or 

2. > $1032 < per month divided by the number of eligible children. 

C.	 Double Orphan When the child has no living parent who was married to the employee or 

Rate retiree the benefit payable to that child is usually the lesser of: 

1. > $413 < per month per child; or 

2. > $1,239 < per month divided by the number of eligible children. 

D. Note Regarding	 The rates quoted in paragraphs B and C above are for survivor annuities 

Rates in B and C	 payable from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998. These rates will 

increase by future CSRS COLA's that occur on or after December 1, 1998. 

In cases where the employee or retiree worked part-time or had a low salary, 

the rates in B and C may be less. 

E. Recomputation of 

Benefits 

If a parent who was married to the employee or retiree dies before the benefit 

to the child ends, the annuity to the child is increased from the Single Orphan 

to the Double Orphan rate. 

In situations where benefits are being paid to more than three children upon 

termination (for any reason) of the annuity to one child, the annuities to any 

remaining children are recomputed prospectively as though the terminated 

child had never been entitled to the benefit. 

If a new child is added (for example, a child born after the death of the 

employee or retiree), individual rates may be decreased. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
12 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A3.1-1 Amount of Benefits (Cont.) 

F. Payment OPM pays a child's annuity to: 

1. The parent or other person who has care and custody of the child, if 

there is no court-appointed guardian; 

2. The guardian, if one has been appointed by the court; or 

3. A child over 18, upon request by the child or other payee on the claim. 

NOTE:	 In general, the children's survivor benefit is included in the 

monthly payment of the surviving parent when he or she is also a 

beneficiary and has care and custody of the children. 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 13 

Chapter 73 

Part 73A4 Duration of Benefits 

Section 73A4.1-1 General Rules 

A.	 Beginning Date A child's survivor annuity benefits begin on the day following an employee's 

or retiree's death or, in the case of a posthumous child, on the day following 

the child's birth. 

B.	 Ending Date A survivor annuity to a child under 18 ends on the last day of the month 

preceding the month in which he or she: 

• Marries; 

• Dies; or 

• Becomes 18. 

NOTE 1: If the child's annuity terminates because of marriage, and then 

that marriage ends, the annuity will be resumed the first day of 

the month in which it ends, but only if:

 (1) any lump sum paid is returned; and

 (2) the child is not otherwise ineligible for an annuity.

 A child whose annuity is restored may enroll for Federal 

Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) coverage if he or she 

was covered by an FEHB plan immediately before the 

annuity was terminated.

 No benefit can be accrued and paid prior to October 1, 

1996.

 NOTE 2: If the child is a student or disabled, see sections 73A4.1-2 

and 73A4.1-3. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
14 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A4.1-2 Ending Date: Child Attending School 

A.	 Rule In the case of a child over 18 and attending school, the annuity ends the last 

day of the month preceding the month in which he or she: 

•	 Marries; 

•	 Dies; 

•	 Ceases to be a student (see paragraph C below); 

•	 Transfers to a nonrecognized school; 

•	 Begins attending school less than full-time; 

•	 Fails to submit proof, upon request, that he or she is attending school fulltime; 

•	 Enters military service or a government service academy; or 

•	 Becomes age 22 (see paragraph B below). 

B.	 Birthday Falls A child whose 22nd birthday falls during the school year (September 1 

During School through June 30) is considered not to have attained age 22 until July 1st. 

Year 

C.	 Nonschool A survivor annuity continues during nonschool intervals of not more than 5 

Intervals months between school years or terms if the student shows a clear intention to 

(Vacations) continue as a full-time student at the same or a different school. 

D. Resumption of	 Any child's annuity that ended because the child was over 18 and ceased to be 

Studies	 a student, may be resumed (or authorized for the first time) if he or she 

becomes a full-time student before age 22 and if the lump-sum benefit (if any) 

that was paid upon termination of the annuity is paid back to OPM. 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 15 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A4.1-3 Ending Date: Disabled Child Over Age 18 

A. Rule The annuity of a disabled child over the age of 18 terminates on the last day of 

the month preceding the month in which he or she: 

• Marries; 

• Recovers from the disability; 

• Becomes capable of self-support; or 

• Dies. 

B. Becomes Capable 

of Self-Support 

If OPM determines that the child has become capable of self-support, the 

annuity can continue until age 22 if the child is a full-time student. 

C. Recurrence of 

Disability After 

Termination 

If a child's annuity ends because he or she recovers from a disability or 

becomes capable of self-support, the CSRS law does not permit the annuity to 

be reinstated even if the disabling condition recurs or the child again becomes 

incapable of self-support. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
16 CSRS Children's Benefits 

Chapter 73 

Part 73A5 Procedures 

Section 73A5.1-1 Procedures When Employee Dies 

> See Section 70A3.1-1 for special procedures in situations when there is 

a disaster involving Federal employees. < 

A.	 Agency 1. When an employee dies, the agency: 

Responsibility 

•	 Contacts the next of kin or emergency addressee and advises him or her 

of the right to apply for death benefits; 

•	 Informs the next of kin about what benefits may be payable; 

•	 Assists the next of kin in completing the SF 2800, Application for 

Death Benefits; 

•	 Submits the applicant's SF 2800 to OPM with the employee's Individual 

Retirement Record (SF 2806) if the applicants sends the SF 2800 to the 

agency before the SF 2806 is transmitted to OPM: 

•	 Completes the SF 2801-1, Certified Summary of Federal Service; 

•	 Completes the SF 2800A, Agency Certification for Death in Service; 

and 

•	 Submits the deceased employee's Individual Retirement Record 

(SF 2806), the SF 2801-1, and the SF 2800A to OPM within 30 days of 

the employee's death. If the next of kin completes an SF 2800, the 

agency submits that form as well. 

2. When a student over 18 is involved, it will expedite OPM's processing of 

the application if a completed student certification form, RI 25-41, is sent 

with the application for benefits. Subchapter 73C contains a copy of the 

form for local reproduction. Likewise, if there is a disabled child over age 

18, providing documentation of the disabling condition with the application 

for benefits will expedite OPM's processing. Subchapter C contains a copy 

of OPM Form RI 25-43 that may be used, or a copy of the SSA award 

letter may be submitted. 

3. The agency should submit the deceased employee's records and any 

available information about potential payees to OPM as early as possible so 

they are received within 30 days of the employee's death. 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits 17 

Chapter 73 

Section 73A5.1-1 Procedures When Employee Dies (Cont.) 

A.	 Agency NOTE: When contacted by the survivor of a retiree, the agency should refer 

Responsibility the survivor to the following address for additional information, death 

(Cont.) benefit applications, etc.: 

Office of Personnel Management 

Retirement Operations Center 

Boyers, PA 16017 

The survivor should provide OPM with the retiree's name, date of birth, date 

of death, CSA number, and Social Security number. 

B.	 Parent/Guardian 1. The parent, legal guardian, or person with care and custody of the child 

Responsibility should: 

•	 Complete the SF 2800, Application for Death Benefits; 

•	 Attach any other forms or evidence as required -- guardianship papers, 

medical documents for disabled children over age 18, proof that the 

child is a natural child, school certification, birth certificate, if the child 

was adopted, born out of wedlock, or a stepchild of the deceased, etc. 

2. A surviving spouse or former spouse who is entitled to a benefit in his or 

her own right, and also on behalf of the child, only needs to file one 

application. 

3. If the employing agency of a deceased employee has not yet forwarded the 

employee's records to OPM, the applicant sends the completed application 

to the employing office. 

In all other cases, the applicant sends the completed application to: 

Office of Personnel Management 

Retirement Operations Center 

Boyers, PA 16017. 

C.	 OPM OPM determines what benefits are payable and, depending upon the type of 

Responsibility	 benefit and other circumstances in a particular case, may request the applicant 

to submit additional evidence. 

D. Health Benefits Where survivor benefits are payable, any health benefit premiums are withheld 

from the monthly survivor annuity. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
18 Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73 

Subchapter 73B FERS 

Part 73B1 General Information 

Section 73B1.1-1 Overview 

A.	 Introduction Subchapter 73B contains the rules and policies that apply to children's survivor 

benefits under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). 

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

the CSRS rule that applies or gives the FERS rule if it is different. 

B.	 Organization of The FERS subchapter has three parts. 

Subchapter 

PART NAME OF PART PAGE 

73B1 General Information 19 

73B2 Benefits Payable 20 

73B3 Procedures 23 

C.	 Applicable CSRS The following part of subchapter 73A applies entirely to FERS employees. 

Provision 

• Part 73A2: Eligibility Requirements 

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

Authority 

• United States Code: 5 U.S.C. 8443 

• Code of Federal Regulations: 5 CFR Part 843, Subpart D 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
Children's Benefits FERS 19 

Chapter 73 

Part 73B2 Benefits Payable 

Section 73B2.1-1 Amount of Benefits 

A. General Rule A child's survivor annuity rate is: 

1. The total amount payable to all children under CSRS; 

2. Less the total amount payable to all children by Social Security; and 

3. Divided by the number of children. 

B. Employee 

Requirements 

A child's survivor annuity is payable in addition to any survivor annuity 

payable to a spouse. 

For a survivor annuity to be payable, the employee must have: 

1. Completed at least 18 months of creditable civilian service; and 

2. Died while subject to FERS. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
20 Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73 

Section 73B2.1-2 Social Security 

A.	 General Rule Any monthly FERS survivor benefit payable to any child of the deceased 

employee or retiree is reduced (offset) by the total amount of any Social 

Security survivor benefit payable to all children based on the Social Security 

earnings of the deceased employee or retiree. In many cases, the FERS 

benefit is reduced to $0. 

There is no offset or reduction in any month for which the child is not entitled 

to insurance benefits from Social Security. For example, if Social Security 

benefits end because the child attained age 19, FERS survivor benefits are 

payable until age 22 if the child is still in school. 

If the death of the employee results from injury or illness sustained in the 

performance of duty, compensation benefits may be payable. They are 

administered by the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation 

Programs (OWCP). OWCP payments are reduced by the amount of any 

Social Security survivor benefits attributable to the deceased employee's 

Federal service while under FERS coverage. 

B.	 Agency Agencies should encourage survivors to apply for Social Security benefits for 

Responsibility children as soon as possible. (See Standard Form 3104 and 3104B.) 

C. OPM	 OPM requires evidence of Social Security entitlement or nonentitlement before 

Requirement	 making any payments. (See Standard Form 3104 and 3104B.) Because of the 

Social Security offset, OPM presumes that there will be no FERS survivor 

benefit payable to children under age 19. 

D.	 Survivor The parent, legal guardian, or other person with care and custody of children 

Responsibility must: 

1. Complete Standard Form 3104 and 3104B on behalf of the child or 

children; and 

2. Submit a copy of the SSA award or denial letter to OPM when they receive 

it. 

E. Failure to Submit 

SSA 

Award/Denial 

Letter 

Normally, failure to submit the SSA award or denial letter with the application 

(and related documents) will not result in a delay in processing the case or in 

the payment of other benefits because of OPM's presumption that no benefits 

are payable to children under age 19. 

Delay will result in cases where Social Security is not paying benefits to any 

child, or in the unusual case where the amount of the Social Security benefit 

does not completely offset the FERS benefit. 

Section 73B2.1-2 Social Security (Cont.) 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
Children's Benefits FERS 21 

Chapter 73 

E. Failure to Submit 

SSA 

Award/Denial 

Letter (Cont.) 

Under Public Law 104-121, approved March 29, 1996, a stepchild under 

Social Security must receive at least half of his or her support from the 

deceased stepparent in order to qualify for Social Security benefits. A child 

living with a stepparent is not automatically eligible for survivor benefits. 

However, under Social Security a child not living with the stepparent is also 

not automatically disqualified so long as he or she received at least half support 

from the deceased stepparent. 

Under CSRS and FERS law, to be eligible for survivor annuity benefits, a 

stepchild must be dependent on, and living with, the deceased parent at the 

time of death; however, the term "dependent" is, under the statutory 

definition, met for a stepchild if the stepchild is living with the stepparent. 

With the CSRS and FERS laws, unlike under Social Security, the term 

"dependent" does not require half support. A stepchild may be eligible for 

FERS benefits when not eligible for Social Security, if he or she was living 

with the deceased stepparent at the time of death, even if half support is not 

established. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
22 Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73 

Section 73B2.1-3 Duration of Benefits 

A.	 Applicable CSRS The CSRS rules on how long survivor benefits can be paid to children apply 

Provision under FERS, with one exception. The exception is noted below. 

B.	 Exception Unlike the CSRS law, the FERS law allows reinstatement of benefits to a 

disabled child over age 18 if OPM finds that the child again has become 

incapable of self-support. 

April, 1998	 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
Children's Benefits FERS 23 

Chapter 73 

Part 73B3 Procedures 

Section 73B3.1-1 Procedures 

A. General The procedures under FERS are the same as under CSRS with the exceptions 

noted below. 

B. Forms	 1. The Application for Death Benefits is the SF 3104. 

2. Standard Form 3104B applies only to FERS. 

C.	 Health Benefits Where survivor benefits are payable, health benefits premiums are withheld 

from the monthly survivor annuity. 

In the situation where any child's FERS benefit is reduced below the amount 

necessary to pay the FEHB premium because of Social Security benefits 

received, the child (or children) can continue FEHB coverage by making 

direct payments to OPM. OPM will provide the payee with the procedures for 

making direct payments. 

CSRS and FERS Handbook	 April, 1998 
24 Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73
 

Blank page 

April, 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 25 

Chapter 73 

Subchapter 73C Job Aids 

Section 73C1.1-1 Local Reproduction Forms 

This subchapter contains copies of the following OPM forms for local 

reproduction: 

Number Name 

RI 25-41 Initial Certification of Full-time School Attendance 

RI 25-43 Documentation in Support of Claim for CSRS or FERS 

Benefits as a Disabled Dependent Child 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
26 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73 

UNITED STATES 

OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT 

RETIREMENT PROGRAMS 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20415 

INITIAL CERTIFICATION OF 

FULL-TIME SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 

Reference 

Date 

Claim number (suffix) 

CSF 

Name of deceased employee 

Name of child 

Date of death On roll? 

G Yes G No 

The Application for Death Benefits shows that the child

named above, a survivor of a Federal employee or annuitant, is (or soon will be ) age 18. After reaching age 18, a

child is eligible for a survivor annuity only if unmarried and (1) 

a full-time student in a recognized school or (2) incapacitated

for self-support because of a physical or mental disability that

began before age 18. 

If a child is unmarried and incapacitated for self-support

because of a mental or physical disability, do not fill in the

other side of this form. Instead, return the form to us with a 

doctor's certificate describing the nature and extent of the 

child's disability. After we review the documentation of the 

disability, we will write to you about the child's eligibility for

benefits. 

If the child is unmarried and a full-time student, you should

complete Part A on the other side of this form; a school

official should complete Part B, and you should return the

completed form to us promptly. If the child's school year was 

not in session on the date of death (shown above), have the 

school official complete Part B for the last school year 

attended. 

Send the completed form to: 

U.S. Office of Personnel Management Retirement Programs 

P.O. Box 956 

Washington, DC 20044. 

Privacy Act Statement 

The information requested on this form is needed to determine whether the child is eligible for benefits beyond the age of 18 as provided in Title 5, U.S. Code, Chapters 83 and 84. This 

information will be shared with the General Accounting Office and the U.S. Department of Justice in the event litigation is required to enforce collection of an overpayment of annuity benefits. 

It may also be disclosed to other Federal agencies or Congressional offices which have a need to know it in connection with your application for a job, license, grant or other benefits, or in 

connection with possible violation of law. It may also be shared with national, state, local or other charitable or social security administrative agencies to determine and issue benefits under 

their programs. While the law does not require you to supply all of the information requested on this form, it may not be possible to determine the child's entitlement to benefits if you fail to do so. 

Public Burden Statement 

We think this form take an average 20 minutes per response to complete, including the time for reviewing instructions, getting the needed data, and reviewing the completed form. Send 

comments regarding our estimate or any other aspect of this form, including suggestions for reducing completion time, to the Paperwork Reduction Project, OMB Clearance Number 3206­

0099, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 or Reports and Forms Management Officer, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW., Room 6410, 

Washington, DC 20415. 

(THIS SPACE IS FOR THE USE OF THE OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT ONLY.) 

Remarks: G APPROVED G NOT APPROVED BECAUSE 

G Less than full-time school attendance 

G Not in school 

G Over 5-month break in attendance 

G Married 

G Non-recognized school 

G Other (specify) 

Call up (M-Card) processed 

Examiner 

Inspector Date Date 

Previous editions are usable RI 25-41 (formerly BRI 49-224-1)

Revised February 1989 

April, 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 27 

Chapter 73 

Part A - To be completed by the payee (the person who expects to receive benefits for the student).
 

Read the reverse side of this form before answering the questions below; give full information; typewrite or print in ink.
 

1. Student's name (first, middle, last) 2.Student's date of birth (month, day, year) 3. Student's Social Security number 

4. Is the student married? If "Yes", show the date at right, sign in item 7 of this Yes 6 part, and return this form. (It is not necessary to 

complete the rest of the form.) 

No 

Date of marriage 

CURRENT 

STATUS 

a full-time basis at the present time? 

5. Is the student enrolled in school on 

last attended school on a full-time Yes If "No", show the date the student

basis. 

No 6 

Last attended school (month, day, year) 

FUTURE 

PLANS 

6. After the end of the school year, does 

the student intend to continue as a 

full-time student with less than a 5­

month break between years? 

If "Yes", give the details in items 6a and 6b. Yes6 

No 

Undecided } If "No", or "Undecided", do not complete items 6a and 6b. 

6a. Enter the date (or approximate date) the 

next school year or term begins after

current enrollment (month, day year) 

6b. Complete name and mailing address (including ZIP code) of the educational 

institution the student will attend next year. 

PAYEE 

SIGNS 

HERE 

7. I certify that all information given in this certification is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that I must 

immediately notify the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) if the student transfers to another school, discontinues school attendance, 

reduces attendance to less than full-time, marries, or dies. I further agree to return all overpayments of student benefits, including 

overpayments that may be erroneously made after I notify OPM of any terminating event. 

Signature of payee Date 

Part B - To be completed by an official of the educational institution for the school year to . (month, year) (month, year) 

6. Is/was the student enrolled in and attending a full-time

course of resident study or training (not

correspondence) for the period requested? 

G Yes G No 

2. Actual date the student started school for the 

school year indicated above (month, day, year). 3. Official ending date of that school 

year (month, day, year). 

4. Check thy type of educational institution: 

GHigh school GJunior college GTrade school GCollege or university GTechnical institute GOther (specify) GVocational institute 

5. Show the complete name and mailing address (including ZIP code) of the

educational institution. 

6. Show the total school hours per week:

a. If college or equivalent, show credit hours......................

b. If high school or equivalent, show actual clock hours.......

c. If in a work-study program sponsored by the school, show

hours at work ...................................................... 

hours at school .................................................... 

7. Circle the student's highest grade level: 

High School College Other 

7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 

Complete the following items if your institution is not a state college, state university, or public high school. 

8. Show the complete name and address (including ZIP code) of the organization

which accredits, licenses, or otherwise recognizes the school. 9. If the educational institution is licensed, show:

 a. Current license number: b. Expiration date of current

license (month, day, year) 

SCHOOL 

OFFICIAL 

SIGNS 

HERE 

I certify that the information given in regard to requested school enrollment of the abovenamed student is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Warning: Any intentional false statement, willful concealment of material fact, or use of

a writing or document knowing the same to contain a false, fictitious, or fraudulent

statement or entry, is a violation of the law punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than 5 years, or

Signature of official of the educational institution 

both. (18 U.S.C.1001) 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
28 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73
 

Title Date 

Reverse of RI 25-41
 February 1989 

April, 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook 
 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 29 

Chapter 73 

Documentation in Support of Claim
 

for CSRS or FERS Benefits as a Disabled Dependent Child
 

OPM needs the information requested below to determine whether a child over age 18 is eligible for a survivor annuity. A child 

over age 18 may be eligible for an annuity if he or she in incapable of self-support because of a physical or mental disability 

incurred before he or she reached age 18. In addition, the child must have been a dependent child of the deceased Federal 

employee or retiree on whose employment the annuity is based, and the child must be unmarried. 

Name of Deceased (first, middle, last) Date of Birth of Deceased Social Security of Deceased 

Name of Disabled Dependent (first, middle, last) Date of Birth of Disabled Dependent CSF Number 

A. To be completed by disabled dependent child, parent, or guardian: 

1. Does the disabled dependent child live with parent, guardian, or at a residential facility? If the disabled dependent resides

at a residential facility, please provide the name and address of the facility in the space below: 

2. Is there a court-appointed guardian or fiduciary to handle the affairs of the disabled dependent? If so, please attach a copy

of the court order. 

3. Is the disabled dependent now employed, or has he or she been employed during the last twelve months? 

4. If the answer to question 3 is yes, please state the period and type of employment, the amount of earnings, and whether

employment was in a closely supervised environment, i.e., closed workshop. 

5. Highest level of education of disabled dependent. 

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will not pay for any expenses that are incurred when securing the 

requested medical information from the physician. 

I certify that the information provided above is correct. 

Date Signature of Disabled Dependent Child, Parent, or Guardian 

Address Telephone 

RI 25-43 February 1990 

For Local Reproduction 

CSRS and FERS Handbook April, 1998 
30 CSRS Children's Benefits FERS 

Chapter 73 

B. To be completed by the physician: 

Name of deceased (first, middle, last) Date of birth of deceased Social Security Number of deceased 

Name of disabled dependent (first, middle, last) Date of birth of disabled dependent CSF Number 

In order to determine if your patient is eligible for benefits under the retirement law, we need information regarding the current 

medical condition. 

1. Diagnosis of disability. 2. Age at onset. 

3. Severity of disability (circle one): Mild Moderate Severe. 4. Estimate of expected date of full or partial recovery. 

5. If patient is mentally retarded, please state approximate mental age. 6. I.Q. test results. 

In addition, attach a narrative addressing the following points: 

1. The history of the specific medical condition(s), including reference to findings from previous examinations,

treatment, and responses to treatment. 

2. Clinical findings from your most recent medical evaluation, including findings of physical examination, results 

of laboratory test, x-rays, EKG's and other special evaluations or diagnostic procedures and in the case of

psychiatric disease, the findings of mental status examination and the results of psychological tests. 

3. Assessment of the current clinical status and plans for future treatment. 

4. An explanation of the impact of the medical condition on life activities. For example, is the patient capable of

handling finances? 

5. Assessment of the degree to which the medical condition has or has not become static, well stabilized or

controlled, and an explanation of the medical basis for the conclusion. 

Signature Please Print Name 

Street Address Date 

City, State, and Zip Code Telephone Number 

Privacy Act Statement 

The information requested on this form is needed to determine whether the child is eligible for benefits beyond the age of 18 as provided in Title 5, U.S. Code, Chapter 83 and 84. This information will be shared with the General Accounting Office and the U.S. Department of Justice in the event litigation is required to enforce collection of an overpayment of annuity benefits. It may also be disclosed to other Federal agencies or Congressional offices which 

have a need to know it in connection with your application for a job, license, grant or other benefit, or in connection with possible violation of law. It may 

also be shared with national, state, local or other charitable or social security administrative agencies to determine and issue benefits under their programs. While the law does not require you to supply all of the information requested on this form, it may not be possible to determine the child's entitlement to benefits if you fail to do so. 

Public Burden Statement 

We think this form takes an average 20 minutes per response to complete, including time for reviewing instructions, getting the needed data, and 

reviewing the completed form. Send comments regarding our estimate or any other aspect of this form, including suggestions for reducing completion time, to the Paperwork Reduction Project, OMB Clearance Number 3206-0099, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503 or Reports and Forms Management Officer, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, NW., Room 6410, Washington, DC 20415. 

Reverse of RI 25-43 

February 1990 

April, 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook