How do survivor benefits work?
If you die as an active member with at least 2 years of service, your survivors are paid monthly survivor benefits. The amount of the benefit is based on your years of service at the time of your death. Survivors include a spouse or registered domestic partner, designated survivor beneficiary with or without additional payees, and dependent children who are under the age of 18 at the time or your death. A lifetime benefit is paid to the spouse or registered domestic partner or survivor beneficiary with or without additional payees. Dependent children are paid their benefit until they reach age 18 or 23 if they remain unmarried, full-time students. Return to Question.
If you die before you retire, your survivors are paid monthly survivor benefits based upon your years of service at the time of your death. Survivors include a spouse or designated survivor beneficiary, and dependent children who are under the age of 18 at the time or your death. A lifetime benefit is paid to the spouse or survivor beneficiary. Dependent children are paid their benefit until they reach age 18 or 23 if they remain unmarried, full-time students. Return to Question.