I Have To Divide My Pension With My Ex-Spouse And Provide Said Former Spouse Protection Upon My Death. What Does This Mean? Who Has To Pay For This Additional Benefit?
Posted on Nov 1, 2013 9:21am PDT
Q. Steven P. of West Virginia asks: "I have worked for the government in the CSRS Plan for more than
30 years and am now going through a divorce. I have to divide my pension
with my ex-spouse and provide said former spouse protection upon my death.
What does this mean? Who has to pay for this additional benefit?"
A. Kim, from the QDRO Department of Pension Evaluators & QDROS Of Troyan,
Inc Associates Group answers: "Under Title 5 of the USC, the CSRS/FERS Plans offers what is known
as a "Former Spouse Survivor Annuity (FSSA)." This means that
should you predecease your former spouse, the "living benefit"
shall continue beyond your death and become the "Former Spouse Survivor
Annuity," benefit. In other words, the former spouse's benefit
does not end regardless of the member's death. The cost to participate/provide
in this annuity may be shared proportionately between the parties to the
divorce or may be borne by either party. The amount of the "Former
Spouse Survivor Annuity (FSSA)" may be a Pro-Rata Share or the 55%
Maximum Allowable Option."
Kimberly O'Connor
QDRO Coordinator
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