This is a question that none of us wants to think about, yet one that we know some of us will inevitably have to face.  And, at the time of perhaps the greatest sorrow in our lives, several tasks will have to be dealt with in a short span of time.

Most often here in Florida, family or friends arrive from out of town to help with necessary arrangements.  By getting our affairs in order and preparing in advance, we can make this grievous time a lot easier. Save the following information and file it along with your important papers.  Tell those who may handle your affairs where these papers are located.

Three Steps to Take Immediately After the Death of an Annuitant

1. Notify OPM of the death by calling Washington, DC (1-888-767-6738) or Boyers, PA (724-794-5216). When you call either of these numbers, be prepared to provide the name, address, social security number, CSA or CFS number, date of birth, and date of death of the deceased.

2. Notify the bank.  Make arrangements for the bank to return any annuity and/or social security checks received after the date of the annuitant’s death.  If a check comes to the home, write, “deceased” on the envelope and deposit it unopened in a mailbox.

 3. Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate (you will need many copies at least 8 or more, depending on your situation).  A certified death certificate must be enclosed with the applications for survivor annuity and insurance benefits.

Other important things to be done:

1. Notify Social Security.  The nationwide toll-free number is 1-800-772-1213.

2. If the annuitant was a Veteran, make claim to the VA Office.  Phone: 1-800-827-1000.

3. If annuitant was retired from a Military Service, notify that Service of the death.

4. Take annuitant’s original will (not a copy) to the Clerk of the Court.

5. Notify life insurance companies with which the annuitant held a policy—other than the Federal Employee Government Life Insurance (FEGLI).  When you notify OPM of the death, you will receive a form to claim insurance under the FEGLI.

6. Call the local agent of the insurance company carrying insurance on your home, automobile, or other valuables.

7. Go to the Office of “Taxes, Tags, and Titles” and reregister your auto (take a copy of the death certificate and marriage license).

8. Apply for widow/widower exemption at the property appraiser’s office.

9. If you have a mortgage, auto loan, or other payments, notify each payment center.

10. Notify any organization in which the annuitant was a member; for example, Elks, American Legion, Moose, etc.

Finally, call your Chapter Service Officer if you need help filling out papers or if you have any questions.

                                                                                                                      -Paul F. Caron, Service Officer

 

 

 

What should I do if suddenly faced with the death of my spouse?

SERVICE REPORT

 

Paul  Caron

 

 

 

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