Q. I am a single CSRS annuitant, age 69. My wife passed away before I retired. I may remarry. According to my research, I have two years after marriage to request a survivor benefit for my new wife. Also, I must be married nine months before my new wife can receive a survivor benefit. What occurs if I were to have requested a survivor’s benefit for her within the two years after marriage, but I passed away before the nine months occurred?
A. If you had been married for nine months before you passed away, she would be entitled to the survivor benefit. If you hadn’t, she wouldn’t.
