Disability payments and survivor benefits

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Q. After 25 years of service, I was approved for OWCP disability. Now, 15 years later and at age 68, I am still receiving the annuity. If I die still receiving OWCP benefits, will my wife receive survivor benefits from my CSRS service? Should I leave the money in the CSRS or draw it out?

A. Yes, she will. So don’t ask for a refund of your retirement contributions.

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Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.

2 Comments

  1. I have been on owcp for 27 yrs. I got injured on the job in Oct 1994. Have had 9 back surgeries. I was given the choice of taking disability retirement or stay with owcp. I took owcp because I would make more money monthly. I worked for DOD for 22 yrs. Would I get any credit for my time with owcp. I am 78 yrs old.

    • If you were approved for disability retirement but instead elected worker’s compensation, your annuity would be the one you were entitled to on the day your application was approved, increased by any cost-of-living adjustments that occurred after that date. If you didn’t apply for disability retirement, it’s to late to do that now.

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