Q: I retired from the U.S. Postal Service 14 months ago. In October, my wife passed away and I submitted the paperwork to eliminate the reduction to provide an annuity for her. My retirement benefit was recomputed and increased $259 per month. After processing, I was paid for an accrued annuity for two months; a sum of $518. Should I not have been given the accrued annuity payment from the date of my retirement? Should the FEHB premiums have been returned to me as, I was told that my health benefits would be converted from family to single?
A: Absolutely not. Your annuity would only be increased following your wife’s death. Your health benefits premiums will be reset when the request to change from self and family to self only is processed.