i CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
Table of Contents
Subchapter 5A CSRS and FERS
Part 5A1 General Information
Section 5A1.1-1 Overview ........................................ 1
A. Introduction ............................................... 1
B. Requests for Advice/Information .................................. 1
C. Handbook for Attorneys ....................................... 2
D. Topics Covered ............................................. 2
E. Organization of Chapter ........................................ 3
F. Statement of Authority ........................................ 3
Part 5A2 Garnishment Orders
Section 5A2.1-1 Definitions ....................................... 4
A. Child Support .............................................. 4
B. Alimony .................................................. 4
C. Disposable Annuity .......................................... 4
Section 5A2.1-2 Garnishment Orders ................................ 6
A. General Rule ............................................... 6
B. Restrictions on Amount to be Garnished ............................. 6
C. Payments Under a Garnishment Order .............................. 6
D. Where to File Garnishment Orders ................................. 7
Part 5A3 Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders
Section 5A3.1-1 Definitions ....................................... 8
A. Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Order ............................ 8
B. Child Abuse Creditor ......................................... 8
C. Disposable Annuity .......................................... 8
Section 5A3.1-2 Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders ................ 9
A. General .................................................. 9
B. Payments Under Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders ................ 9
C. Where to File Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders ................. 9
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Part 5A4 Apportionment Orders
Section 5A4.1-1 Definitions ...................................... 10
A. Self-Only Annuity .......................................... 10
B. Gross Annuity .............................................. 10
C. Net Annuity .............................................. 10
D. Former Spouse ............................................ 10
Section 5A4.1-2 Apportionment Orders .............................. 11
A. General Rule .............................................. 11
Section 5A4.1-3 Preparing an Apportionment Order ...................... 12
A. Applicability of State Law ..................................... 12
B. Which Courts Can Issue Order .................................. 12
C. Content of Order ........................................... 12
D. Maximum Benefits Payable .................................... 12
Section 5A4.1-4 Filing an Apportionment Order ......................... 13
A. General .................................................. 13
B. Application Must be in Writing ................................... 13
C. Information to Include in Application ............................... 13
D. Certification of Marital Status .................................... 14
E. OPM Address .............................................. 14
Section 5A4.1-5 Miscellaneous ..................................... 15
A. Health Benefits Coverage ....................................... 15
B. Alternative Annuity Election ..................................... 15
Part 5A5 Survivor Benefit Orders
Section 5A5.1-1 Definitions ....................................... 16
A. Former Spouse ............................................. 16
B. Former Spouse Survivor Annuity .................................. 16
Section 5A5.1-2 Survivor Benefit Orders .............................. 17
A. General .................................................. 17
B. Which Courts Can Issue Order ................................... 17
C. Content of Order ............................................ 17
D. Which Court Orders Can Award CSRS Survivor Benefits .................. 17
E. Modification Restrictions ....................................... 18
F. Maximum Benefits Payable ..................................... 19
G. Filing the Order ............................................. 19
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Section 5A5.1-3 Miscellaneous ..................................... 20
A. Health Benefits Coverage ....................................... 20
B. Alternative Annuity Election ..................................... 20
Part 5A6 Release of Information
Section 5A6.1-1 Orders for Release of Retirement and Insurance Records ........ 21
A. General .................................................. 21
B. Where to Serve When Individual Is No Longer an Employee ................ 21
C. Where to Serve When Individual Employed by Only One Agency
With No Break in Service
..................................... 21
D. Where to Serve When Individual Employed by More Than One Agency
or Has a Break in Service
..................................... 21
E. Information to Include in a Court Order ............................. 21
F. OPM Address .............................................. 22
Subchapter 5B Job Aid
Section 5B1.1-1 Order Form for Attorney's Handbook .................... 23
Order Form for Attorney's Handbook .................................. 24
Appendix -- Model Language for Use in Court Orders ........................... 25
Introduction .................................................. 25
000 Series--Special Technical Provisions ............................... 27
001 Language required in Qualified Domestic Relations Orders ................. 27
100 Series--Identification of the benefits and instructions that OPM pay the
former spouse
....................................... 28
101 Identifying retirement benefits and directing OPM to pay the former
spouse
........................................... 28
111 Protecting a former spouse entitled to military retired pay .................. 28
200 Series--Computing the amount of the former spouse's benefit .............. 29
201 Award of a fixed monthly amount ................................. 29
202 Award of a percentage ......................................... 29
203 Award of a fraction .......................................... 29
204 Award of a prorata share ....................................... 30
211 Award based on a stated formula .................................. 30
231 Awarding COLA's on fixed monthly amounts ......................... 31
232 Excluding COLA's on awards other than fixed monthly amounts ............. 31
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300 Series--Type of annuity ....................................... 32
301 Awards based on benefits actually paid .............................. 32
311 Awards of earned annuity in cases where the actual annuity is based on disability ... 32
400 Series--Refunds of employee contributions ........................... 34
401 Barring payment of a refund of employee contributions ................... 34
402 Dividing a refund of employee contributions .......................... 34
500 Series--Death of the former spouse ................................ 35
501 Full annuity restored to the retiree ................................. 35
502 Former spouse share paid to children ............................... 35
503 Former spouse share paid to the court ............................... 35
700 Series--Computing the amount of the former spouse's benefit .............. 36
701 Award of the maximum survivor annuity ............................. 36
702 Award that continues the pre-divorce survivor annuity benefits ............... 37
703 Award of a prorata share ....................................... 37
704 Award of a fixed monthly amount ................................. 37
711 Award of a percentage or fraction of the employee annuity ................. 38
712 Award based on a stated formula as a share of employee annuity ............. 38
721 Award of a percentage or fraction of the maximum survivor annuity ........... 38
722 Award based on a stated formula as a share of maximum survivor annuity ....... 39
751 Changing amount of former spouse survivor annuity based on remarriage
before retirement
.................................... 39
752 Changing amount of former spouse survivor annuity based on remarriage
after retirement
..................................... 39
800 Series--Paying the cost of a former spouse survivor annuity ............... 41
801 Costs to be paid from the employee annuity ........................... 41
802 Costs to be paid from former spouse's share of the employee annuity .......... 41
900 Series--Refunds of employee contributions ........................... 42
901 Barring payment of a refund of employee contributions ................... 42
902 Dividing a refund of employee contributions .......................... 42
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Chapter 5
Subchapter 5A CSRS and FERS
Part 5A1 General Information
Section 5A1.1-1 Overview
A. Introduction Courts can issue orders that award benefits to legally separated spouses,
former spouses, and children of current employees, former employees, and
retirees under CSRS and FERS. Courts can also issue orders to collect
amounts awarded in child abuse cases. The purpose of this Chapter is to
provide agency personnel with general information about the different kinds
of court orders and benefits that can be awarded, as well as guidance on
how to respond to requests for information and assistance.
B. Requests for
Advice/
Information
Agency personnel should not attempt to advise an employee, an employee's
spouse, or an attorney on how to draft a court order to award CSRS or
FERS benefits. This is the task of the attorneys involved. The
requirements that must be satisfied for OPM to honor a court order are set
out in the law and regulations cited in this Chapter.
NOTE: The appendix to this Chapter contains model language to use in
court orders, and attorneys can purchase a Handbook for
Attorneys (see paragraph C below).
An agency's efforts to advise individuals in legal matters involving
domestic disputes can, despite good intentions, harm more than help.
Instead, agency personnel should provide a copy of this Chapter to any
individual seeking help in this area.
With regard to requests for an individual's records, agency personnel must
consult Privacy Act rules and applicable regulations before disclosing the
information. This may require that you consult with your agency's legal
counsel. (See part 5A6 concerning court orders for retirement and
insurance information.) Commonly requested information includes a
statement of retirement system coverage, the amount of money to the
employee's credit in the retirement fund, and an annuity estimate using the
employee's service history to date. If an agency provides an annuity
estimate, as agencies generally do for employees at or near retirement, it
should clearly state that the benefit calculation is only an estimate, and is
not binding on the Government. Agencies should not speculate about
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Chapter 5
Section 5A1.1-1 Overview (Cont.)
B. Requests for future promotions, program changes, or any other non-factual information,
Advice/ and should avoid giving annuity estimates for employees who are not near
Information retirement. Official computations are made by OPM only at the time
(Cont) benefits become payable. It is not appropriate for agency personnel to
attempt a "present value" computation of an employee's future benefits.
Present value computations should be prepared by a qualified private
actuary. Such computations of the total actuarial value of retirement
benefits require application of various economic and mortality assumptions
and are beyond the scope of an employing agency's or OPM's
responsibility. Also, agencies should not attempt to determine the proper
division of benefits between the employee and spouse.
C. Handbook for
Attorneys
Attorneys may want to order "A Handbook for Attorneys on Court-ordered
Retirement, Health Benefits, and Life Insurance Under the Civil Service
Retirement System, Federal Employees Retirement System, Federal
Employees Health Benefits Program, and Federal Employees Group Life
Insurance Program". An order form for local reproduction is included in
Subchapter 5B. In addition to the printed text of the law and regulations,
the Handbook includes extensive model paragraphs that can be used to draft
orders that will meet OPM's requirements. Also included is a computer
diskette containing the model language in several formats.
The Handbook for Attorneys is also available on OPM Mainstreet, OPM's
bulletin board system. > (See Chapter 1, Section 1B3.1-1 for instructions
on downloading from the Bulletin Board.) < The telephone number is
(202) 606-4800.
D. Topics Covered This Chapter covers the rules and procedures that govern:
Garnishment of Federal retirement benefits;
Apportionment of Federal retirement benefits;
Survivor benefit orders; and
Serving court orders on OPM and/or the employing agency.
Payments of amounts of Federal retirement benefits subject to child
abuse judgment enforcement orders.
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Chapter 5
Section 5A1.1-1 Overview (Cont.)
E. Organization of This Chapter has five parts.
Chapter
Part Name of Part Page
5A1 General Information 1
5A2 Garnishment Orders 4
5A3 Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders 8
5A4 Apportionment Orders 10
5A5 Survivor Benefit Orders 16
5A6 Release of Information 21
F. Statement of This Chapter and its contents are based on the laws and regulations cited
Authority
below.
United States Code: 5 U.S.C. 8341(h), 8342(j), 8345(j), and 8424(b); 5
U.S.C. 8445 and 8467; 42 U.S.C. 659 et seq.; 5 U.S.C. 8905(c)
Code of Federal Regulations: 5 CFR Part 581;
5 CFR 831, Subparts A, Q, and T; 5 CFR 831.106; 5 CFR 841,
Subparts A and I, and 5 CFR 841.108; 5 CFR 890, Subpart H
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Part 5A2 Garnishment Orders
Section 5A2.1-1 Definitions
A. Child Support "Child support" means periodic payments of funds for the support and
maintenance of a child or children, and, subject to and in accordance with
State or local law, includes, but is not limited to, payments to provide for
health care, education, recreation, clothing, or to meet other specific needs
of the child or children. The term also includes attorney's fees, interest,
and court costs, if they are expressly made recoverable as child support
under a decree, order, or judgment issued in accordance with applicable
State or local law by a court of competent jurisdiction.
B. Alimony "Alimony" means periodic payments of funds for the support and
maintenance of a spouse or former spouse, and, subject to and in
accordance with State or local law, includes, but is not limited to, separate
maintenance, alimony pendente lite, maintenance, and spousal support.
Alimony also includes attorney's fees, interest, and court costs, if they are
expressly made recoverable as alimony under a decree, order, or judgment
issued in accordance with applicable State or local law by a court of
competent jurisdiction.
This term does not include any payments or transfer of property or its value
by an individual to his or her spouse in compliance with any community
property settlement, equitable distribution of property, or other division of
property between spouses or former spouses.
NOTE: Attorney's fees, interest, and court costs, may be recovered only
if they are considered alimony or child support under State or
local law. OPM cannot comply with a garnishment order for
payment of these items unless it expressly states that they
constitute alimony or child support.
C. Disposable "Disposable annuity" means the amount of annuity payable after deducting
Annuity
from the gross annuity any amounts that are--
Owed by the retiree to the United States;
Deducted for health benefits premiums;
Deducted for basic life insurance premiums;
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Section 5A2.1-1 Definitions (Cont.)
C. Disposable Deducted for Medicare premiums;
Annuity (Cont.)
Already payable to another person based on a court order acceptable for
processing or a child abuse judgment enforcement order; and
Properly withheld for Federal, State, or local income tax purposes, if
the withholding of the amounts is authorized or required by law and if
amounts withheld are not greater than would be the case if the
individual claimed all dependents to which he or she was entitled. The
withholding of additional amounts pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 3402(i) may
be permitted only when the individual presents evidence of tax
obligation that supports the additional withholding.
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Section 5A2.1-2 Garnishment Orders
A. General Rule
Garnishment is a legal process for enforcing existing legal obligations.
CSRS and FERS benefits can be garnished only for alimony or child
support. The garnishment order must conform with all State law
requirements for garnishment actions involving private employers.
Public Law 93-647 (effective January 1, 1975) and Public Law 95-30
(effective June 1, 1977) amended the Social Security Act (title 42, United
States Code) to provide that the United States Government will comply with
the terms of a valid court order for garnishment or attachment (or other
legal process) of remuneration for employment where the order is based
upon an obligation to provide alimony or child support. These are the same
provisions that require agencies to comply with similar garnishment orders
against employees' salaries.
The information provided in this section outlines the most important aspects
of the requirements concerning apportionment orders. The governing
regulations are found at 5 CFR Part 581, Garnishment Orders.
B. Restrictions on Public Law 95-30 sets up limitations on garnishments issued to enforce a
Amount to be support obligation.
Garnished
1. An individual who has remarried and who is supporting his or her
current spouse or a dependent child other than a child awarded support
under the garnishment order may be garnished up to 50 percent of the
disposable annuity, or 55 percent if the garnishment is for a support
payment that is more than 3 months in arrears.
2. An individual who has not remarried, or is not supporting a dependent
child other than a child awarded support under the garnishment order
may be garnished up to 60 percent of the disposable annuity, or 65
percent if the garnishment is for a support payment that is more than 3
months in arrears.
C. Payments Under a OPM cannot vary its normal payment cycles to comply with a garnishment
Garnishment order. Garnishment payments are made on the first business day of the
Order month for benefits that accrued during the previous month.
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Section 5A2.1-2 Garnishment Orders (Cont.)
D. Where to File Send garnishment orders for annuitants to OPM at the following address:
Garnishment
Orders Office of Personnel Management
Office of Retirement Programs
Court Order Benefit Section
Post Office Box 17
Washington, DC 20044
For individuals still employed, send garnishment orders to the employing
agency.
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Chapter 5
Part 5A3 Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders
Section 5A3.1-1 Definitions
A. Child Abuse
Judgment
Enforcement
Order
"Child abuse judgment enforcement order" means a court or administrative
order requiring OPM to pay a portion of an employee's annuity or a refund
of employee contributions to a child abuse creditor as a means of collecting
a judgment rendered for physically, sexually, or emotionally abusing a child
as defined in sections 8345(j)(3)(B) and 8467(c)(2) of title 5, United States
Code.
B. Child Abuse "Child abuse creditor" means an individual who applies for benefits under
Creditor
CSRS or FERS based on a child abuse judgment enforcement order.
C. Disposable "Disposable annuity" means the amount of annuity payable after deducting
Annuity
from the gross annuity any amounts that are--
Owed by the retiree to the United States;
Deducted for health benefits premiums;
Deducted for basic life insurance premiums;
Deducted for Medicare premiums;
Already payable to another person based on a court order acceptable for
processing or a child abuse judgment enforcement order; and
Properly withheld for Federal, State, or local income tax purposes, if
the withholding of the amounts is authorized or required by law and if
amounts withheld are not greater than would be the case if the
individual claimed all dependents to which he or she was entitled. The
withholding of additional amounts pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 3402(i) may
be permitted only when the individual presents evidence of a tax
obligation that supports the additional withholding.
Unless the court order expressly provides otherwise, net annuity also
includes a lump-sum payment made to a retiree under section 8343a of title
5, U.S.C.
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Section 5A3.1-2 Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders
A. General The Child Abuse Accountability Act (P.L. 103-358), signed October 14,
1994, requires OPM to comply with certain court orders for the
enforcement of judgments rendered against employees or retirees for
physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of a child. The Act applies to court
orders OPM receives on or after October 14, 1994. OPM's regulations
affect only benefits payable under CSRS and FERS, not the Thrift Savings
Plan, which OPM does not administer.
OPM will apply the procedure established in the regulations for
garnishment orders found in 5 CFR Part 581, when processing child abuse
judgment enforcement orders. The specific governing regulations are found
at 5 CFR Part 838, Subpart K, Child Abuse Judgment Enforcement Orders.
B. Payments Under OPM cannot vary its normal payment cycles to comply with a child abuse
Child Abuse judgment enforcement order. Payments are made on the first business day
Judgment of the month for benefits that accrued during the previous month.
Enforcement
Orders
C. Where to File
Child Abuse
Judgment
Enforcement
Orders
Send child abuse judgment enforcement orders against annuitants to OPM at
the following address:
Office of Personnel Management
Office of Retirement Programs
Court Order Benefit Section
Post Office Box 17
Washington, DC > 20044-0017 <
For judgments against individuals still employed, send orders to the
employing agency.
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Chapter 5
FERS
Part 5A4 Apportionment Orders
Section 5A4.1-1 Definitions
A. Self-Only Annuity "Self-only annuity" means the recurring unreduced payments to a retiree
whose annuity is not being reduced to provide a survivor annuity to anyone.
B. Gross Annuity "Gross annuity" means the amount of self-only annuity less any applicable
survivor reduction, but before any deductions.
C. Net Annuity "Net annuity" under CSRS means the amount of annuity payable after
deducting from the gross annuity deductions for any amounts that are
--
1. Owed by the retiree to the United States;
2. Deducted for health benefits premiums;
3. Deducted for life insurance premiums;
4. Deducted for Medicare premiums;
5. Already payable to another person based on a court order acceptable for
processing or a child abuse judgment enforcement order; or
6. Properly withheld for Federal, State, or local income tax purposes, if
amounts withheld are not greater than they would be if the individual
claimed all dependents to which he or she was entitled. The
withholding of additional amounts pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 3402(i) may
be permitted only when the individual presents evidence of a tax
obligation that supports the additional withholding.
NOTE: "Net annuity" under FERS refers to the amount of annuity payable
after deducting from the gross annuity any amounts listed in 1
through 4 above, but before the Federal income tax deduction
listed in 6.
D. Former Spouse "Former spouse" means, in connection with a court order affecting
employee retirement benefits, a living person whose marriage to an
employee or retiree has been subject to a divorce, annulment, or legal
separation resulting in a court order.
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Chapter 5
Section 5A4.1-2 Apportionment Orders
A. General Rule Apportionment orders are orders that divide an employee's annuity or
refund in accordance with a court order related to a divorce or legal
separation.
Sections 8345(j) and 8467 of title 5, United States Code, authorizes OPM to
comply with apportionment orders that meet certain specifications. In
particular, the law requires OPM to apportion an annuity or refund in
accordance with the express provisions of a qualifying order, decree, or
property settlement. OPM is authorized to make payments directly to the
former or separated spouse if the terms of the court order expressly provide
for payment in such a manner.
The information provided in this section outlines the most important aspects
of the requirements concerning apportionment orders. The governing
regulations are found at 5 CFR Part 831, Subparts Q and T and 5 CFR Part
841, Subpart I.
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Chapter 5
Section 5A4.1-3 Preparing an Apportionment Order
A. Applicability of The division of an employee's, former employee's or retiree's annuity or
State Law
contributions is governed by State law.
B. Which Courts For purposes of this section, "court" means any court of any State, the
Can Issue Order District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, and any Indian court.
C. Content of Order The court order should specify exactly what it wants OPM to do.
1. The court order must expressly provide for payment of a portion of the
employee's or retiree's monthly annuity (or contributions); and
2. The spouse's share must be stated as fixed amount, a percentage or a
fraction of the annuity, or be expressed as a formula whose value is
readily apparent from the face of the order or normal OPM files.
3. If the apportionment amount is derived using a formula, percentage, or
fraction, the order must specify the type of annuity to which the
formula, percentage, or fraction is to be applied--self-only, gross, or
net.
NOTE: Apportionment orders concerning CSRS and FERS are not subject
to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
ERISA forms should not be used.
D. Maximum There is no percentage limitation on how much of a retirement annuity
Benefits Payable payment can be awarded to a former spouse. However, payment under a
court order may not exceed:
The net annuity, in cases involving annuities; or
The amount of the lump-sum credit, in cases involving refunds of
contributions.
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Chapter 5
Section 5A4.1-4 Filing an Apportionment Order
A. General Before any benefits can be paid to the former spouse, the former spouse
must:
Submit a written request to OPM; and
Provide proper documentation so that OPM can establish the validity of
the court order.
OPM's regulations on this subject are found at Appendix A through Q
of Part 831--Guidelines for Interpreting State Court Orders Dividing
Civil Service Retirement Benefits.
B. Application Must A former spouse, personally or through a representative, must apply in
Be In Writing writing to be eligible for a portion of the retiree's annuity. A special form
is not required.
C. Information to The former spouse must include the following information in his or her
Include in letter of application:
Application
Full name;
Mailing address;
A certified copy of the court order granting benefits;
IMPORTANT: A certified copy is a copy of the order signed and certified
by an official of the court that issued the order, verifying
that it is a true copy of the original--usually by means of a
seal or raised stamp and the official's signature or initials.
A photocopy of a certified copy is not acceptable.
A signed statement that the court order has not been amended,
superseded, or set aside;
Identifying information concerning the employee or retiree, including
his or her full name, date of birth, civil service annuity (CSA) claim
number if retired, and a Social Security number; and
If the employee is not yet retired, his or her mailing address.
Section 5A4.1-4 Filing an Apportionment Order (Cont.)
D. Certification of
When payments are subject to termination upon remarriage, no payment
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14 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
Marital Status may be made until the former spouse submits, on a prescribed form, a
statement to OPM that he or she:
Has not remarried;
Will notify OPM within 15 calendar days of the date of any remarriage;
and
Acknowledges personal liability for any overpayment to him or her
resulting from a remarriage.
OPM may require recertification of these statements.
E. OPM Address Send applications for court-awarded CSRS or FERS benefits and requests
for information to:
Office of Personnel Management
Office of Retirement Programs
Court Order Benefit Section
Post Office Box 17
Washington, DC > 20044-0017 <
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Chapter 5
Section 5A4.1-5 Miscellaneous
A. Health Benefits
Coverage
A former spouse who is awarded a portion of an employee's or retiree's
CSRS or FERS annuity by a qualifying court order, regardless of whether
that benefit is payable now or in the future, is eligible to enroll for health
benefits coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
program under certain conditions. These conditions and other rules that
apply to FEHB coverage of former spouses are covered in 5 CFR 890.801
et seq. and in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Handbook for
Personnel and Payroll Offices (formerly FPM Supplement 890-1).
B. Alternative An employee who, at time of retirement, has a former spouse who is
Annuity Election entitled by court order to a portion of the employee's annuity, or to a
survivor annuity, may not elect the alternative annuity, regardless of when
the marriage ended.
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Chapter 5
Part 5A5 Survivor Benefit Orders
Section 5A5.1-1 Definitions
A. Former Spouse In connection with a court order awarding a former spouse survivor
annuity, "former spouse" means a living person who was married for at
least 9 months to an employee or retiree who performed at least 18 months
of civilian service creditable under CSRS or FERS, and whose marriage to
the employee or retiree was terminated prior to the death of the employee
or retiree.
B. Former Spouse "Former spouse survivor annuity" means a recurring benefit that is payable
Survivor Annuity after the employee's or retiree's death to a former spouse who has not
remarried before becoming 55 years of age.
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Chapter 5
Section 5A5.1-2 Survivor Benefit Orders
A. General 1. The former spouse of a CSRS employee or retiree may be awarded a
survivor annuity pursuant to a court order.
NOTE: The former spouse of a separated CSRS employee entitled to a
deferred annuity may be awarded survivor benefits. However, no
former spouse survivor annuity benefits are payable unless the
employee dies after becoming age 62 and filing an application for
retirement benefits.
2. The former spouse of a FERS employee or retiree, or of a separated
FERS employee with title to deferred annuity, may be awarded a
survivor annuity and/or basic employee death benefit pursuant to a
court order.
NOTE: A court order that awards a FERS survivor annuity also awards a
corresponding share of the basic employee death benefit unless the
order expressly provides otherwise.
For a detailed discussion of former spouse survivor benefits, see
Chapter 74.
OPM's regulations on this subject are found at Appendix B to Subpart Q of
5 CFR Part 831--Guidelines for Interpreting State Court Orders Awarding
Survivor Annuity Benefits to Former Spouses.
B. Which Courts For purposes of this section, "court" means any court of any State, the
Can Issue Order District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the
Northern Mariana Islands, or the Virgin Islands, and any Indian court.
C. Content of Order For purposes of awarding a former spouse survivor annuity, the court order
must state the former spouse's entitlement to a survivor annuity or direct an
employee or retiree to provide a former spouse survivor annuity.
D. Which Court For purposes of affecting or awarding a CSRS former spouse survivor
Orders Can annuity, a court order is not a qualifying court order whenever:
Award CSRS
Survivor Benefits
1. The marriage was terminated before May 7, 1985; or
2. The marriage was terminated on or after May 7, 1985, and:
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Chapter 5
Section 5A5.1-2 Survivor Benefit Orders (Cont.)
D. Which Court The employee retired under CSRS before May 7, 1985; and
Orders Can
Award CSRS The retiree did not elect to provide a current spouse annuity for that
Survivor Benefits spouse on or before May 7, 1985.
(Cont.)
NOTE: These restrictions do not apply to FERS.
E. Modification For purposes of awarding, increasing, reducing, or eliminating a former
Restrictions spouse survivor annuity, or explaining, interpreting, or clarifying a court
order that awards, increases, reduces, or eliminates a former spouse
survivor annuity, the court order must be:
1. The first order terminating the marital relationship between the retiree
and the former spouse. This is the original written order that first ends
the marriage; or
2. Issued on a day prior to the date of retirement or death of the
employee.
NOTE 1: "The first order terminating the marital relationship" does not
include
--
Any order that amends, explains, clarifies, or interprets the
original written order regardless of the effective date of the
order making the amendment, explanation, clarification, or
interpretation; or
Any order issued under reserve jurisdiction or any other
orders issued subsequent to the original written order
terminating the marriage that divide marital property (even
though no division of marital property was made in the
order terminating the marriage) regardless of the effective
date of the order.
NOTE 2: "Issued" means actually filed with the clerk of the court, and
does not mean the effective date of a retroactive court order
that is effective prior to the date when actually filed with the
clerk of the court (for example, an order issued nunc pro
tunc).
April 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 19
Chapter 5
Section 5A5.1-2 Survivor Benefit Orders (Cont.)
E. Modification NOTE 3: "Date of retirement" means the later of:
Restrictions
(Cont.)
The date that the employee files an application for
retirement; or
The date that employee's annuity commences (that is,
begins to accrue).
F. Maximum
Benefits Payable
The maximum combined total of all current and former spouse survivor
annuities (not including any benefits based on an election of an insurable
interest annuity) payable based solely on the service of the employee or
former employee equals 55 percent (or 50 percent if based on a separation
under FERS or a separation under CSRS that occurred before October 11,
1962) of the rate of the self-only annuity that otherwise would have been
paid to the employee or retiree.
G. Filing the Order The requirements and procedures outlined in section 5A4.1-4 above apply
to the submission of survivor benefit orders to OPM.
CSRS and FERS Handbook April 1998
20 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
Section 5A5.1-3 Miscellaneous
A. Health Benefits
Coverage
A former spouse who is awarded a survivor annuity under CSRS or FERS
by a qualifying court order may be eligible to enroll for health benefits
coverage under the FEHB program if he or she meets certain requirements.
These conditions and other rules that apply to FEHB coverage of former
spouses are covered in 5 CFR 890.801 et seq., and in the Federal
Employees Health Benefits Handbook for Personnel and Payroll Offices
(formerly FPM Supplement 890-1).
B. Alternative An employee who, at the time of retirement, has a former spouse who is
Annuity Election entitled by court order to a survivor annuity, or to a portion of the
employee's annuity, may not elect the alternative annuity, regardless of
when the marriage ended.
April 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 21
Chapter 5
Part 5A6 Release of Information
Section 5A6.1-1 Orders for Release of Retirement and Insurance Records
A. General Any agency or OPM may release information from retirement and
insurance records in response to a court order or subpoena issued with the
specific approval of a judge. > We will also release information on the
basis of the individual's written consent. <
The proper place to submit the order is determined by whether the person
has been separated from Federal service.
The information provided in this section outlines the most important aspects
of the requirements concerning release of information in response to court
order. OPM's regulations on this subject are found at 8312.106 (CSRS)
and 8431.108 (FERS).
B. Where to Serve If the individual about whom the information is sought is not a current
When Individual Federal employee, the court order should be addressed to OPM at the
Is No Longer an address in Paragraph F.
Employee
C. Where to Serve If the individual is still an active Federal employee, and all of his or her
When Individual Federal service has been continuous and with the same agency, the records
Employed by are with that agency. Service must be made upon the individual's
Only One Agency employing agency.
With No Break in
Service
NOTE: Agencies may release information in response to court orders only
in accordance with OPM regulations in Parts 294 and 297 of Title
5, Code of Federal Regulations, and agency procedures.
D. Where to Serve If the individual is currently a Federal employee but has had a break in
When Individual service or has worked for more than one agency, some of the records will
Employed by be in OPM files, while others will be in the employing agency's files. In
More Than One this situation both OPM and the agency must be served with an order. See
Agency or Has a paragraphs C and F.
Break in Service
E. Information to It takes OPM approximately 30 days to respond to an order. Submissions
Include in a Court must include the employee's or former employee's full name, date of birth
Order and Social Security number, if available, or OPM will not be able to locate
the records.
CSRS and FERS Handbook April 1998
22 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
Section 5A6.1-1 Orders for Release of Retirement and Insurance Records (Cont.)
F. OPM Address A court order > or subpoena signed by a judge < for release of retirement
and insurance records in OPM's possession should be submitted to the
following address:
Office of Personnel Management
Reconsideration and Appeal Division
> 1900 E Street NW., Room 3457
Washington, DC 20015
A signed release from the individual that specifically details the records
needed, should be submitted to the following address:
Office of Personnel Management
P. O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017
<
April 1998 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 23
Chapter 5
Subchapter 5B Job Aid
Section 5B1.1-1
A. Order Form for This subchapter contains a copy of the order form for the Handbook for
Attorney's Attorneys on Court-ordered Retirement, Health Benefits, and Life Insurance
Handbook
Under CSRS, FERS, FEHB Program, and FEGLI Program, RI 38-116, for
local reproduction.
CSRS and FERS Handbook April 1998
Attorneys whose family law practice includes Federal (or postal) employees or retirees will be interested
in a publication prepared by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM). "A Handbook
for Attorneys on Court-ordered Retirement, Health Benefits, and Life Insurance under the Civil Service
Retirement System, Federal Employees Retirement System, Federal Employees Health Benefits
Program, and Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program" contains the laws and regulations
that apply to court orders in divorces and legal separations affecting benefits under these programs.
Since ERISA rules do not apply to Federal employees and retirees, this handbook is a must for anyone
who works with court orders involving this group.
The retirement regulations spell out in detail what constitutes a court order that OPM can accept for
processing, and even include extensive model paragraphs that can be used to draft orders that will
meet OPM's requirements. OPM urges attorneys to use these model paragraphs. The January 1995
update of the handbook also includes information about recent legislation that allows employees and
retirees to assign their Federal Employees Group Life Insurance benefits.
In addition to the printed text of the law and regulations, the handbook includes a 3.5 inch diskette
containing the model language in Wordperfect 5.1, Word, and generic word processing formats. The
handbook is available from the Superintendent of Documents at a cost of $14.00 per copy. A copy of
the order form is reproduced below.
Order Processing Code: Superintendent of Documents Publication Order Form
*7612* Charge your order.
It's easy!
To fax your orders (202) 512-2250
To phone your orders (202) 512-1800
GGYES, please send me copies of the Handbook For Attorneys on Court-Ordered
Retirement, Health Benefits, and Life Insurance Under Civil Service Retirement System, Federal
Employees Retirement System, Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and Federal
Employees Group Life Insurance Program, RI 38-116, Revised Jan. 95, S/N 006-000-01408-9
$14.00 each ($17.50 foreign).
The total cost of my order is $ . Price includes regular shipping and handling and is subject
to change. International customers please add 25%.
Check method of payment
G
Check payable to Superintendent Documents
G GPO Deposit AccountGGGGGGG-G
Company or personal name
(Please type or print) G VISA G MasterCard
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
Additional address/attention line
GGGG (expiration date) Thank you for your order!
Street address
City, State, Zip code
Daytime phone including area code Authorizing signature
1/95
Purchase order number (optional)
Mail To: Superintendent of Documents
P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954
Update 14 Chapter 5 Court Orders p. 24 For Local Reproduction
August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
PRINT
SAVE
CLEAR
CSRS Court Orders FERS 25
Chapter 5
Appendix -- Model Language for Use in Court Orders
Introduction
This appendix contains the model language that is contained in the appendix to OPM's regulations on
court orders. OPM encourages attorneys to use this model language. By using the model language,
courts will know that the court order will have the effect described in this appendix.
Paragraphs 001 through 599 concern court orders that attempt to divide employee annuity. The model
language in these paragraphs does not award a benefit that is payable after the death of the employee.
A separate, distinct award of a former spouse survivor annuity is necessary to award a former spouse a
benefit that is payable after the death of the employee. A court order directed at an employee annuity
should include five elements:
Identification of the benefits;
Instructions that OPM pay the former spouse;
A method for computing the amount of the former spouse's benefit;
Identification of the type of annuity to which to apply a fraction, percentage or formula; and
Instructions on what OPM should do if the employee leaves Federal service before retirement and
applies for a refund of employee contributions.
The court order may also include instructions for disposition of the former spouse's share if the former
spouse dies before the employee.
Paragraphs 701 through 999 contain model language for awarding survivor annuities and contain some
examples that award a survivor annuity, but do not award benefits payable to the former spouse during the
lifetime of the employee. A former spouse survivor annuity is not a continuation of a former spouse's
share of an employee annuity after the death of the employee. A former spouse's entitlement to a portion
of an employee annuity cannot continue after the death of the employee. A court order that attempts to
extend the former spouse's entitlement to a portion of an employee annuity past the death of the employee
is not effective. A separate, distinct award of a portion of the employee annuity is necessary to award a
former spouse a benefit during the lifetime of the employee.
Attorneys should exercise great care in preparing provisions concerning former spouse survivor annuities
because sections 8341(h)(4) and 8445(d) of title 5, United States Code, prohibit OPM from accepting
modifications after the retirement or death of the employee. (See section 838.806 concerning
unacceptable modifications.) A court order awarding a former spouse survivor annuity should include
four elements:
Identification of the retirement system;
Explicit award of the former spouse survivor annuity;
Method for computing the amount of the former spouse's benefit; and
Instructions on what OPM should do if the employee leaves Federal service before retirement and
applies for a refund of employee contributions.
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26 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
The model language uses the terms "former spouse" to identify the spouse who is receiving a former
spouse's portion of an employee annuity and "employee" to identify the Federal employee whose
employment was covered by the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement
System. Obviously, in drafting an actual court order the appropriate terms, such as "Petitioner" and
"Respondent," or the names of the parties should replace "former spouse" and "employee."
Similarly, except when the provision applies only to the basic employee death benefit (defined in section
843.103 of this chapter) that is available only under the Federal Employees Retirement System, the
models are drafted for employees covered by the Civil Service Retirement System (5 U.S.C.8331 et seq.).
The name of the retirement system should be changed for employees covered by the Federal Employees
Retirement System (5 U.S.C. chapter 84). Statutory references used in the models are to CSRS
provisions (such as 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code). When appropriate, the corresponding FERS
provision (such as section 8445 of title 5, United States Code) should be used.
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CSRS Court Orders FERS 27
Chapter 5
000 Series--Special Technical Provisions
001 Language
required in
Qualified
Domestic
Relations Orders
Using the following paragraph will expressly state that the provisions of the
court order concerning CSRS or FERS benefits are governed by this part.
A court order directed at employee annuity (or awarding a survivor annuity)
that is labelled a "Qualified Domestic Relations Order" or is issued on an
ERISA form will not be automatically rendered unacceptable under
§ 838.302(a) or § 838.803(a) if the court order contains the following
paragraph.
"The court has considered the requirements and standard terminology
provided in part 838 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations. The
terminology used in the provisions of this order that concern benefits
under the Civil Service Retirement System are governed by the
standard conventions established in that part."
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28 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
100 Series--Identification of the benefits and instructions that OPM pay the former spouse
101 Identifying Using the following paragraph will expressly divide employee annuity to
retirement satisfy the requirements of § 838.303 and direct OPM to pay the former
benefits and spouse a share of an employee annuity to satisfy the requirements of
directing OPM to § 838.304.
pay the former
spouse "[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Insert language for computing the former
spouse's share from 200 series of this appendix.] The United States
Office of Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s
share directly to [former spouse]."
111 Protecting a Using the following paragraph will protect the former spouse interest in
former spouse military retired pay in the event that the employee waives the military
entitled to retired pay to allow crediting the military service under CSRS or FERS.
military retired The paragraph should be used only if the former spouse is awarded a
pay portion of the military retired pay. "If [Employee] waives military retired
pay to credit military service under the Civil Service Retirement System,
[insert language for computing the former spouse's share from 200 series of
this appendix.]. The United States Office of Personnel Management is
directed to pay [former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
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CSRS Court Orders FERS 29
Chapter 5
200 Series--Computing the amount of the former spouse's benefit
Paragraphs 201 through 204 contain model language for the most common types of awards that court
orders make to former spouses. Subsequent paragraphs in the 200 series contain model language for less
common, more complex awards.
Awards other than fixed amounts require that the court order specify the type of annuity ("gross," "net,"
or self-only) on which the award is computed. The types of annuity are defined in § 838.103. Variations
on type of annuity are covered by the 300 series of this appendix.
201 Award of a fixed
monthly amount
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a fixed
monthly amount. OPM will not apply COLA's to a fixed monthly amount
unless the court order expressly directs that OPM add COLA's using the
language in paragraph 231 of this appendix or similar language.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to $[insert a number]
per month from [employee]'s civil service retirement benefits. The
United States Office of Personnel Management is directed to pay
[former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
202 Award of a
percentage
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a stated
percentage of the employee annuity. Unless the court order expressly
directs that OPM not add COLA's to the former spouse's share of the
employee annuity, OPM will add COLA's to keep the former spouse's
share at the stated percentage. Paragraph 232 of this appendix provides
language for excluding COLA's.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to [insert a number]
percent of [employee]'s [insert "gross," "net," or "self-only"] monthly
annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. The United States
Office of Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s
share directly to [former spouse]."
203 Award of a
fraction
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a stated
fraction of the employee annuity. Unless the court order expressly directs
that OPM not add COLA's to the former spouse's share of the employee
annuity, OPM will add COLA's to keep the former spouse's share at the
stated percentage. Paragraph 232 of this appendix provides language for
excluding COLA's.
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30 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
203 Award of a
fraction (cont.)
204 Award of a
prorata share
211 Award based on
a stated formula
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to [insert fraction]ths
of [employee]'s [insert "gross," "net," or "self-only"] monthly annuity
under the Civil Service Retirement System. The United States Office
of Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s share
directly to [former spouse]."
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a prorata share
of the employee annuity. Prorata share is defined in § 838.621. To award
a prorata share the court order must state the date of the marriage. Unless
the court order specifies a different ending date, the marriage ends for
computation purposes on the date that the court order is filed with the court
clerk. Unless the court order expressly directs that OPM not add COLA's
to the former spouse's share of the employee annuity, OPM will add
COLA's to keep the former spouse's share at the stated percentage.
Paragraph 232 of this appendix provides language for excluding COLA's.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to a prorata share of
[employee]'s [insert "gross," "net," or self-only] monthly annuity
under the Civil Service Retirement System. The marriage began on
[insert date]. The United States Office of Personnel Management is
directed to pay [former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
Using the following paragraphs will award the former spouse a share of the
employee annuity based on a formula stated in the court order. The
formula must be stated in the court order (including a court-approved
property settlement agreement). The formula may not be incorporated by
reference to a statutory provision or a court decision in another case. If the
court order uses a formula, the court order must include any data that is
necessary for OPM to apply the formula unless the necessary data is
contained in normal OPM files.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to a share of
[employee]'s [insert "gross," "net," or self-only] monthly annuity
under the Civil Service Retirement System to be computed as follows:
"[Insert formula for computing the former spouse's share.]
"The United States Office of Personnel Management is directed to pay
[former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
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August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 31
Chapter 5
231 Awarding
COLA's on fixed
monthly amounts
Using the following paragraph will award COLA's in addition to a fixed
monthly amount to the former spouse. The model awards COLA's at the
same rate applied to the employee annuity.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to $[insert a number]
per month from [employee]'s civil service retirement benefits. When
COLA's are applied to [employee]'s retirement benefits, the same
COLA applies to [former spouse]'s share. The United States Office of
Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s share
directly to [former spouse]."
232 Excluding
COLA's on
awards other
than fixed
monthly amounts
Using the following paragraph will prevent application of COLA's to a
former spouse's share of an employee annuity in cases where the former
spouse has been awarded a percentage, fraction or prorata share of the
employee annuity, rather than a fixed dollar amount.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Insert language for computing the former
spouse's share from paragraph 202, 203, 204, or 211 of this
appendix.] The United States Office of Personnel Management is
directed to determine the amount of [former spouse]'s share on the date
[insert "when [employee] retires" if the employee has not retired, or
"of this order" if the employee is already retired] and not to apply
COLA's to that amount. The United States Office of Personnel
Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s share directly to
[former spouse]."
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32 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
300 Series--Type of annuity
Awards of employee annuity to a former spouse (other than awards of fixed dollar amounts) must specify
whether OPM will use the "gross," "net," or self-only annuity as defined in § 838.103 in determining the
amount of the former spouse's entitlement. The court order may contain a formula that has the effect of
creating other types of annuity, but the court order may only do this by providing a formula that starts
from "gross," "net," or self-only annuity as defined in § 838.103.
301 Awards based on
benefits actually
paid
The court order may include a formula that effectively uses the court's
definition of net annuity rather than the one provided by § 838.103. For
example, using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a
prorata share of the employee annuity reduced only by the amount deducted
as premiums for basic life insurance under the Federal Employee Group
Life Insurance Program.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to a prorata share of
[employee]'s monthly annuity under the Civil Service Retirement
System, where monthly annuity means the self-only annuity less the
amount deducted as premiums for basic life insurance under the
Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Program. The marriage
began on [insert date]. The United States Office of Personnel
Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s share directly to
[former spouse]."
311 Awards of earned Using the following paragraph will award a former spouse a prorata share
annuity in cases of what the employee annuity would have been based on only the
where the actual employee's actual service in cases where the actual employee annuity is
annuity is based based on disability. The paragraph also allows the court order to provide
on disability for the former spouse's share to begin when the employee reaches a stated
age, using age 62 as an example. As with all other formulas the court order
must specify whether the computation applies to "gross," "net," or self-only
annuity. OPM will apply COLA's that occurred after the date of the
disability retirement to the former spouse's share. The following paragraph
should be used only for disability retirees under CSRS. Under FERS,
section 8452 of title 5, United States Code, provides a formula for
recomputation of disability annuities at age 62 to approximate an earned
annuity. Therefore to award a portion of the "earned" benefit under FERS
add the introductory phrase, "Starting when [employee] reaches age 62," to
the paragraph describing how to compute the amount.
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CSRS Court Orders FERS 33
Chapter 5
311 Awards of earned "[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
annuity in cases Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
where the actual States Government. Starting when [employee] reaches age 62, [former
annuity is based spouse] is entitled to a prorata share of [employee]'s [insert "gross,"
on disability "net," or self-only] monthly annuity under the Civil Service Retirement
(cont.) System, where monthly annuity means the amount of [employee]'s
monthly annuity computed as though [employee] had retired on an
immediate, nondisability annuity on the commencing date of
[employee]'s annuity based on disability. In computing the amount of
the immediate annuity, the United States Office of Personnel
Management will deem [employee] to have been age 62 at the time that
[employee] retired on disability. The marriage began on [insert date].
The United States Office of Personnel Management is directed to pay
[former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
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CSRS and FERS Handbook August 15, 1995
34 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
400 Series--Refunds of employee contributions
Court orders that award a former spouse a portion of a future employee annuity of an employee who is
not then eligible to retire should include an additional paragraph containing instructions that tell OPM
what to do if the employee separates before becoming eligible to retire and requests a refund of employee
contributions. The court order may award the former spouse a portion of the refund of employee
contributions or bar payment of the refund of employee contributions.
401 Barring payment
of a refund of
employee
contributions
Using the following paragraph will bar payment of the refund of employee
contributions if payment of the refund of employee contributions would
extinguish the former spouse's entitlement to a portion of the employee
annuity.
"The United States Office of Personnel Management is directed not to
pay [employee] a refund of employee contributions."
402 Dividing a refund
of employee
contributions
Using the following paragraph will allow the refund of employee
contributions to be paid but will award a prorata share of the refund of
employee contributions to the former spouse. The sentence on the
beginning date of the marriage is unnecessary if the beginning is stated
elsewhere in the order. The award of a prorata share is used only as an
example; the court order could provide another fraction, percentage, or
formula, or a fixed amount. Note that a refund of employee contributions
voids the employee's rights to an employee annuity and the former spouse's
right to any portion of that annuity.
"If [employee] becomes eligible and applies for a refund of employee
contributions, [former spouse] is entitled to a prorata share of the
refund of employee contributions. The marriage began on [insert
date]. The United States Office of Personnel Management is directed
to pay [former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
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August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 35
Chapter 5
500 Series--Death of the former spouse
501 Full annuity
No special provision is necessary to restore the entire annuity to the retiree
restored to the
upon the death of the former spouse. Unless the court order expressly
retiree
provides otherwise, OPM will pay the former spouse's share to the retiree
after the death of the former spouse.
502 Former spouse
share paid to
children
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse's share of an
employee annuity to the children, including any adopted children, of the
employee and former spouse.
"If [former spouse] dies before [employee], the United States Office of
Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s share of
[employee]'s civil service retirement benefits to surviving children of
the marriage including any adopted children, in equal shares. Upon
the death of any child, that child's share will be distributed among the
other surviving children."
The language may be modified to terminate the payments to the children
when they reach a stated age. A court order that includes such a provision
for termination must include sufficient information (such as the children's
dates of birth) to permit OPM to determine when the children's interest
terminates. OPM will not consider evidence outside the court order (and
normal OPM files) to establish the children's dates of birth.
503 Former spouse
share paid to the
court
Using the following paragraph will provide for payment of the former
spouse's share of an employee annuity to the court after the death of the
former spouse. This would allow a court officer to administer the funds.
"If [former spouse] dies before [employee], the United States Office of
Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s share of
[employee]'s civil service retirement benefits to this court at the following
address: "[Insert address where checks should be sent. The address may be
up to six lines and should include sufficient information for court officials
to credit the correct account.]"
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36 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
700 Series--Computing the amount of the former spouse's benefit
Paragraphs 701 through 704 contain model language for awards of former spouse survivor annuities in
amounts that do not require specification of the base on which the former spouse's share will be
computed. Situations in which the computational base need not be specified include amounts defined by
law or regulation. For example, the maximum former spouse survivor annuity is fixed by statute
generally at 55 percent of the employee annuity under CSRS and 50 percent of the employee annuity
under FERS.
Paragraphs 711 and 712 contain model language for awards of former spouse survivor annuities that use
the employee annuity as the base on which the portion awarded will be computed (that is, on which
percentage, fraction or formula will be applied). Paragraphs 721 and 722 contain model language for
awards of former spouse survivor annuities that use the maximum possible survivor annuity as the base on
which the portion awarded will be computed (that is, on which percentage, fraction or formula will be
applied). Using the maximum possible survivor annuity as the base will generally award 55 percent under
CSRS and 50 percent under FERS of the amount that using the employee annuity as the base would
produce. Paragraphs 750 and higher contain model language to implement the most common other types
of awards.
Each model paragraph includes a reference to the statutory provision under CSRS that authorizes OPM to
honor court orders awarding former spouse survivor annuities. The FERS statutory provision that
corresponds to section 8341(h) (mentioned in the first sentence of each example) is section 8445.
701 Award of the
For a spouse who was married to a retiree at the time of retirement and
maximum
consented to an election of less than a full survivor annuity, the maximum
survivor annuity
is the amount elected at retirement. For a spouse acquired after retirement
and for whom the retiree elected less than the maximum survivor benefit,
this language should be used only if the intent is to increase the survivor
benefit to the maximum.
Using the following paragraph will award the maximum possible former
spouse survivor annuity. Under CSRS, the maximum possible survivor
annuity is 55 percent of the employee annuity unless the surviving spouse
or former spouse was married to the retiree at retirement and agreed to a
lesser amount at that time. Under FERS, the maximum possible survivor
annuity is 50 percent of the employee annuity unless the surviving spouse
or former spouse was married to the retiree at retirement and agreed to a
lesser amount at that time.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded the maximum possible former spouse survivor
annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System."
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August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 37
Chapter 5
702 Award that If a survivor benefit election of less than the full amount is in effect at the
continues the
pre-divorce
survivor annuity
benefits
time of divorce, use of this language will emphasize that the lower benefit
will remain in effect after the divorce. In all other instances this language
will produce the maximum survivor annuity.
Using the following paragraph will award a former spouse survivor annuity
equal to the amount that the former spouse would have received if the
marriage were never terminated by divorce.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [Former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System in the same amount to which [former
spouse] would have been entitled if the divorce had not occurred."
703 Award of a
prorata share
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a prorata share
of the maximum possible survivor annuity. Prorata share is defined in
§ 838.922. To award a prorata share the court order must state the date of
the marriage. Unless the court order specifies a different ending date, the
marriage ends for computation purposes on the date that the court order is
filed with the court clerk.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor
annuity will be equal to a prorata share. The marriage began on [insert
date]."
704 Award of a fixed
monthly amount
Using the following paragraph will award a former spouse survivor annuity
that will start at the amount stated in the order when the employee or retiree
dies, unless the stated amount exceeds the maximum possible former spouse
survivor annuity. If the amount stated in the order exceeds the maximum
possible former spouse survivor annuity, the court order will be treated as
awarding the maximum. After payment of the former spouse survivor
annuity has begun, COLA's will be applied in accordance with § 838.735.
If the final sentence of this model paragraph is omitted, OPM will add
COLA's occurring after the date of the employee's retirement or the date of
issuance of the court order, whichever is later.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor
annuity will be equal to $[insert a number] per month. The Office of
Personnel Management is ordered not to increase this amount by
COLA's occurring before death of [employee or retiree]."
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CSRS and FERS Handbook August 15, 1995
38 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
711 Award of a
percentage or
fraction of the
employee annuity
Using the following paragraph will award a former spouse survivor annuity
equal to the stated percentage or fraction of the employee annuity. The
stated percentage or fraction may not exceed 55 percent under CSRS or 50
percent under FERS.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor
annuity will be equal to [insert a percentage or fraction] percent of the
[employee]'s employee annuity."
712 Award based on
a stated formula
as a share of
employee annuity
Using the following paragraphs will award a former spouse survivor
annuity in an amount to be determined by applying a stated formula to
employee annuity. The amount of the former spouse survivor annuity may
not exceed 55 percent of the employee annuity under CSRS or 50 percent
under FERS. The formula must be stated in the court order (including a
court-approved property settlement agreement). The formula may not be
incorporated by reference to a statutory provision or a court decision in
another case. If the court order uses a formula, the court order must
include any data that is necessary for OPM to evaluate the formula unless
the necessary data is contained in normal OPM files.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor
annuity will be the portion of the [employee]'s employee annuity
computed as follows:
"[Insert formula.]"
721 Award of a
percentage or
fraction of the
maximum
Using the following paragraph will award a former spouse survivor annuity
equal to the stated percentage or fraction of the maximum possible survivor
annuity. The stated percentage or fraction may not exceed 100 percent.
survivor annuity "Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former spouse] is
awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil Service
Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor annuity will
be equal to [insert a percentage or fraction] of the maximum possible
survivor annuity.
Update 14
August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 39
Chapter 5
722 Award based on
a stated formula
as a share of
maximum
survivor annuity
Using the following paragraphs will award a former spouse survivor
annuity based on a stated formula to be applied to the maximum possible
survivor annuity. The formula must be stated in the court order (including
a court-approved property settlement agreement). The formula may not be
incorporated by reference to a statutory provision or a court decision in
another case. If the court order uses a formula, the court order must
include any data that is necessary for OPM to evaluate the formula unless
the necessary data is contained in normal OPM files.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor
annuity will be the portion of the maximum possible survivor annuity
computed as follows:
"[Insert formula.]"
751 Changing amount
of former spouse
survivor annuity
based on
remarriage
before retirement
Using the following paragraph will award the maximum possible former
spouse survivor annuity unless the employee remarries before retirement.
Upon the employee's remarriage before retirement the amount of the former
spouse survivor annuity changes to a prorata share. The maximum possible
and prorata share are used as examples only; other amounts may be
substituted. Similar language is not acceptable for remarriages after
retirement.
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded the maximum possible former spouse survivor
annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System unless [employee]
remarries before retirement. If [employee] remarries before
retirement, under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code,
[former spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the
Civil Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse
survivor annuity will be equal to a prorata share. The marriage to
[former spouse] began on [insert date]."
752 Changing amount
of former spouse
survivor annuity
based on
remarriage after
retirement
Using the following paragraph will award the maximum possible former
spouse survivor annuity unless the employee remarries after retirement and
elects to provide a survivor annuity for the spouse acquired after retirement.
Upon the employee's remarriage after retirement and election to provide a
survivor annuity for the spouse acquired after retirement, the amount of the
former spouse survivor annuity changes to a prorata share. The maximum
possible and prorata share are used as examples only; other amounts may be
substituted. The change in the of the former spouse survivor annuity must
be triggered by the election, which is a part of normal OPM files, rather
than the remarriage, which is not documented in normal OPM files.
Update 14
CSRS and FERS Handbook August 15, 1995
40 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded the maximum possible former spouse survivor
annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System unless [employee]
elects to provide a survivor annuity for a new spouse acquired after
retirement. If [employee] elects to provide a survivor annuity to a new
spouse acquired after retirement, under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5,
United States Code, [former spouse] is awarded a former spouse
survivor annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. The
amount of the former spouse survivor annuity will be equal to a
prorata share. The marriage to [former spouse] began on [insert
date]."
Update 14
August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
CSRS Court Orders FERS 41
Chapter 5
800 Series--Paying the cost of a former spouse survivor annuity
A court order awarding a former spouse survivor annuity requires that the employee annuity be reduced.
The reduction lowers the gross employee annuity. The costs associated with providing the former spouse
survivor annuity must be paid by annuity reduction. Under § 838.807, if the former spouse is awarded a
portion of the employee annuity sufficient to pay the cost associated with providing the survivor annuity,
the former spouse's share may be reduced to pay the cost.
801 Costs to be paid
No special provision on payment of the costs associated with providing the
from the
former spouse survivor annuity is necessary if the court intends the cost to
employee annuity
be taken from the employee annuity.
802 Costs to be paid
from former
spouse's share of
the employee
annuity
Using the following paragraph will award the former spouse a prorata share
of the employee annuity and a prorata share of the maximum possible
survivor annuity and provide that the cost associated with the survivor
annuity be deducted from the former spouses's share of the employee
annuity. Prorata share and self-only annuity are used as examples only;
another amount or type of annuity may be substituted.
"[Employee] is (or will be) eligible for retirement benefits under the
Civil Service Retirement System based on employment with the United
States Government. [Former spouse] is entitled to a prorata share of
[employee]'s self-only monthly annuity under the Civil Service
Retirement System. [Former spouse]'s share of [employee]'s
employee annuity will be reduced by the amount of the costs associated
with providing the former spouse survivor annuity awarded in the next
paragraph. The marriage began on [insert date]. The United States
Office of Personnel Management is directed to pay [former spouse]'s
share directly to [former spouse]."
"Under section 8341(h)(1) of title 5, United States Code, [former
spouse] is awarded a former spouse survivor annuity under the Civil
Service Retirement System. The amount of the former spouse survivor
annuity will be equal to a prorata share.
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CSRS and FERS Handbook August 15, 1995
42 CSRS Court Orders FERS
Chapter 5
900 Series--Refunds of employee contributions
Court orders that award a former spouse survivor annuity based on the service of an employee who is not
then eligible to retire should include an additional paragraph containing instructions that tell OPM what to
do if the employee requests a refund of employee contributions before becoming eligible to retire. The
court order may award the former spouse a portion of the refund of employee contributions or bar
payment of the refund of employee contributions.
901 Barring payment
of a refund of
employee
contributions
Using the following paragraph will bar payment of the refund of employee
contributions if payment of the refund of employee contributions would
extinguish the former spouse's entitlement to a former spouse survivor
annuity.
"The United States Office of Personnel Management is directed not to
pay [employee] a refund of employee contributions."
902 Dividing a refund Using the following paragraph will allow the refund of employee
of employee contributions to be paid but will award a prorata share of the refund of
contributions employee contributions to the former spouse. The award of a prorata share
is used only an example; the court order could provide another fraction,
percentage, or formula, or a fixed amount. A refund of employee
contributions voids the employee's rights to an employee annuity unless the
employee is reemployed under the retirement system. Payment of the
refund of employee contributions will also extinguish the former spouse's
right to a court-ordered portion of an employee annuity or a former spouse
survivor annuity unless the employee is reemployed and reestablishes title
to annuity benefits.
"If [employee] becomes eligible and applies for a refund of employee
contributions, [former spouse] is entitled to a prorata share of the
refund of employee contributions. The marriage began on [insert
date]. The United States Office of Personnel Management is directed
to pay [former spouse]'s share directly to [former spouse]."
Update 14
August 15, 1995 CSRS and FERS Handbook
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