Number: RS21029
Title: Survivor Benefits for Families of Civilian Federal Employees and Retirees
Authors: Patrick J. Purcell, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Both FERS and CSRS provide survivor benefits for spouses and dependent children of employees and retirees. Survivors who had been participating in the Federal Employees' Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) can continue to do so. The federal government pays compensation to dependent survivors of federal civilian employees who are killed while performing their duties; however, a survivor eligible for both an annuity under CSRS or FERS and for survivor compensation cannot receive both.
Pages: 6
Date: April 17, 2008