Survivor & life insurance
What does my spouse get if I die?
The choices you make at retirement decide what your spouse receives, and some can't be undone. Here's what to know about survivor annuities, FEGLI and Social Security.
What you need to know
The short answer
FERS survivor annuity
A full survivor benefit pays your spouse 50% of your unreduced pension and costs 10% of your pension. A partial benefit pays 25% and costs 5%.
CSRS survivor annuity
A full survivor benefit pays your spouse 55% of your pension. The cost is 2.5% of the first $3,600 a year plus 10% of the rest.
Your spouse must agree
Choosing less than a full survivor benefit generally requires your spouse's notarized consent.
FEGLI shrinks after 65
After you retire and reach 65, Basic life insurance usually reduces by 2% a month until only 25% is left, unless you pay to keep more.
Avoid these
Mistakes we see most
Waiving the survivor benefit for a bigger check
It can also end your spouse's FEHB coverage.
Outdated beneficiary forms
Forms on file with OPM and the TSP override your will. Review them after any major life event.
Assuming FEGLI stays the same
Many retirees are surprised how much coverage they lose after 65.
Ignoring Social Security survivor rules
WEP and GPO were repealed in 2025, which may raise survivor benefits for many federal families.
Go deeper
Most-read guides on this topic
Plain-English articles from our Learning Center.
See all guides on this topicEvery federal career is different
A free Gap Report shows exactly what you'll receive, built from your own records, and where the gaps are. Ready 24–48 hours after a short call with Joe.
Educational information only, based on rules in effect as of October 2026. Benefit rules change. Confirm details with OPM, your agency or the TSP before making decisions.