Beneficiary Forms

If there isn't a valid designation on file when you die, benefits are payable in this order:

First: to your widow or widower

Second: if none, to your child or children in equal shares, with the share of any deceased child  distributed among that child's descendants

Third: if none, to your parents in equal shares or the entire amount to your surviving parent

Fourth: if none, to the executor or administrator of your estate

Fifth: if none, to your next of kin under the laws of the State where you lived at the time of your death.

BE SURE to read the specific instructions on each designation form before designating beneficiaries.

MANY Federal Employees have a former Spouse, Dependent Children from another Marriage, are un-married but engaged, etc.  

Your TSP, FEGLI, benefits from CSRS/FERS, and un-claimed Compensation are YOUR INDIVIDUAL FEDERAL BENEFITS that should pass directly and without delay.  If these benefits become part of your Estate (absence of Beneficiary Forms), Probate is likely the outcome.  This adds unneccessary delays and expense in delivering benefits and not neccessarily a person/persons you would have chosen.

1. ARGUMENTS BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS AND/OR THOSE THAT FEEL THEY SHOULD BE BENEFICIARIES
2. THE PERSON NAMED AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE, AKA EXECUTOR, NOT ACCEPTING THE ROLE
3. ASSETS IN MULTIPLE STATES
4. ACCOUNTING FOR ASSETS ON THE ESTATE INVENTORY
5. DIFFERENT INTENTIONS CONCERNING THE DECEDENT’S RESIDENCE OR OTHER REAL ESTATE
6.  MISTAKES MADE FROM GOING IT ALONE