The SF 3107-2 form, also known as the Spouse's Consent to Survivor Election, plays a critical role in the federal retirement process. It is required when a married federal employee opts not to provide the maximum survivor annuity benefit for their current spouse. Before the retiring employee's decision can be finalized, the form must be completed partly by the employee and partly by their spouse, with the spouse's section verified in the presence of a notary public or authorized official. Understanding and accurately completing this form is essential for both the retiring federal employee and their spouse to ensure their future financial security. Click the button below to get started on filling out your form.
Embarking on retirement brings a myriad of decisions for federal employees, one of which involves navigating the complexities of the SF 3107-2 form. This document serves a critical function for married employees contemplating their future and that of their spouse in terms of benefits after retirement. The SF 3107-2, colloquially known as the "Spouse's Consent to Survivor Election," necessitates a retiring employee's spouse to consent if the employee chooses not to allocate the maximum survivor annuity to their current spouse. The form is broken down into three main parts: the retiring employee's election regarding survivor benefits, the current spouse's consent to those elections, and a section to be completed in the presence of a Notary Public or similar authority to validate the spouse’s consent. This process safeguards the spouse’s rights and ensures both parties are clear about the financial implications post-retirement. Especially pertinent where a retiring employee opts against providing a full survivor annuity, the form delineates the outcomes regarding health benefits and eligibility for the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP). Furthermore, it highlights the irrevocable nature of the spouse's consent once given. Not to be overlooked, the form carries significant implications if the marriage dissolves or if provisions for a former spouse are involved, underscoring the necessity for careful consideration and understanding of the form’s stipulations.
Spouse's Consent to Survivor Election
Instructions: If you are married and you do not elect a red uced annuity to provide a maximum survivor annuity for your current spouse, complete Part 1. Have your spouse complete Part 2. Part 2 must be completed in the presence of a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths. The person administering oaths must complete Part 3.
Part 1 - To Be Completed by the Retiring Employee
Name (last.first. middle)
Date of birth (111111/ddlyyYJ~
Social Security Number
1 have elected: (Mark the box(es) which describes the survivor election(s) you have made. More than one box may be marked.)
Q a.
□d.
D e.
No regular or insurable interest survivor annuity for my current spouse. / understand that:
•!• No survivor annuity \viii be paid to 111y spouse after my death,
❖His/her health benefits coverage will term inate upon my death, and
❖He/she will not be eligible to enroll in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program ( l'LTCIP) after my death.
An insurable interest annuity for my current spouse, but no regular survivor annuity for my current spouse. (1have completed Section D, item 4 on my Standard Form 3 107 naming my current spouse.)
A partial survivor annuity (25%) for my current spouse.
A maximum survivor annuity for my fo rmer spouse ----------
--,--- -=-=--- - - . , -----------
(11ame offormer spouse)
Apartial survivor annuity for my forme r spouse ----------- , ---~ ------ , ---------- equal to 25% of my annu ity. (11a111e offormer spouse)
□ f. A partial survivor annuity for my former spouse ----------
. , -- -:-:-------
, -------- -- equal to 25% ofmy annuity.
(name offormer spouse)
Part 2 - To Be Completed by the Current Spouse of the Retiring Employee
1 freely consent to the survivor annuity elect ion described in Part 1. / understand that if nu• spouse elected 110 regular or insurable interest survivor a111111i~)• in Part I.a. above, I will not recei ve a survivor annuity, my health benefits coverage will terminate and I will not be eligible to enroll in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) if I am not already enrolled bef ore my spouse's death. I also understand tlwt my consent is final (not revocable).
Name (rype or print)
Signature (do not prim)
Date (mm/ddlyyyy)
Part 3 · To Be Completed by a Notary Public or Other Person Authorized to Administer Oaths
I certify that the person named in Part 2 presented identification (or was known) to me, gave consent, signed or marked this form and acknowledged that the consent was freely given in my presence on this
the _____ day of ________ ____, ---- , -- ~ at _ ___ _______,, --- . , ------------ -
(Mo111hJ
(Year)
(Ci1y atul S1a1e)
(Seal ofNotary P11blic or witnessing awhority ofperson authori=ed to administer oaths)
(Seal)
Signature (do 1101 print)
Expiration date (111111/ddlyyyy) of commission, if Notary Public
Genera l Information: The law requires that a retiring, married employee must elect to provide a survivor annuity for a current spouse, unless the current spouse consents to an e lection not to provide the maximum survivor benefi t.
A court order which requires a retiring emp loyee to provide a survivor annuity for a former spouse is not an elecllon and spousal consent is not required. In other words, such a court order does not require a current spouse to waive the right to a survivor annuity for the current spouse even though the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must honor the terms o f the court order be fore it can honor the election for the current spouse.
The current spouse may, therefore, receive a smaller annuity than elected, or none at all, un less the former spouse loses eligibility fo r the court-ordered survivor annuity (through remarriage before age 55 or death) .
Importan t: l f the current sf ouse consents to an election to provide no survivor annu ity or a partia survivor annuity and is later divorced from the retired employee1 the retired employee may not then e lect (nor can O PM honor a court oroer) to provide a fo rmer spouse annuity which exceeds the amount e lected at retirement for that spouse. This also applies if the parties remarry.
Privacy Act Statement
Solici1a1io11 of this infonnation is authorized by the Federal Employees Retirement law. (Chapter 84. title 5. U.S. Code), the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance law (Chapter 87. title 5, U.S. Code) and the Federal Employees Health Benefits law (Chapter 89, title 5. U.S. Code). 11,e infonnation you fumish will be used 10 identify records properly associated with your application for Federal
benefits. 10 obtain additional infonnalion ifnecessary, to dctcm1ine and allow present or future benefi1s, :rnd to maintain a unique identifiable claim fi le. The infonnation may be shared and is subject 10 vcrifica1ion via paper, electronic media, or throu~h the use of computer matching programs with national. slate, loc,11 or other charitable or social security administrative agencies in order to dctcnninc benefits under their programs. to obtain infonnnuon necessary for dctcnnination or continuation of benefits under this progr:un. or to repon income for tax purposes. It may also be shared :md \'Crificd, as noted abo\'e. with law enforcement agencies when they arc in\'cstigating a violation or potenlial violn1ion of civil or criminal law. Executive Order 9397 (November 22, 1943) authorizes use of the Social Security Number. 111c Govenunent may use your number in collecting and reponing amounts that you owe the Government. Furnishing the Social Security Number. as well as other data, is voluntary, but fai lure to do so may delay or prevent ac1ion on the rct ircmenl applicalion.
CSRS/FERS Handbook for Personnel nncl Payroll OfTices
3 107-1 08
Standard Fonn 3107-2
Previous editions .uc not usnblc.
Revised May 20 I4
The SF 3107-2 form plays a critical role in the lives of retiring federal employees and their spouses. It is designed to document the consent of the current spouse regarding the survivor annuity election made by the retiring employee. This process ensures that the rights and preferences of both parties are recorded and respected. To complete this form accurately, following the listed steps in order will ensure clarity, compliance, and completeness.
Once all parts of the form are duly filled and signatures are obtained where required, the document is ready for submission as per the instructions provided by the employing agency or retirement system. It is crucial for both the retiring employee and the current spouse to carefully review all parts of the form to ensure that the information is accurate and reflects their wishes regarding the survivor annuity benefits.
What is the purpose of the SF 3107-2 form?
The SF 3107-2 form, also known as the Spouse’s Consent to Survivor Election form, serves a critical purpose. It is required for married employees who are retiring and wish not to provide the maximum survivor benefit annuity to their current spouse. This form facilitates the process whereby the retiring employee's choice requires the explicit consent of their spouse, reflecting mutual agreement on the survivor benefits post-retirement.
Who needs to complete the SF 3107-2 form?
This form must be completed by a retiring employee who decides against electing a reduced annuity to provide a maximum survivor annuity for their current spouse. In such cases, Part 1 of the form is filled out by the retiring employee, and Part 2 is completed by the current spouse of the retiring employee, signifying their consent to the election made.
What are the key parts of the SF 3107-2 form?
There are three main parts to the form. Part 1 is for the retiring employee to detail their survivor annuity election. Part 2 must be completed by the current spouse of the retiring employee, indicating their consent to the survivor annuity election. Part 3 is for completion by a Notary Public or another person authorized to administer oaths, confirming that the consent was freely given.
Is notarization required for the SF 3107-2 form?
Yes, the form requires notarization. After the current spouse has given their consent in Part 2, this section must be completed in the presence of a Notary Public or another individual authorized to administer oaths. This legal step ensures that the consent is valid, freely given, and officially recognized.
What happens if a spouse does not consent using the SF 3107-2 form?
If a current spouse does not consent to the survivor annuity election, the retiring employee must elect to provide the maximum survivor benefit by law. Without the signed consent on the SF 3107-2 form, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will default to providing the maximum allowable survivor benefits to protect the spouse’s interests.
Can the consent given on the SF 3107-2 form be revoked?
Once the consent is given and the form is submitted, it is considered final and cannot be revoked. This finality ensures the retiring employee and their spouse have thoroughly discussed and agreed upon the survivor benefit choices ahead of retirement.
What implications does the SF 3107-2 form have on health benefits?
If a retiring employee elects not to provide a survivor annuity, or only a partial one, and the spouse consents to this election, it means that upon the employee's death, the spouse will not receive survivor benefits and their health benefits coverage will end. They also won't be eligible to enroll in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) if they are not already a participant.
What if there is a court order for a former spouse?
A court order requiring a retiring employee to provide a survivor annuity for a former spouse does not require spousal consent on this form. The OPM must honor such court orders before considering the election for the current spouse, which might impact the survivor benefits the current spouse receives, depending on the former spouse's eligibility.
Can a retired employee change their survivor annuity election after retirement if they divorce and remarry?
If a retired employee has elected no survivor annuity or a partial survivor annuity and they get divorced, they cannot elect to provide a former spouse with a survivor annuity that exceeds the amount originally chosen at retirement, even if the parties remarry. Consent given is tied to the election made at retirement and impacts future benefit elections regarding spouses.
Is providing a Social Security Number on the SF 3107-2 form mandatory?
While furnishing the Social Security Number (SSN) is voluntary, not providing it may delay or prevent action on the retirement application. The government uses the SSN for identification purposes and in the administration of federal benefits, as well as the collection of amounts owed to the government.
Filling out government forms can often feel daunting, and the Standard Form 3107-2, or SF 3107-2, is no exception. This form plays a crucial role in the lives of retiring federal employees and their families, specifically regarding the election of survivor annuities. Unfortunately, mistakes can and do occur when completing this form, which can lead to unintended consequences for a retiree's spouse. Let's explore five common errors to avoid.
One widespread mistake involves failing to fully understand the implications of the survivor annuity election choices in Part 1. Retirees might inadvertently select an option that does not align with their genuine wishes for their spouse's financial security after their death. For instance, marking the box for "No regular or insurable interest survivor annuity for my current spouse" without fully grasping that this decision will leave their spouse ineligible for survivor benefits and health coverage, and unable to enroll in the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) posthumously.
Another error comes from not meticulously ensuring that Part 2 is completed by the current spouse in the presence of a Notary Public or another authorized individual. This oversight can render the spouse’s consent, which is vital for processing the form, as non-validated, leading to administrative delays or the need to resubmit the form entirely.
Moreover, inaccuracies in the personal information provided, such as incorrect or incomplete names, Social Security numbers, and date of birth details, can cause significant processing delays. These elements are critical for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to correctly identify records and make accurate benefit determinations. Thus, double-checking these fields for errors is essential.
Additionally, overlooking the need for the current spouse’s signature to complete Part 2 is a common mistake. Sometimes, individuals may fill out the form on behalf of their spouse but forget that the spouse must personally sign or mark the document to signify their consent. This oversight can invalidate the consent requirement mandated by law.
Lastly, not providing or incorrectly stating the date on which the spouse’s consent was given in the presence of the notary or authorized individual can cause unnecessary confusion and delays. The date is a critical component that confirms the timeline and validity of the consent, especially if there are later disputes or questions regarding the election made.
By paying close attention to these potential pitfalls and ensuring that the SF 3107-2 form is filled out carefully and correctly, retirees and their spouses can avoid unnecessary complications and ensure that their post-retirement financial planning is based on well-informed decisions.
When planning for retirement, especially within the federal employment system, employees encounter a maze of paperwork and procedures. The SF 3107-2 form, specifically designed for collecting a spouse’s consent regarding survivor annuity elections, is a crucial piece in this bureaucratic puzzle. However, it seldom stands alone. Numerous other forms and documents often accompany it, each serving a unique purpose in the broader context of retirement planning and execution. Understanding these components can significantly streamline the process.
The process of transitioning from active federal service to retirement is intricate, involving strategic decisions that can affect an individual’s financial security and well-being in retirement. The documents listed above are instrumental in navigating this transition. Each plays a specific role, from securing life insurance and managing tax withholdings to ensuring that any military service is appropriately credited towards retirement. Careful completion and submission of these forms will facilitate a smoother shift to retirement, safeguarding benefits and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.
The SF 2800 form, for the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) Application for Death Benefits, showcases similarities with the SF 3107-2 form in terms of its function related to benefits aftermath. Specifically designed for a deceased federal employee's survivor to claim death benefits, the SF 2800 form, much like the SF 3107-2, involves detailed personal information and choices affecting the benefits. Both documents necessitate a clear understanding of benefits entitlement and the implications of selections made, underlining the importance of informed consent and accurate completion.
The SF 2808 form, known as the Designation of Beneficiary under the Civil Service Retirement System, closely parallels the SF 3107-2 form in its beneficiary designation aspect. This document allows employees to specify individuals to receive benefits upon their death, asserting control over the distribution of their benefits. Although dealing with different stages (retirement vs. posthumous benefits), both forms underscore the necessity of clear, deliberate decisions regarding who will benefit from the employee's federal service in terms of survivor annuities or lump-sum benefits.
The TSP-3 form, designated for the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Beneficiary Designation, shares the purpose of designating beneficiaries, akin to aspects of the SF 3107-2 form. It enables participants to name individuals or entities as beneficiaries to their TSP account balances upon death. The critical similarity lies in the forward-looking approach to managing and securing financial futures for beneficiaries, reflecting a thoughtful consideration of loved ones’ well-being in the employee's absence.
The FE-6 form, dealing with the Claim for Death Benefits under the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, mirrors the SF 3107-2 form in its focus on benefits related to the eventuality of death. Here, the concern is with life insurance proceeds rather than survivor annuities, but both documents facilitate the provision of financial support to survivors. The necessity for precision and an understanding of the implications of benefit selections is just as paramount, ensuring survivors receive the intended support.
The SF 3102 form, FERS Designation of Beneficiary, is directly akin to the SF 3107-2 form, providing Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employees with the ability to designate beneficiaries for specific benefits, including the Basic Employee Death Benefit. As with the SF 3107-2, this form reinforces an employee's agency over posthumous financial affairs, ensuring those left behind are considered and cared for according to the employee’s wishes.
The DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel, another critical document for military retirees, shares similarities in ensuring the retiree's preferences are respected regarding survivor benefits. While addressing a different audience, the principles of beneficiary designation, option selection for survivor benefits, and the implications of these choices mirror the considerations underscored in the SF 3107-2 form. This parallel highlights the universal necessity for thoughtful planning in retirement and death benefit arrangements across both civilian and military federal sectors.
Filling out the SF 3107-2 form, which is vital for federal employees approaching retirement, requires attention to detail and understanding. Here's a straightforward guide on what you should and shouldn't do:
Understanding the SF 3107-2 form, known as the Spouse's Consent to Survivor Election, is critical for federal employees nearing retirement and their spouses. However, misconceptions about this form can lead to confusion and potential benefits issues. Here are five common misconceptions and their clarifications:
This is incorrect. The law mandates that if a retiring employee chooses not to provide the maximum survivor annuity for their current spouse, the spouse must give their consent by completing Part 2 of the SF 3107-2 form. This requirement ensures that spouses are aware of and agree to the election made by the retiring employee.
The SF 3107-2 form is used to document the consent of a current spouse when the retiring employee makes any election that does not provide a maximum survivor annuity to them. However, it’s important to note that the form also addresses situations involving former spouses and insurable interest annuities, outlining the rights and election choices that impact both current and former spouses.
Once the Spouse's Consent to Survivor Election form is signed and submitted, the consent becomes final and is not revocable. This protects the decisions made during the retirement process, ensuring that the elections made are followed through upon the employee's retirement.
This form is required by law if the retiring federal employee elects not to provide the maximum survivor annuity for their current spouse. Completing and submitting this form is a critical step in the retirement process for those making such an election, as failure to do so can delay or affect the processing of retirement benefits.
Actually, the form is divided into parts that involve both the retiring employee and their spouse. The employee completes Part 1 to declare their survivor election. Part 2 must be completed by the current spouse, offering their consent to the election. Part 3 is then completed by a notary public or an authorized individual who verifies the spouse's consent. This ensures that all parties are involved in and agree to the survivor benefit elections being made.
Understanding the SF 3107-2 form and demystifying these common misconceptions are crucial for making informed decisions regarding survivor benefits. It's essential for retiring federal employees and their spouses to fully understand the impact of their elections and the importance of the consent process.
Understanding the SF 3107-2 Form, also known as the Spouse's Consent to Survivor Election, is crucial for married individuals planning retirement under federal employment systems. Here are key takeaways to ensure this form is filled out and used correctly:
This form plays a pivotal role in securing the financial and health benefits of a retiring employee's spouse, highlighting the need for clear communication and mutual understanding between spouses before making such significant decisions.
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