Annuity Terms and Definitions

Option C
Coverage, to insure your spouse and eligible child(ren), that you can elect in addition to Basic insurance. You can elect up to 5 multiples of the coverage amounts (each multiple equals $5,000 for a spouse and $2,500 for an eligible child). Also called family optional insurance.

Basic Insurance
The coverage, based on your annual rate of basic pay, which you automatically have as an eligible employee unless you waive it.

Assign and Assignment
Your irrevocable transfer of all ownership of FEGLI coverage (except Dismemberment coverage and Option C) to another individual, corporation, or trustee.

Designation of Beneficiary
Notice, signed by you and witnessed by two persons, indicating the person(s) you want to receive your life insurance benefits. The form generally used for life insurance designations is the Designation of Beneficiary form (SF 2823).

Option A
$10,000 in coverage that you can elect in addition to Basic insurance. Also called standard optional insurance.

Annuity, Reduced
A retiree's basic annuity that is reduced because of retirement before a certain age (for reasons other than disability). Annuities are also reduced because of unpaid deposits or redeposits, or to provide a survivor annuity. (Also called reduced benefits.)

Living Benefits
Basic insurance benefits (full or partial) paid to you while you are still living, rather than paid to a beneficiary when you die. You must be terminally ill, with a life expectancy of 9 months or less, to qualify for a living benefit.

Annuity, Deferred
An annuity that begins more than 1 month after separation from employment at some future point when retirement age is reached. (Also called deferred benefits.)

Annuity Starting Date
For most types of annuities, the first day of the month following either the date after the day you separate from service or the date after your last day in pay, whichever is earlier. If you were in pay status for three days or less in the month of your retirement, the annuity starting date is the date after either the day you separate from service or your last day in pay and in which you meet age and service requirements, whichever is earlier

Immediate annuity
An annuity that begins no later than one month after the date the insurance would otherwise stop An annuity under 5 CFR 842.204(a)(1) for which the starting date has been postponed under 5 CFR 842.204.