While the FERS Special Retirement Supplement (SRS) is often discussed when it comes to retiring from the federal government, there is a similar benefit that is lesser known. This is the FERS Survivor Annuity Supplement, which acts to supplement for social security income until the recipient is eligible for that benefit – which occurs at age 60 if the surviving spouse doesn’t suffer from a disability.
The biggest differences between the FERS SRS and the Survivor supplement is that the one for surviving spouses is not subject to the earnings test and does receive the annual COLA, equivalent to that of FERS. These are two aspects of the SRS that are that respective benefit’s biggest drawbacks and are not present when it comes to the survivor annuity supplement.
Learn more about your survivor benefits for FERS and CSRS at our no cost webinar –
REGISTER HEREHow do you know if you’re eligible for the FERS survivor annuity supplement? Well, the biggest factor is that you are receiving a FERS survivor annuity that you’re entitled to through a deceased spouse that worked for the federal government. You also have to be younger than 60 years old and not receiving social security disability benefits. Surviving spouses are eligible for survivor benefits from social security when they turn age 60 or upon age 50, if they’re considered disabled.
The supplement can only be claimed if when the widow or widower turns 60, they will be eligible for the social security survivor benefit based on their deceased partner’s employment under social security, and they are also not eligible for mother/father or disability benefits. Whether or not the individual actually takes social security survivor benefits when they become eligible at age 60 does not matter, only that they are eligible when the supplement is no longer disbursed.
Ben, a Chartered Federal Employee Benefits Consultant℠-designated financial planner with an English degree, combines his love of writing with his knowledge of federal employee benefits in service of our clients as a content strategist here at STWS. He posts new content every week on the Benefits Ben blog. Ben specializes in helping federal employees, retirees, and their families optimize their benefits. His expertise encompasses digital marketing, benefits assistance, annuity management, investment management, and ensuring clients receive superior service and reliable advice.
** What is the FERS Survivor Annuity Supplement? written by Benjamin Derge, Financial Planner, ChFEBC℠ The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Benjamin Derge and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Links are being provided for information purposes only. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Raymond James is not affiliated with and does not endorse, authorize, or sponsor any of the listed websites or their respective sponsors.
The FedLife Podcast is your in-depth, biweekly deep dive into the world of federal benefits and retirement planning. Hosted by federal benefits expert Ed Zurndorfer and Dan Sipe of Serving Those Who Serve, each 30-minute episode unpacks the complexities of FERS and CSRS retirement, FEHB and Medicare, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more. Designed for federal employees and retirees who want more than just the basics, FedLife goes beyond the headlines to explore the rules, nuances, and strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your retirement. Remember: it’s your Fed life, make it a great one.
The Fed15 Podcast is your weekly 15(ish)-minute briefing on federal benefits and financial planning, built specifically for federal employees and retirees. Hosted by Dan Sipe and Katelyn Murray of Serving Those Who Serve, each episode delivers clear, actionable guidance on topics like FERS and CSRS retirement, TSP strategies, FEHB, survivor benefits, tax planning, and more! Whether you’re five years from retirement or already there, The Fed15 helps you cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and make confident decisions about your federal benefits.
