Widows and Survivor information

The term " widow or widower " means the survivor of a member or former member if they ( 1 ) Were married to such member or former member ( A ) while they were a member, or ( B ) for at least one year immediately preceding the death, or ( 2 ) Is the mother or father of issue by such marriage

The annuity of any widow or widower shall begin on the first day of the month in which the member or former member dies, and such annuity or any rights thereto shall terminate upon the survivor's death or remarriage before age sixty. Provided that any annuity terminated by remarriage may be restored if remarriage is later terminated by death, annulment, or divorce.

Note: If a survivor receives a check made out to the retiree, after the death of the retiree, the check must be returned ( uncashed )to:

Office of Budget & Financial Management & Retirement 410 E Street N.W. Room 200 WASHINGTON D.C. 20001

After claims have been established, any payments due to the deceased will be made to the survivor.

Eligible dependent children are your unmarried children under 18 who live with you in a parent - child relationship. Unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 22 are also eligible if they are full-time students and submit proof that they are enrolled in school. Furthermore, any unmarried child who is dependent on you because of a physical or mental disability incurred before age of 18 will qualify for survivor benefits.

If the fire fighter was receiving a tax free pension for a line of duty disability, the pension of his survivors is also non-taxable.

All surviving widows or widowers and dependent children will receive cost of living increases in the checks received each May 1st

The following is a list of items needed by a survivor of a retired member of the District of Columbia Fire Department in order to receive spousal annuity benefits in a suitable time frame, and for an orderly transition of this process to occur.1. The latest annuity check must be returned to the District Government 2. Personal action form or paperwork received by the annuitant upon retirement. ( i.e., P.O. form #1, Retirement Order for Deceased Member )3. Certified copy of Death Certificate.4. Certified copy of Marriage License.5. Certified copy of any and all divorce decrees, annulments of prior marriages, or certified death certificates for a prior marriage.6. Copy of birth certificates and adoption papers of all adopted dependent children under the age of 18. 7.List of all unmarried children under the age of 18 or children ages 18 to 22 who are full time students along with copies of their birth certificates. Included with the student, a certified copy of full-time attendance form from the registrar. 8. List of all disabled children and any medical information documenting their disabilities.9. Name of legal guardian of minor children. Proof of guardianship must be attached.10. Copies of all insurance policies held by member at the time of death.11. Survivors Payroll Data Sheet.

Death Of A Retiree- Who To Notify

Police & Fireman's Retirement & Relief Board 441 4th Street N.W. Room 330S Washington, D.C. 2000 Mrs. Hicks- (202) 727-6060 This board is the primary office responsible for processing the forms necessary to convert a retiree's annuity to a survivor's pension.

Office of Budget Financial Management Pay & Retirement Division Room 200 410 E Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 727-5851

Ms Valarey Tanner or Ms Elizabeth Garner handle firefighter retirees. This office is responsible for taking action to obtain benefits that may be due under Federal Employees Group Life Insurance. Hospitalization Plans are also handled by this office. Widows may wish to convert to self only plans D.C. Fire Department - Office of Public Information Grimke Bldg. 1923 Vermont Ave. N.W. Washington D.C. 20001 (202) 673-3331 Fax (202) 673-3188 After 5:00 P.M. and weekends notify: Communications Watch Commander (202) 673-3266 or 3264

The office Of Public Information should be notified of the Funeral arrangements in order that notice can be given to members of the Department. Retired Firefighters Association of Wash. D.C. Ed Flynn (301) 253-0729 or Butch Oliff (301) 261-7663

The Association should be notified of the death so that we may place an obituary notice in the Washington Post informing our members of the funeral arrangements. We welcome the opportunity to provide any information or assistance needed. Fraternal Organizations: If the deceased was a member of an organization such as the Masons, Knights of Columbus, Elks, American Legion, etc. it is possible there would be some benefits due them. These groups may wish to participate in the funeral services.