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Frequently Asked Questions Retirement

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What are the qualification requirements for spouse equity?

1. You must have been covered as a family member under the Federal employee or annuitant’s enrollment at some time during the 18 months before your divorce or annulment.

2. You must have a qualifying court order that awards you a portion of his/her annuity or a survivor annuity.

3. You must not have remarried before age 55. 

A court order that awards a portion of your former spouse’s retirement annuity will enable you to continue FEHB coverage until your former spouse dies.  A court order that awards a survivor annuity allows you to continue FEHB coverage for life, if you continue to meet the requirements. You may also receive a survivor annuity if your former spouse made an election when he/she retired, or if you divorced after his/her retirement.  If you were married to a CIA or Foreign Service employee, you should contact your former spouse’s employing office for guidance.

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