Q. If a widow of a retired Postal Service employee has been receiving a death benefit over the years, is there any insurance policy or minimal expense towards final arrangements of the widow? Retirement was 1977 with 30 years of service. Certainly, employee benefits and packages have changed; is there a suggested website or source I can read what may pertain to my situation, I’m not sure where to start?
A. Your only entitlements were a survivor annuity, the proceeds of his Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance when he died (if he elected to pay for that coverage), and the right to continue your coverage under the Federal Employees Health Benefits program (if he was enrolled under the self and family option). There is no provision in law that would provide additional benefits to cover expenses associated with your own death.
Reg Jones was head of retirement and insurance policy at the Office of Personnel Management. Email your retirement-related questions to fedexperts@federaltimes.com.