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.
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