(ii) The reduction is to provide a former spouse annuity (under § 831.612) for a former spouse whom the employee or Member married after retirement.

(2) The amount of the reduction to provide one or more former spouse annuities or a combination of a current spouse annuity and one or more former spouse annuities under this section for employees or Members whose retirement is based on separations before October 11, 1962, equals 22 percent of the first $2400 of the total designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the total designated survivor base which exceeds $2400.

[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31932, Sept. 8, 1986; 52 FR 3209, Feb. 3, 1987; 55 FR 9100, Mar. 12, 1990; 56 FR 16262, Apr. 22, 1991]

§ 831.613 Post-retirement election of fully reduced annuity or partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in cases of retirees who retired before May 7, 1985, and married after retirement but before February 27, 1986:

(1) A retiree who was unmarried at the time of retirement may elect, within 1 year after a post-retirement marriage, a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(2) A retiree who was married and elected a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity at the time of retirement may elect, within 1 year after a postretirement marriage, to provide a current spouse annuity. If a retiree elects a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity under this paragraph, the election must equal the election made at the time of retirement.

(3) The reduction under paragraphs (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section commences on the first day of the month beginning 1 year after the date of the post-retirement marriage.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, in cases involving retirees who retired on or after May 7, 1985, or married on or after February 27, 1986

(1) A retiree who was unmarried at the time of retirement may elect, within 2 years after a post-retirement marriage, a fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity.

(2) A retiree who was married at the time of retirement may elect, within 2 years after a post-retirement marriage

(i) A fully reduced annuity or a partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity if—

(A) The retiree was awarded a fully reduced annuity under § 831.604 at the time of retirement; or

(B) The election at the time of retirement was made with a waiver of spousal consent in accordance with § 831.608; or

(C) The marriage at the time of retirement was to a person other than the spouse who would receive a current spouse annuity based on the postretirement election; or

(ii) A partially reduced annuity to provide a current spouse annuity no greater than the current spouse annuity elected for the current spouse at retirement if

(A) The retiree elected a partially reduced annuity under § 831.607 at the time of retirement;

(B) The election at the time of retirement was made with spousal consent in accordance with § 831.607; and

(C) The marriage at the time of retirement was to the same person who would receive a current spouse annuity based on the post-retirement election.

(3)(i) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(3)(ii) or (b)(4) of this section, a retiree making an election under this section must deposit an amount equal to the difference between the amount of annuity actually paid to the retiree and the amount of annuity that would have been paid if the reduction elected under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section had been in effect continuously since the time of retirement, plus 6 percent annual interest, computed under § 831.105, from the date when each difference occurred.

(ii) An election under this section may be made without deposit, if that

election prospectively voids an election of an insurable interest annuity.

(4) (i) An election under this section is irrevocable when received by OPM. (ii) An election under this section is effective when the marriage duration requirements of § 831.618 are satisfied.

(iii) If an election under paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section does not become effective, no deposit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section is required.

(iv) If payment of the deposit under paragraph (b)(3) of this section is not required because the election never became effective and if some or all of the deposit has been paid, the amount paid will be returned to the retiree, or, if the retiree has died, to the person who would be entitled to any lumpsum benefits under the order of precedence in section 8342 of title 5, United States Code.

(5) Any reduction in an annuity to provide a current spouse annuity will terminate effective on the first day of the month after the marriage to the current spouse ends, unless

(i) The retiree elects, within 2 years after a divorce terminates the marriage, to continue the reduction to provide for a former spouse annuity; or

(ii) A qualifying court order requires the retiree to provide a former spouse annuity.

(c)(1) Qualifying court orders prevent payment of current spouse annuities to the extent necessary to comply with the court order and § 831.614.

(2) If an election under this section causes the total of all current and former spouse annuities provided by a qualifying court order or elected under § 831.605, § 831.612, or this section to exceed the maximum survivor annuity permitted under § 831.614, OPM will accept the election but will pay the portion in excess of the maximum only when permitted by § 831.614(c).

(d) The amount of the reduction to provide a current spouse annuity under this section equals 21⁄2 percent of the first $3600 of the designated survivor base plus 10 percent of the portion of the designated survivor base which exceeds $3600.

[55 FR 9101, Mar. 12, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 16263, Apr. 22, 1991]

§ 831.614 Division of a survivor annuity.

(a) Except as provided in §§ 831.621 and 831.622, the maximum combined total of all current and former spouse annuities (not including any benefits based on an election of an insurable interest annuity) payable based on the service of a former employee or Member equals 55 percent (or 50 percent if based on a separation before October 11, 1962) of the rate of the self-only annuity that otherwise would have been paid to the employee, Member, or retiree.

(b) By using the elections available under this subpart or to comply with a court order under subpart Q, a survivor annuity may be divided into a combination of former spouse annuities and a current spouse annuity so long as the aggregate total of current and former spouse annuities does not exceed the maximum limitation in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Upon termination of former spouse annuity payments because of death or remarriage of the former spouse, or by operation of a court order, the current spouse will be entitled to a current spouse annuity or an increased current spouse annuity if—

(1) The employee or Member died while employed in a position covered under CSRS; or

(2) The current spouse was married to the employee or Member continuously from the time of retirement and did not consent to an election not to provide a current spouse annuity; or

(3) The current spouse married a retiree after retirement and the retiree elected, under § 831.613, to provide a current spouse annuity for that spouse in the event that the former spouse annuity payments terminate.

[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31933, Sept. 8, 1986]

§ 831.615 Proof of eligibility for a child's annuity.

(a) Proof of paternity. (1) A judicial determination of parentage conclusively establishes the paternity of a child. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, a child born to the wife of a married person is presumed to be the child of the wife's husband. This presumption may be re

butted only by clear and convincing evidence that the husband is not the father of the child.

(3) When paternity is not established under paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section, paternity is determined by a preponderance of the credible evidence as defined in § 1201.56(c)(2) of this title.

(b) Proof of adoption. (1) An adopted child is

(i) A child adopted by the employee or retiree before the death of the employee or retiree; or

(ii) A child who lived with the employee or retiree and for whom a petition for adoption was filed by the employee or retiree and who is adopted by the current spouse of the employee or retiree after the death of the employee or retiree.

(2) The only acceptable evidence to prove status as an adopted child under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section is a copy of the judicial decree of adoption.

(3) The only acceptable evidence to prove status as an adopted child under paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section is copies of

(i) The petition for adoption filed by the employee or retiree (clearly showing the date filed); and

(ii) The judicial decree of adoption. (c) Dependency. To be eligible for survivor annuity benefits, a child must have been dependent on the employee or retiree at the time of the employee's or retiree's death.

(d) Proof of dependency. (1) A child is considered to have been dependent on the deceased employee or retiree if he or she is

(i) A legitimate child; or (ii) An adopted child; or

(iii) A stepchild or recognized natural child who lived with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship at the time of the employee's or retiree's death; or

(iv) A recognized natural child for whom a judicial determination of support was obtained; or

(v) A recognized natural child to whose support the employee or retiree made regular and substantial contributions.

(2) The following are examples of proofs of regular and substantial sup

port. More than one of the following proofs may be required to show support of a child who did not live with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship and for whom a judicial determination of support was not obtained.

(i) Evidence of eligibility as a dependent child for benefits under other State or Federal programs;

(ii) Proof of inclusion of the child as a dependent on the decedent's income tax returns for the years immediately before the employee's or retiree's death;

(iii) Cancelled checks, money orders, or receipts for periodic payments received from the employee or retiree for or on behalf of the child;

(iv) Evidence of goods or services that shows regular contributions of considerable value;

(v) Proof of coverage of the child as a family member under the employee's or retiree's Federal Employees Health Benefits enrollment; and

(vi) Other proof of a similar nature that OPM may find to be sufficient to demonstrate support or parentage.

(3) Survivor benefits may be denied

(i) If evidence shows that the deceased employee or retiree did not recognize the claimant as his or her own despite a willingness to support the child; or

(ii) If evidence casts doubt upon the parentage of the claimant, despite the deceased employee's or retiree's recognition and support of the child.

[55 FR 9102, Mar. 12, 1990]

§ 831.616 School attendance.

For a child who has attained age 18 to be eligible to receive an annuity as a student, the child must meet all other requirements applicable to a child who has not attained age 18. In addition, OPM must receive certification, in a form prescribed by OPM, that the child is regularly pursuing a full-time course of study in an accredited institution. A full-time course of study is a noncorrespondence course which, if successfully completed, will lead to completion of the education within the period generally accepted as minimum for completion, by a full-time

day student, of the academic or training program concerned.

[55 FR 9102, Mar. 12, 1990]

§ 831.617

Rates of child annuities.

(a) (1) The rate of annuity payable to a child survivor whose annuity commenced before February 27, 1986, is computed in accordance with the law in effect on the date when the annuity began to accrue, unless the rate of annuity is recomputed under paragraph (e) of this section on or after February 27, 1986.

(2) The rate of annuity payable to a child survivor whose annuity commenced on or after February 27, 1986, or was recomputed under paragraph (e) of this section on or after February 27, 1986, is computed under paragraph (b), (c), or (d) of this section.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the rate of annuity of a child survivor is computed under section 8341(e)(2) (i) through (iii) of title 5, United States Code, with adjustments in accordance with section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, when the deceased employee, Member or annuitant was never married to a natural or adoptive parent of that surviving child of the former employee or Member.

(c) Except as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the rate of annuity payable to a child survivor is computed under section 8341(e)(2) (A) through (C) of title 5, United States Code, with adjustments in accordance with section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, whenever a deceased employee, Member, or retiree is survived by a natural or adoptive parent of that surviving child of the employee, Member, or retiree.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the rate of annuity payable to a child survivor is computed under section 8341(e)(2) (i) through (iii) of title 5, United States Code, with adjustments in accordance with section 8340 of title 5, United States Code, when the deceased employee, Member, or retiree is not survived by a natural or adoptive parent of that surviving child of the former employee or Member.

(e) On the death of a natural or adoptive parent or termination of the

annuity of a child, the annuity of any other child or children is recomputed and paid as though the parent or child had not survived the former employee or Member.

[51 FR 31933, Sept. 8, 1986]

§ 831.618 Marriage duration requirements.

(a) The surviving spouse of a retiree who retired on or after May 7, 1985, or of a retiree who retired before May 7, 1985, but married that surviving spouse on or after November 8, 1984, or of an employee or Member who dies while serving in a position covered by CSRS on or after May 7, 1985, or of an employee or Member who died while serving in a position covered by CSRS before May 7, 1985, but married that surviving spouse on or after November 8, 1984, can qualify for a current spouse annuity only if—

(1) The surviving spouse and the employee, Member, or retiree had been married for at least 9 months, as explained in paragraph (b) of this section; or

(2) A child was born of the marriage, as explained in paragraph (c) of this section; or

(3) The death of the employee, Member, or retiree was accidental as explained in paragraph (d) of this section.

(b) For satisfying the 9-month marriage requirement of paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the aggregate time of all marriages between the spouse applying for a current spouse annuity and the employee, Member, or retiree is included.

(c) For satisfying the child-born-ofthe-marriage requirement of paragraph (a)(2) of this section, any child, including a posthumous child, born to the spouse and the employee, Member, or retiree is included. This includes a child born out of wedlock or of a prior marriage between the same parties.

(d)(1) A death is accidental if it results from homicide or from bodily injuries incurred solely through violent, external, and accidental means. The term "accidental" does not include a death

(i) Caused wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, by disease or bodily or mental infirmity, or by medical or sur

(v) Caused by or as a result of the self-administration or illegal or illegally obtained drugs.

(2) A State judicial or administrative adjudication of the cause of death for criminal or insurance purposes is conclusive evidence of whether a death is accidental.

(3) A death certificate showing the cause of death as accident or homicide is prima facie evidence that the death was accidental.

[50 FR 20070, May 13, 1985; 50 FR 21031, May 22, 1985, as amended at 51 FR 31933, Sept. 8, 1986; 56 FR 16263, Apr. 22, 1991]

§ 831.619 Time for filing applications for death benefits.

(a) A survivor of a deceased employee, Member, or retiree, may file an application for annuity, personally or through a representative, at any time within 30 years after the death of the employee, Member, or retiree.

(b) A former spouse claiming eligibility for an annuity based on § 831.622 may file an application at any time between November 8, 1984 and May 7, 1989. Within this period, the date that the first correspondence indicating a desire to file a claim is received by OPM will be treated as the application date for meeting timeliness deadlines and determining the commencing date of the survivor annuity under § 831.622 if the former spouse is eligible on that date.

[55 FR 9102, Mar. 12, 1990]

§ 831.620 Commencing and terminating dates of survivor annuities.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, current spouse annuities, former spouse annuities, children's survivor annuities, and survivor annuities for beneficiaries of insurable interest annuities under CSRS begin to accrue on the day after death of the employee, Member, or retiree.

(b)(1) A current spouse annuity begins to accrue

(i) Upon attainment of age 50 when, under section 12 of the Civil Service Retirement Act Amendments of February 29, 1948, the annuity is deferred until age 50; or

(ii) Upon OPM's receipt of a claim for an annuity authorized for unremarried widows and widowers by section 2 of the Civil Service Retirement Act Amendments of June 25, 1958, 72 Stat. 218.

(2) A former spouse annuity begins to accrue

(i) For annuities under § 831.622, on the later of the day after date of death of the retiree or the first day of the second month after the date the application for annuity is received in OPM; or

(ii) For annuities when a former spouse annuity is authorized by court order under section 8341(h) of title 5, United States Code, on the later of the day after the date of death of the employee, Member, or retiree or the first day of the second month after the court order awarding the former spouse annuity and the supporting documentation required by § 831.1705 are received in OPM.

(c) A survivor annuity terminates at the end of the month preceding death or any other terminating event.

(d) A current spouse annuity terminated for reasons other than death may be restored under conditions defined in sections 8341(e)(2) and 8341(g) of title 5, United States Code.

(e) A survivor annuity accrues on a daily basis, one-thirtieth of the monthly rate constituting the daily rate. An annuity does not accrue for the 31st day of any month, except in the initial month if the survivor's (of a deceased employee) annuity commences on the 31st day. For accrual