Beneficiary Designations
Generally speaking, benefits payable by the government in the event of your death (retirement contributions, life insurance, TSP funds, and unpaid compensation) will be paid in the following Order of Precedence:
- Designated beneficiary(ies), based on properly completed forms
- Spouse
- Children in equal shares, with the share of any deceased child distributed among the descendants of that child
- Parents in equal shares or the entire amount to the surviving parent
- Duly appointed executor or administrator of the estate
- Next of kin as determined by law.
You must complete the appropriate Designation of Beneficiary forms if you would like funds payable upon your death to be paid in a different order.
Mail original form to the address shown on the form.
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) Designation of Beneficiary
- Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance Designation of Beneficiary
- Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Civilian Employee Designation of Beneficiary
Mail original form(s) to:
Treasury/Fiscal Service
Benefits Avery 4-K
PO Box 1328
Parkersburg, WV 26106-13287-5023
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) Designation of Beneficiary Mail or FAX form to TSP as directed on the form or complete a TSP Designation of Beneficiary by using the online "wizard" in the My Account section of the TSP website.
If you are returning to the federal government after a break in service, or moving to a position with a new department or agency, you should review any previously completed Designation of Beneficiary Forms to ensure that they remain valid after you start your new position.
Contact Us
For questions regarding these forms, contact the Benefits, Compensation, and Systems Branch at: