Have you ever wondered how survivor benefits work when your spouse is younger than you? Well, if so, then stay tuned for this FERS Federal Fact Check. Hi, I'm Micah Shalanski from plan your federal retirement, and today we have a question that came in from Albert about survivor benefits. Albert says, regarding SBP, survivor benefits program, I read that there's $1,000 example that you're going to get in the 50% to your spouse. That's $1,000 becomes
$500 for your wife. That makes sense, understand. But the question is, if my spouse is 12 years younger than I am, does the age difference make a difference in the spousal benefit cost? Albert, that's a great question, and I'm going to give you a depends answer, so sorry about that. It really
depends on how it's set up. Now, if you are married and you're getting ready to retire and there's no one else that can claim on your retirement benefits, like an ex spouse, then your wife is treated as your current spouse, and there's no additional cost regardless of age. It's just the 10% for the full survival benefit. However, if you have an ex that can claim on your pension, then your ex is kind of treated as your current
wife. Your current wife is kind of treated as a special interest, and then now there's going to be a different cost for you, because you have to pay for an ex spouse. You're gonna have to pay for that ex spouse, plus you're gonna have to pay for your current spouse. So that's how the survivor benefit cost could be higher for you, not so much because of the age difference, a lot more because someone else could claim on your benefits, but just because your spouse is younger by default?
The answer is no, it's only that 10% benefit, which is a great deal. And more importantly, assuming you meet your two health insurance qualifications, you've been in FEHB for five years prior retirement, and you're retired the eligibility of immediate pension, and your spouse meets their two requirements. One, they're in FEHB before you die, and two, they receiving a survivor benefit. They get to keep that health insurance for life, which is an amazing benefit. for them
as well. If you have questions, like this or want to learn about survivor benefits, then, make sure you're contacting us to make an appointment. So, let's sit down with myself, or one of our great advisors on our team, and answer your questions to make sure you're getting the best advice possible. Until next time, happy planning.