Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to review your personal legal documents and to verify that your beneficiary forms reflect your current wishes so your loved ones are covered should the unexpected happen.
Employee Beneficiary Forms
All federal employee beneficiary forms must be signed and witnessed. Below is a summary of some of the separate beneficiary forms for your federal benefits; each form provides instructions and sample designations. If you are unsure about your beneficiaries, access your eOPF to review your current designations. When in doubt, fill them out!
| Beneficiary Form | Use | How to File a New Form |
|---|---|---|
| Maintained by eOPF | Payments of final compensation, unused annual leave, awards, bonuses, travel reimbursement |
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| Maintained by TSP | Payment of TSP account. |
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| Maintained by eOPF | Payment of life insurance. |
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| Maintained by eOPF | Payment of lump sum FERS retirement benefits. |
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Personal Legal Documents
Drafting or reviewing legal documents while you are healthy can help your loved ones honor your health and property decisions, know they are carrying out your wishes, and minimize lengthy legal processes. At a minimum, legal experts recommend that each of us have the following:
- Will: Having a will ensures that you determine who inherits your property and raises your children if you pass away.
- Living Will: A living will gives you the ability to state what kind of care you do or do not want in the event you are incapacitated.
- Health Care Proxy: A health care proxy, often called a medical power of attorney, names individuals who are empowered to speak on your behalf and ensure that the terms of your living will are carried out.
Your Employee Assistance Program Can Help!
Your EAP is available to assist you and your family members 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact your Component EAP for more information on their legal support services, including help with drafting wills and living wills.
For more information please contact worklife@hq.dhs.gov.