Handbook For Survivors

[john999]

Is there any concise handbook for survivors (DIC etc))? This information should be in one place. If I croak next week my wife has to apply for OPM survivor benefits, SSA survivor benefits and VA survivor benefits. I do have money stashed for her while she gets my estate probated. All my IRA's and investments have her as beneficiary. We share a bank account and house is in both our names. If you want to keep you tax exemption for your spouse your property must be in both your names when you die. Most of this stuff is on the Net, but I wish I had handbooks.

John

[Berta]

John, I agree, and know of no specific handbooks that cover this all.

I recently posted an Overview here on DIC:

This is good info from OPM:

http://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/fers-information/survivors/

And this is the SSA Survivor info:

http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ifyou2.htm

I think these days it is critical for spouses to be up to par on how to use the internet.

Not only can many types of applications be done on line these days, but ,if it involves a DIC claim,

and isn't a cut and dry 10 year rule claim, or an obvious SC death,the survivor will need the internet in my opinion.

I have experience with all of above, OPM, SSA, and the VA ,when my husband died.

OPM lost some critical paperwork and only found it over 6 months later when I raised Hell.

My initial DIC claim took about 3 years, then the first direct SC death claim took over 6 years, and my AO IHD death claim took about 2 years.

SSA was a much easier and quicker result,for my Survivors Benefits.

You made a good point on the property John.... the deed has to be changed at the county clerk's office I think.

Also in my locale widows get survivors veterans tax exemptions on their property, as well as vets themselves.

It has to be applied for annually and is quite a savings, as long as they remain living in the tax exempted property.

Recently a VA employee asked me how Hospice families get the info needed when a vet dies in VA hospice....I said I only hope there is someone who is liaison to the state reps on the VAMC grounds.

They asked about the property tax exemptions too but this is basically a rural area of NY with Hamlets, villages, and towns, and each has their own veteran exemption criteria.

I called the county Veterans Service Agency and they told me they have no specific handouts on the real estate tax info but our tax bills do have info on the back.

I think OPM refunded to me some of my husband's FERS contributions.

Edited February 13, 2014 by Berta