Get Your Affairs in Order
We all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether it’s the job or the kids, taking care of the house, or just trying to maintain it all. Most of the time the thing we neglect the most are ourselves. We tend to ignore the aches and pains; even forget to schedule that annual physical and/or test.
We also forget to make sure our important pertinent papers are updated and readily available if needed. Did you get married or re-married since naming beneficiaries? Did you make changes after the divorce? Have you had a child recently? Did you update your insurance policies, be it life or health insurance. Have you recently moved and notified all the policyholders? These are just some of the questions you should be asking yourself. Along with the fact that there may be other important items you need to take care of.
Many times, we are not lucky enough to be forewarned before a major catastrophic event strikes. Members, spouses and their children occasionally contact us asking for assistance because a loved one has passed or is gravely ill. The following information will help you or them during those times.
WHEN AN ACTIVE LETTER CARRIER DIES
1. Notify the employee’s immediate supervisor, postmaster and personnel section (if any).
Check with USPS Human Resources Shared Service Center at 1-877-477-3273 for benefits for spouse and any dependent children.
Fill out forms and applications for death benefits under the retirement system; claim for unpaid compensation; claim for FEGLI death benefits.
2. Notify the Thrift Savings Plan for Death Benefits Claims (only), 1-8770968-3778.
3. Notify the carriers’ NALC branch.
4. If veteran, notify the Veterans’ Administration at 1-800-827-1000.
5. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
6. Notify banks and other financial institutions.
7. Notify insurance companies (life, health, home, automobile, etc.)
If the carrier had a policy with the NALC’s Mutual Benefit Association, write to 100 Indiana Ave., NW, Room 510, Washington, DC 20001-2144 or call 202-638-4318 or 1-800-424-5184. For NALC Health Benefit Plan, call 1-888-636-6252.
Health Benefit coverage for a surviving spouse and dependent children continues automatically if carrier had family coverage at time of death and if a monthly survivor annuity is payable.
8. Have mortuary officials obtain enough certified death certificates for your needs. They can suggest how many.
9. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Employee Service and records Center 1-800-424-5186. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm.
10. Check for safety deposit box.
11. Change name on all important papers to surviving party’s name.
SF 2800 – application for death benefit.
SF 1153 – claim for designated beneficiary for unpaid compensation
SF 1155 – claim for unpaid compensation, no designated beneficiary
FE 6 – claim for benefits, federal employees group life insurance
Check with OPM regarding any annuity due for you or any minor children
Have marriage license or divorce papers available.
A will can be a vital necessity depending on the situation. If there is no will, an executor may be named, and expensive court actions may be necessary.
THAT IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER
