Before you're vested
If you die before vesting, other than in the line of duty, your designated beneficiary receives only a refund of your employee contributions. If you were within one year of vesting, a joint annuitant may buy enough service (from accumulated leave or in-state/out-of-state service) to vest you.
Handbook (2026), p. 55, For the Beneficiary of a Non-Vested MemberAfter vesting, before retiring
If you die after vesting but before retiring, a beneficiary who is not a joint annuitant gets only a refund of your contributions. A joint annuitant may choose a refund; a lifetime benefit figured as if you retired on the date of death under Option 3 (reduced if before your normal retirement date); or an Option 3 benefit deferred to a later date.
Handbook (2026), p. 55, For the Beneficiary of a Vested MemberIn the line of duty
Regular Class: if you die in the line of duty, your surviving spouse receives a lifetime monthly benefit of half your last monthly salary, regardless of service; then your unmarried children until the youngest reaches 18.
Handbook (2026), p. 56, In-Line-of-Duty Survivor BenefitsThe details
A child or ward joint annuitant under 25 (or disabled) receives your Option 1 amount until 25 (or while disabled). Handbook (2026), p. 55
If you die before your normal retirement date with fewer than 20 years of service, a deferred benefit would be higher for the beneficiary than an immediate one. Handbook (2026), p. 55
If you die while employed within 10 years of your normal retirement date, the benefit may be reduced from 30 years (or 33) rather than from normal retirement age, if that gives more. Handbook (2026), p. 55
After you retire
It depends on the payment option you chose. Under Option 1, at your death the beneficiary receives only any of your contributions that exceed the benefits you received. Handbook (2026), p. 50, Options 1 and 2 The four options
In DROP
If you die in DROP, your designated beneficiary receives the DROP accumulation; under Option 2, 3 or 4 a monthly benefit also continues by the option's terms (Option 2's 120 months start when DROP begins). DROP Guide (2026), p. 22, Who is entitled to my DROP benefits if I die while participating in the program?
DROP participants are considered retired, so survivors get no in-line-of-duty benefit. Handbook (2026), p. 57
Your beneficiary
Your surviving spouse is automatically your beneficiary unless you named someone else after your most recent marriage. With no surviving named beneficiary: spouse, then children, then father or mother, then your estate. Your will or divorce decree does not control FRS survivor benefits. Handbook (2026), p. 24, Before You Retire
Disability retirement
Regular disability requires eight years of service; the Option 1 benefit is at least 25% of AFC. In-line-of-duty disability is covered from the first day; Regular Class minimum 42% of AFC. Disability benefits are not reduced for early retirement. DROP participants are not eligible. Handbook (2026), p. 53, Disability Benefits
The facts
- If you die before vesting (not in the line of duty), your beneficiary gets only a refund of your contributions.Handbook (2026), p. 55
- If you die after vesting but before retiring, a joint annuitant can take a lifetime Option 3 benefit as if you had retired that day, a deferred Option 3 benefit, or a refund. Anyone else gets only a refund.Handbook (2026), p. 55, For the Beneficiary of a Vested Member
- If you die in the line of duty, your spouse gets half your last monthly salary for life, regardless of service; then unmarried children until the youngest is 18.Handbook (2026), p. 56
- Your spouse is automatically your beneficiary unless you named someone else after your most recent marriage. Your will does not control FRS benefits.Handbook (2026), p. 24, Before You Retire
- If you die in DROP, your beneficiary gets the DROP balance, plus a monthly benefit under Option 2, 3 or 4.DROP Guide (2026), p. 22
- Disability: 8 years of service for regular disability (at least 25% of AFC); in-line-of-duty from day one (at least 42% for the Regular Class).Handbook (2026), p. 53
Next: payment options or the glossary.
Questions
What does my family get if I die before retiring from the FRS?
If you die before vesting, other than in the line of duty, your designated beneficiary receives only a refund of your employee contributions. If you were within one year of vesting, a joint annuitant may buy enough service (from accumulated leave or in-state/out-of-state service) to vest you. If you die after vesting but before retiring, a beneficiary who is not a joint annuitant gets only a refund of your contributions. A joint annuitant may choose a refund; a lifetime benefit figured as if you retired on the date of death under Option 3 (reduced if before your normal retirement date); or an Option 3 benefit deferred to a later date.
Who is my beneficiary?
Your surviving spouse is automatically your beneficiary unless you named someone else after your most recent marriage. With no surviving named beneficiary: spouse, then children, then father or mother, then your estate. Your will or divorce decree does not control FRS survivor benefits.
What if I die in DROP?
If you die in DROP, your designated beneficiary receives the DROP accumulation; under Option 2, 3 or 4 a monthly benefit also continues by the option's terms (Option 2's 120 months start when DROP begins).
Source: FRS Pension Plan Member Handbook, 2026 Edition, pp. 24, 50, 53, 55, 56, 57. Also: DROP Guide (2026), p. 22. Last reviewed .