§4044 Definitions

Summary

Lists plain meanings for key words used in this part. Annuitant: a person, including a former worker or a survivor, who qualifies for an annuity from the Fund and has filed a claim. Child: an unmarried offspring, adopted child, certain stepchildren, or a child for whom an adoption was pending and later completed by a surviving spouse, who is either under 18, a student under age 22 (see special July 1 rule below), or disabled before age 18. Court: any court in a State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, or certain Indian courts. Court order: a divorce or annulment decree, or a court order or approved settlement tied to such a decree. Foreign Service normal cost: the payroll percentage needed to fund System benefits, calculated on an entry‑age actuarial basis and reduced by other retirement benefits and the cost of credit for military service. Former spouse: an ex‑spouse who was married to the participant at least 10 years during creditable service. Fund balance: the Fund’s investments at par plus its cash balance in the Treasury. Lump‑sum credit: required and special contributions plus interest at 4% compounded to December 31, 1976, and afterward (for separations after 1 but before 5 years of civilian service) at 3% per year to the separation date, with no interest for fractional months or on certain post‑separation service contributions. Military and naval service: honorable active service in the U.S. Armed Forces, in the Public Health Service Regular or Reserve Corps after June 30, 1960, or as a NOAA commissioned officer after June 30, 1961. Pro rata share: the percent equal to the years a former spouse was married to the participant during the participant’s creditable service divided by the total years of that creditable service. Spousal agreement: a written agreement between a participant or former participant and his or her spouse or ex‑spouse. Student: a child in full‑time, in‑residence study at an approved school; a break between terms up to 5 calendar months won’t end student status if the child shows the Secretary of State a real intention to return. Surviving spouse: a widow or widower who was married to the participant or annuitant for at least 9 months immediately before death, or who is the parent of a child born of the marriage; the 9‑month rule is treated as met if the participant dies within that 9‑month period and the death was accidental, or if prior marriages to the same person add up to at least 9 months. Unfunded liability: the estimated shortfall equal to the present value of benefits minus the present value of future employee and agency contributions, minus Government payments under section 4061, minus the Fund balance. Special agent: a State Department employee with primary skill code 2501 whose main duties are investigating, arresting, detaining criminal suspects, or protecting people under section 2709(a)(3), whose work is considered physically demanding so hiring is limited by age and fitness rules set under section 4823, including those doing such work before, on, or after November 13, 1998, or those who moved to supervisory or administrative jobs after at least 3 years in those duties.