§8441 Definitions

Summary

Defines who can get survivor or dependent status for benefits under this part. A widow is the surviving wife of an employee, Member, or annuitant (or a former one) who was married to him for at least 9 months right before his death, or who is the mother of a child from that marriage. A widower is the surviving husband with the same 9‑month or parent-of-a-child rule. A dependent child means the person was living with or supporting the child when they died, as the Office’s rules say. A child means an unmarried dependent child under 18 (including adopted children, stepchildren who lived as a child in the home, recognized natural children, and children with an adoption filed and later completed by the surviving spouse), an unmarried dependent of any age who became disabled before age 18 and cannot support themself, or an unmarried dependent aged 18 to 22 who is a full‑time, in‑residence student at an approved school.