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The D.C. Retirement Board should be able to answer most questions and have the forms you need regarding your benefits and for surviving spouses benefits.
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Things a widow/surviving family member needs to do upon the death of a member
Death Certificate – Multiple copies.
Birth Certificate – Official with stamp impression.
Marriage License.
Divorce papers.
Copy of most recent RFA handbook.
Average pay at time of retirement, should be on page
headed “COMPUTING A WIDOWS PENSION” in the RFA
handbook.
D.C. Personnel form 1, FEGLI insurance form and any other life insurance policies.
All bank accounts: name, location, account # and the location.
Any CD’s, IRA’s, 401K’s, stocks, bonds and any safe deposit boxes.
Debts; house, car, or any other large debts.
DEATH OF A RETIREE – WHO TO NOTIFY
Upon the death of a retiree, the survivors should notify the following D.C. Government Offices in order that the necessary administrative processing can be accomplished.
1. Police and Fireman’s Retirement and Relief Board
441 4th Street N.W. Room 340 N. Washington, DC 20001
Tele: (202) 442-9622 - Ms. Diann Martin, or Ms. Lela Hunter
(202) 442-7627 Ms. Karla Kirby Sumpter
This board is the primary office responsible for processing the forms necessary to convert a retiree’s annuity to a survivor’s pension.
2. D. C. Retirement Board
Benefits Department - Suite 200
900 7th Street N.W. - Washington, DC 20001
Telephone - (202) 343-3272 or 1-866/456-3272 dcrb.dc.gov
3. D.C. Fire Department - Public Information Office
2000 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001 Tele: (202) 673-3331 Fax 202/673-3188
After 5:00 P.M. And Weekends Office of Unified Communications
OUC Tele: (202) 673-3266 or 3267 or 202/373-3700
The Public Information Office should be notified of the Funeral arrangements in order that notice can be given to members of the Department. (202) 673-3331
4. Retired Firefighter’s Association of Washington DC Contact any Member of the Board of Directors
The association should be notified of the death so that we may place a notice in the Washington Post. We welcome the opportunity to provide any information or assistance needed.
5. Fraternal Organizations - If the deceased was a member of Social or Fraternal organizations such as the Masons, Knights of Columbus, Elks, American Legion, etc. it is possible there would be some benefits due them. These groups may wish to participate in the funeral services.
Death Certificate – Multiple copies.
Birth Certificate – Official with stamp impression.
Marriage License.
Divorce papers.
Copy of most recent RFA handbook.
Average pay at time of retirement, should be on page
headed “COMPUTING A WIDOWS PENSION” in the RFA
handbook.
D.C. Personnel form 1, FEGLI insurance form and any other life insurance policies.
All bank accounts: name, location, account # and the location.
Any CD’s, IRA’s, 401K’s, stocks, bonds and any safe deposit boxes.
Debts; house, car, or any other large debts.
DEATH OF A RETIREE – WHO TO NOTIFY
Upon the death of a retiree, the survivors should notify the following D.C. Government Offices in order that the necessary administrative processing can be accomplished.
1. Police and Fireman’s Retirement and Relief Board
441 4th Street N.W. Room 340 N. Washington, DC 20001
Tele: (202) 442-9622 - Ms. Diann Martin, or Ms. Lela Hunter
(202) 442-7627 Ms. Karla Kirby Sumpter
This board is the primary office responsible for processing the forms necessary to convert a retiree’s annuity to a survivor’s pension.
2. D. C. Retirement Board
Benefits Department - Suite 200
900 7th Street N.W. - Washington, DC 20001
Telephone - (202) 343-3272 or 1-866/456-3272 dcrb.dc.gov
3. D.C. Fire Department - Public Information Office
2000 14th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20001 Tele: (202) 673-3331 Fax 202/673-3188
After 5:00 P.M. And Weekends Office of Unified Communications
OUC Tele: (202) 673-3266 or 3267 or 202/373-3700
The Public Information Office should be notified of the Funeral arrangements in order that notice can be given to members of the Department. (202) 673-3331
4. Retired Firefighter’s Association of Washington DC Contact any Member of the Board of Directors
The association should be notified of the death so that we may place a notice in the Washington Post. We welcome the opportunity to provide any information or assistance needed.
5. Fraternal Organizations - If the deceased was a member of Social or Fraternal organizations such as the Masons, Knights of Columbus, Elks, American Legion, etc. it is possible there would be some benefits due them. These groups may wish to participate in the funeral services.
LINE OF DUTY DISABILITY PENSIONS
Pensions received for a disability incurred in the line of duty as a firefighter for the District of Columbia are non-taxable for life. This exclusion is granted under Section 104 of the Internal Revenue Code, which excludes income received under forms of Workman’s Compensation
Members retired for these disabilities and widows of former disabled retirees should have received a letter from the D.C. Government, dated December, 1992, including a computer printout that lists the section of the D.C. Code upon which the pension was granted and the percentage of excludable income they receive. A copy of this form should be retained in your files and a copy should be submitted with your income tax form.
Beginning with the 1992 tax year, the D.C. Government will send a form 1099-R to each pensioner of the D.C. Fire Department with the taxable amount listed in block 2a. If the computer printout you received indicates less than 100% as the percentage ratio of monthly excludable income you receive, then block 2a will contain a small amount of taxable income that you must claim.
To avoid problems with the IRS, tax-free disability retirees and widows, who receive Form 1099-R from the D.C. Government, should enter the amount received on their IRS Form 1040. Enter the amount received on line 17a and enter “none” (or the small amount listed in block 2a of your Form 1099-R) on line 17b and attach a copy of the following statement to the 1040.
“Exemption is hereby claimed from tax liability on the amount of $________ received during this tax year, and in all future years, as relief granted by the Police and Firemen’s Retirement and Relief Board for disability incurred in the line of duty as a firefighter in the District of Columbia. This claim is based on the decision rendered by Judge David A. Pine in the District Court for the District of Columbia in Civil Action No. 31165-37734 on June 24, 1947.”
You should maintain with your tax records a copy of your retirement letter which states that you are retired for a disability incurred in or aggravated by your performance of duty as a firefighter.
Pensions received for a disability incurred in the line of duty as a firefighter for the District of Columbia are non-taxable for life. This exclusion is granted under Section 104 of the Internal Revenue Code, which excludes income received under forms of Workman’s Compensation
Members retired for these disabilities and widows of former disabled retirees should have received a letter from the D.C. Government, dated December, 1992, including a computer printout that lists the section of the D.C. Code upon which the pension was granted and the percentage of excludable income they receive. A copy of this form should be retained in your files and a copy should be submitted with your income tax form.
Beginning with the 1992 tax year, the D.C. Government will send a form 1099-R to each pensioner of the D.C. Fire Department with the taxable amount listed in block 2a. If the computer printout you received indicates less than 100% as the percentage ratio of monthly excludable income you receive, then block 2a will contain a small amount of taxable income that you must claim.
To avoid problems with the IRS, tax-free disability retirees and widows, who receive Form 1099-R from the D.C. Government, should enter the amount received on their IRS Form 1040. Enter the amount received on line 17a and enter “none” (or the small amount listed in block 2a of your Form 1099-R) on line 17b and attach a copy of the following statement to the 1040.
“Exemption is hereby claimed from tax liability on the amount of $________ received during this tax year, and in all future years, as relief granted by the Police and Firemen’s Retirement and Relief Board for disability incurred in the line of duty as a firefighter in the District of Columbia. This claim is based on the decision rendered by Judge David A. Pine in the District Court for the District of Columbia in Civil Action No. 31165-37734 on June 24, 1947.”
You should maintain with your tax records a copy of your retirement letter which states that you are retired for a disability incurred in or aggravated by your performance of duty as a firefighter.
Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Beneficiary Info.
The Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-insurance
Phone - 1-888-767-6738
Email - retire@opm.gov
Website
www.opm.gov/retire
The Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
P.O. Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017-0045
https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-insurance
Phone - 1-888-767-6738
Email - retire@opm.gov
Website
www.opm.gov/retire
WIDOWS AND SURVIVORS PENSION
The term “widow or widower” means the survivor of a member or former member if they-
(1) were married to such member or former member (a) while they were a member, or (b) for at least one year immediately preceding the death, or
(2) is the mother or father of issue by such marriage.
The annuity of any widow or widower shall begin on the first day of the month in which the member or former member dies, and such annuity or any rights thereto shall terminate upon the survivor’s death or remarriage before age sixty: Provided, that any annuity terminated by remarriage may be restored if remarriage is later terminated by death, annulment, or divorce.
NOTE If a survivor receives a check made out to the retiree, after the death of the retiree, the check must be returned (un-cashed) to –
D. C. Retirement Board Benefits Department
900 7th Street N.W. Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001 (202) 343-3272 1 (886) 456-3272
After claims have been established, any payments due to the deceased will be made to the survivor.
Eligible dependent children are your unmarried children under 18 who live with you in a parent-child relationship. Unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 22 are also eligible if they are full-time students and submit proof that they are enrolled in school. Furthermore, any unmarried child who is dependent on you because of a physical or mental disability incurred before age 18 will qualify for survivor benefits.
If the firefighter was receiving a tax free pension for a line of duty disability, the pension of his survivors is also non-taxable.
All surviving widows or widowers and dependent children will receive cost of living increases in the checks received each April 1.
The term “widow or widower” means the survivor of a member or former member if they-
(1) were married to such member or former member (a) while they were a member, or (b) for at least one year immediately preceding the death, or
(2) is the mother or father of issue by such marriage.
The annuity of any widow or widower shall begin on the first day of the month in which the member or former member dies, and such annuity or any rights thereto shall terminate upon the survivor’s death or remarriage before age sixty: Provided, that any annuity terminated by remarriage may be restored if remarriage is later terminated by death, annulment, or divorce.
NOTE If a survivor receives a check made out to the retiree, after the death of the retiree, the check must be returned (un-cashed) to –
D. C. Retirement Board Benefits Department
900 7th Street N.W. Suite 200
Washington, DC 20001 (202) 343-3272 1 (886) 456-3272
After claims have been established, any payments due to the deceased will be made to the survivor.
Eligible dependent children are your unmarried children under 18 who live with you in a parent-child relationship. Unmarried children between the ages of 18 and 22 are also eligible if they are full-time students and submit proof that they are enrolled in school. Furthermore, any unmarried child who is dependent on you because of a physical or mental disability incurred before age 18 will qualify for survivor benefits.
If the firefighter was receiving a tax free pension for a line of duty disability, the pension of his survivors is also non-taxable.
All surviving widows or widowers and dependent children will receive cost of living increases in the checks received each April 1.
ITEMS NEEDED TO ESTABLISH CLAIMS – UPON DEATH OF A RETIREE
In an effort to assist your surviving spouse the Retired Firefighters Association has compiled general information and a list of documents needed to receive spousal annuity benefits.
All documents must be certified with raised seal issued by the state. Photo copies are NOT considered certified. All documents upon completion will be returned. In order for a spouse to receive benefits, you must be married for at least one year. If you retired with a tax free disability pension, Your survivors pension is also tax free. Your spouse is eligible to keep your health care benefits. If your survivor receives a pension check in your name after the death of the retiree, it will be recovered by the District Government. The check you receive on January 1st is for the month of December.
The surviving spouse of a retired who retired prior to February 15, 1980 (under Equalization) will receive their annuity raises under the yearly COLA. (Cost of Living Allowance). This will be in their April 1st check. Survivors of retirees who retired on or after February 15, 1980 will also receive a yearly COLA in their April check.
When you notify the Police and Fireman Retirement and Relief Board, and the D.C. Retirement Board upon the death of the retiree, the answering machine will tell you to leave a message and they will get back to you within twenty four hours. A packet will be sent to you with a list of all the documents you will need to begin the process of receiving your annuity. This must be a NOTORIZED Copy. We know this is a trying time, please be patient. The personal in both offices are extremely competent, efficient, and caring. They will return your call. Please notify the R.F.A. so we may assist you in making all the necessary notifications.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO RECEIVE BENEFITS
Certified copy of Death Certificate.
Certified copy of Marriage License.
Certified copy of any and all divorce decrees or annulments of prior marriages, or a certified death certificate for a prior marriage. This applies to both you and your spouse.
Birth certificates or adoption papers of all dependent children under 18 or any unmarried children who are students between 18 and 22 years of age. This certificate must include the names of both parents.
5. List of all disabled children and any medical information documenting their disabilities.
6. Name of legal guardian of minor children. Proof of guardianship must be attached.
In an effort to assist your surviving spouse the Retired Firefighters Association has compiled general information and a list of documents needed to receive spousal annuity benefits.
All documents must be certified with raised seal issued by the state. Photo copies are NOT considered certified. All documents upon completion will be returned. In order for a spouse to receive benefits, you must be married for at least one year. If you retired with a tax free disability pension, Your survivors pension is also tax free. Your spouse is eligible to keep your health care benefits. If your survivor receives a pension check in your name after the death of the retiree, it will be recovered by the District Government. The check you receive on January 1st is for the month of December.
The surviving spouse of a retired who retired prior to February 15, 1980 (under Equalization) will receive their annuity raises under the yearly COLA. (Cost of Living Allowance). This will be in their April 1st check. Survivors of retirees who retired on or after February 15, 1980 will also receive a yearly COLA in their April check.
When you notify the Police and Fireman Retirement and Relief Board, and the D.C. Retirement Board upon the death of the retiree, the answering machine will tell you to leave a message and they will get back to you within twenty four hours. A packet will be sent to you with a list of all the documents you will need to begin the process of receiving your annuity. This must be a NOTORIZED Copy. We know this is a trying time, please be patient. The personal in both offices are extremely competent, efficient, and caring. They will return your call. Please notify the R.F.A. so we may assist you in making all the necessary notifications.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO RECEIVE BENEFITS
Certified copy of Death Certificate.
Certified copy of Marriage License.
Certified copy of any and all divorce decrees or annulments of prior marriages, or a certified death certificate for a prior marriage. This applies to both you and your spouse.
Birth certificates or adoption papers of all dependent children under 18 or any unmarried children who are students between 18 and 22 years of age. This certificate must include the names of both parents.
5. List of all disabled children and any medical information documenting their disabilities.
6. Name of legal guardian of minor children. Proof of guardianship must be attached.