CHAPTER 73—ANNUITIES BASED ON RETIRED OR RETAINER PAY
I.
Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan
1431
II.
Survivor Benefit Plan
1447
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2004—Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §644(b)(2), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1961, struck out item for subchapter III "Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan", effective Apr. 1, 2008.
1990—Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VI, §631(1), title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(A), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580, 1719, amended Pub. L. 101–189, §1404(a)(2), see 1989 Amendment note below.
1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1586, as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VI, §631(1), title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(A), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580, 1719, added item for subchapter III, effective Apr. 1, 1992.
1980—Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(54)(A), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2925, amended chapter heading to read: "ANNUITIES BASED ON RETIRED OR RETAINER PAY".
1972—Pub. L. 92–425, §1(1), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706, added subchapter analysis and amended chapter heading by inserting "; SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN" after "PAY" which could not be executed as directed in view of amendment by Pub. L. 87–381.
1961—Pub. L. 87–381, §1(1), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 810, substituted "RETIRED SERVICEMAN'S FAMILY PROTECTION PLAN" for "ANNUITIES BASED ON RETIRED OR RETAINER PAY" in chapter heading.
SUBCHAPTER I—RETIRED SERVICEMAN'S FAMILY PROTECTION PLAN
1431.
Election of annuity: members of armed forces.
1432.
Election of annuity: former members of armed forces.
1433.
Mental incompetency of member.
1434.
Kinds of annuities that may be elected.
1435.
Eligible beneficiaries.
1436.
Computation of reduction in retired pay; withdrawal for severe financial hardship.
1436a.
Coverage paid up at 30 years and age 70.
1438.
Deposits for amounts not deducted.
1439.
Refund of amounts deducted from retired pay.
1440.
Annuities not subject to legal process.
1441.
Annuities in addition to other payments.
1442.
Recovery of annuity erroneously paid.
1444.
Regulations; determinations.
1444a.
Regulations regarding payment of annuity to a representative payee.
1445.
Correction of administrative deficiencies.
1446.
Restriction on participation.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1999—Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §655(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 667, added item 1436a.
1991—Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §654(b)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1390, added item 1444a.
1972—Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(B), (C), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706, struck out item 1443 "Board of Actuaries", and struck out "reports to Congress" from item 1444.
1961—Pub. L. 87–381, §6(2), (3), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 812, inserted "; withdrawal for severe financial hardship" in item 1436, and added items 1445 and 1446.
§1431. Election of annuity: members of armed forces
(a) This section applies to all members of the armed forces except—
(1) members whose names are on a retired list other than a list maintained under section 12774(a) of this title;
(2) cadets at the United States Military Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, or the Coast Guard Academy; and
(3) midshipmen.
(b) To provide an annuity under section 1434 of this title, a person covered by subsection (a) may elect to receive a reduced amount of the retired pay or retainer pay to which he may become entitled as a result of service in his armed force. Except as otherwise provided in this section, unless it is made before he completes nineteen years of service for which he is entitled to credit in the computation of his basic pay, the election must be made at least two years before the first day for which retired pay or retainer pay is granted. However, if, because of military operations, a member is assigned to an isolated station or is missing, interned in a neutral country, captured by a hostile force, or beleaguered or besieged, and for that reason is unable to make an election before completing nineteen years of that service, he may make the election, to become effective immediately, within one year after he ceases to be assigned to that station or returns to the jurisdiction of his armed force, as the case may be. A member to whom retired pay or retainer pay is granted retroactively, and who is otherwise eligible to make an election, may make the election within ninety days after receiving notice that such pay has been granted to him. An election made after August 13, 1968, is not effective if—
(1) the elector dies during the first thirty-day period he is entitled to retired pay as a result of a physical condition which led to his being granted retired pay under chapter 61 of title 10 with a disability of 100 per centum under the standard schedule of rating disabilities in use by the Department of Veterans Affairs at the time of the determination of the per centum of his disability;
(2) the disability was not the result of injury or disease received in line of duty as a direct result of armed conflict; and
(3) his surviving spouse or children are entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation under chapter 13 of title 38 based upon his death.
(c) An election may be changed or revoked by the elector before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted. Unless it is made on the basis of restored mental competency under section 1433 of this title, or unless it is made before the elector completes nineteen years of service for which he is entitled to credit in the computation of his basic pay (in which case only the latest change or revocation shall be effective), the change or revocation is not effective if it is made less than two years before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted. The elector may, however, before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted, change or revoke his election (provided the change does not increase the amount of the annuity elected) to reflect a change in the marital or dependency status of the member or his family that is caused by death, divorce, annulment, remarriage, or acquisition of a child, if such change or revocation of election is made within two years of such change in marital or dependency status.
(d) If an election made under this section is found to be void for any reason except fraud or willful intent of the member making the election, he may make a corrected election at any time within 90 days after he is notified in writing that the election is void. A corrected election made under this subsection is effective as of the date of the voided election it replaces.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 108; Pub. L. 85–861, §33(a)(11), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1565; Pub. L. 87–381, §2, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 810; Pub. L. 90–485, §1(1), (2), Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 751; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(55), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2925; Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1301(a)(2), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 735; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1602; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c)(17), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 499.)
Historical and Revision Notes
1956 Act
| Revised section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 1431(a) 1431(b) |
37:371 (less (e) and (f)). 37:372(a) (2d sentence). 37:372(a) (less 2d, 5th, 6th, and last sentences). 37:372(b) (less last sentence). |
Aug. 8, 1953, ch. 393, §§2 (less (e) and (f)), 3(a) (less 5th sentence), (b), 67 Stat. 501, 502; Apr. 29, 1954, ch. 176, 68 Stat. 64. |
| 1431(c) |
37:372(a) (6th and last sentences). |
|
| 1431(d) |
37:372(b) (last sentence). |
|
In subsection (a), the language of the revised subsection is substituted for 37:371(b) and (c), to make clear that the section was intended to include enlisted members and members of the Army, or the Air Force, without component. The words "the United States Air Force Academy" are inserted to reflect its establishment by the Air Force Academy Act (68 Stat. 47). The words "retirement pay" are omitted as covered by the words "retired pay". The words "equivalent pay" are omitted as surplusage. 37:371(c) (less 1st 21 words) is omitted as executed, since the persons described must have completed 18 years of the required service on the effective date of the source statute and exercised the option by 180 days after that date. 37:371(a) is omitted, since the revised chapter applies only to the armed forces. 37:371(d) is omitted, since the words "person entitled to retired or retainer pay", or their equivalent, are used throughout the revised chapter. 37:371(g) is omitted, since the words "retired or retainer pay" are used throughout the revised chapter. 37:371(h) is omitted as unnecessary in view of the definitions contained in section 101(5), (7), and (8). 37:372(a) (2d sentence) is omitted as surplusage.
In subsection (b), 37:372(a) (last 28 words of 1st sentence) is omitted as covered by section 1434 of this title. The words "or naval" are omitted as covered by the word "military". The last sentence is substituted for 37:372(a) (4th sentence, less 61st through 81st words). 37:372(a) (3d sentence, and 61st through 85th words of 4th sentence) and 37:372(b) (less last sentence) are omitted as executed.
In subsection (c), the words "is retired or becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay" are substituted for the words "his retirement" and "he retires" since, under sections 1331–1333 of this title, a person may be granted retired pay without having been retired. The last eight words are substituted for 37:372(a) (7th through 17th words of last sentence). 37:372(a) (last sentence, less 1st 17 words) is omitted as surplusage.
1958 Act
The change makes clear that section 1431 applies to a person who, because of military operations, is missing under any circumstances.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 104–106 substituted "section 12774(a)" for "section 1376(a)".
1989—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration".
1985—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "surviving spouse" for "widow".
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "August 13, 1968," for "the date of enactment of this amendment".
1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–485, §1(1), increased from eighteen to nineteen the number of years of service the annuitant must complete, decreased from three to two years before eligibility the time required to make an election, and inserted provisions that an election made after Aug. 13, 1968 will not be effective if the conditions of cls. (1) to (3) are satisfied.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–485, §1(2), decreased from three to two years before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted the time required to change or revoke an election when the ground of restored mental competency is not present, inserted provision that any change or revocation in an election after the completion of 19 years of service is effective if made before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted, and provided for a change or revocation in an election before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted when there is a change in marital or dependency status, if such change or revocation of election is made within two years of such change in marital or dependency status.
1961—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 87–381 substituted "other than a list maintained under section 1376(a) of this title" for "or who are in the Retired Reserve", redesignated pars. (4) and (5) as (2) and (3), and struck out former pars. (2) and (3) which related to reserves on an inactive status list, and members assigned to the inactive National Guard, respectively.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–381 required that unless the election is made before 18 years of service, it must be made at least three years before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted, inserted assignment to an isolated station among the reasons permitting a delayed election, changed the period within which to make such delayed election from within six months after return to the jurisdiction of his armed force, to within one year after he ceases to be assigned to the isolated station or his return to the jurisdiction of his armed force, and if the member is retroactively granted retired or retainer pay, and is eligible for an election, he may elect within 90 days after notice of such grant.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 87–381 substituted "the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted" for "his retirement or before he becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay", the requirement that the change or revocation is not effective if made less than 3 years before the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted, for a required period of five years after change or revocation before retirement or becoming entitled to retired or retainer pay, and deleted "If he revokes the election, he may not change or withdraw the revocation."
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–381 substituted permission to make a corrected election within 90 days after notice that the election is void for any reason, except fraud or willful intent of the member making election, with such election effective as of the date of the election it replaces, for provisions which denied the ability to revoke any election by a person retired or granted retired or retainer pay before Nov. 1, 1953, and who elected within 180 days after that date to receive reduced pay to provide for an annuity.
1958—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 85–861 struck out "in action" after "he is missing".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1501(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 498, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Dec. 1, 1994, and as if included as an amendment made by the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, title XVI of Pub. L. 103–337, as originally enacted.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Pub. L. 90–485, §6, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 754, provided in part that: "Clause (1) and clause (6) of section 1 [amending this section and section 1436 of this title], and sections 2, 3, and 4 of this Act [amending section 1331 [now 12731] of this title and enacting material set out as notes under this section] are effective on the date of enactment [Aug. 13, 1968]. Remaining provisions of this Act [amending this section and sections 1434, 1435, 1437, and 1446 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] are effective on the first day of the third calendar month following the date of enactment."
Effective Date of 1958 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 85–861 effective Aug. 10, 1956, see section 33(g) of Pub. L. 85–861, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.
Short Title of 1978 Amendment
Section 1 of Pub. L. 95–397, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 843, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 1076, 1331 [now 12731], 1434, and 1447 to 1452 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1076, 1434, 1447, and 1448 of this title] may be cited as the 'Uniformed Services Survivors' Benefits Amendments of 1978'."
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
Provisions Effective for Certain Members on August 13, 1968
Pub. L. 90–485, §3, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 754, provided that: "For members to whom section 1431 of title 10, United States Code [this section], applies on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1968], the provisions of section 1434(c) of that title, as amended by this Act [section 1(3) of Pub. L. 90–485] are effective immediately and automatically".
Election of Annuity Made Prior to August 13, 1968
Pub. L. 90–485, §4, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 754, provided that: "A retired member who elected an annuity under chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code [this chapter], before the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1968], but did not make the election that was then provided by section 1434(c) of that title, may, before the first day of the thirteenth calendar month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, make that election. That election becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month in which the election is made. Under regulations prescribed under section 1444(a) of this title, on or before the effective date the retired member must pay the total additional amount that would otherwise have been deducted from his retired or retainer pay to reflect such an election, had it been effective when he retired, plus the interest which would have accrued on that additional amount up to the effective date, except that if an undue hardship or financial burden would otherwise result payment may be made in from two to twelve monthly installments when the monthly amounts involved are $25, or less, or in from two to thirty-six monthly installments when the monthly amounts involved exceed $25. No amounts by which a member's retired or retainer pay was reduced may be refunded to, or credited on behalf of, the retired member by virtue of an application made by him under this section. A retired member described in the first sentence of this section, who does not make the election provided under this section, will not be allowed under section 1436(b) of title 10, to reduce an annuity or withdraw from participation in an annuity program under that title."
Elections Subject to Cost Tables Applicable on Date of Retirement; Annuities Payable to Beneficiaries Eligible Under Law in Effect the Day Prior to August 13, 1968
Pub. L. 90–485, §5, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 754, provided, effective on the first day of the third calendar month following Aug. 13, 1968, that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Effective Date of 1968 Amendment note set out above], elections in effect on the date of enactment [Aug. 13, 1968] will remain under the cost tables applicable on the date of retirement, and the annuities provided thereunder shall be payable to those eligible beneficiaries prescribed under the law in effect on the day prior to the date of enactment of this Act."
Applicability of Provisions in Effect on the Day Prior to August 13, 1968
Pub. L. 90–485, §6, Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 754, provided in part that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act [see Effective Date of 1968 Amendment note set out above], any member to whom section 1431 of title 10, United States Code [this section], applies on the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 1968] may, before the first day of the thirteenth calendar month beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, submit a written application to the Secretary concerned requesting that an election or a change or revocation of election made by such member prior to the date of enactment of this Act shall continue to be governed by the provisions of section 1431(b) or (c) of title 10, United States Code [subsec. (b) or (c) of this section] as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act."
Interim Authority for Selection of Commanders and Captains for Continuation on Active Duty
Pub. L. 88–130, §3(q), Sept. 24, 1963, 77 Stat. 192, rendered election, change, or revocation of election under this section effective if made prior to the convening date of the board which considers Coast Guard commanders and captains for continuation.
Change or Revocation of an Election Filed Prior to October 4, 1961
Pub. L. 87–381, §7, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 812, provided that: "Any person who, before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1961], has filed a change or revocation, subject to section 1431(c) of title 10, United States Code [subsec. (c) of this section], of an election made under section 1431(b) of that title [subsec. (b) of this section], which change or revocation would be ineffective if the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted were to be the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1961], shall have that change or revocation become effective on that date, or three years after the date upon which it was filed, whichever is later."
Provisions Applicable to Certain Persons Retiring After October 4, 1961, for Disability
Pub. L. 87–381, §8, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 812, provided that: "Any person who—
"(1) made an election before the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1961], which would be effective if he retired on the day before such date; and
"(2) hereafter retires for physical disability before completing 18 years of service for which he is entitled to credit in the computation of his basic pay—
shall be considered as having applicable to him all of the provisions of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code [this chapter], existing on the date preceding the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1961], except that any revocation or change of an election is not effective until three years after the date of filing such revocation or change, or the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 4, 1961], whichever is later."
Change or Revocation of Election by Certain Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels
Pub. L. 86–616, §11, July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 396, provided that: "Notwithstanding section 1431 of title 10, United States Code [this section], a change or revocation of an election made under that section by an officer who is retired under section 10 of this Act [set out as a note under section 3297 of this title] is effective if made at such a time that it would have been effective had he been retired on the earliest date prescribed for an officer of his kind by section 3916, 3921, 8916, or 8921 of title 10, as appropriate."
Change or Revocation of Election by Certain Officers of Regular Navy and Regular Marine Corps
Pub. L. 86–616, §13, July 12, 1960, 74 Stat. 396, provided that: "An officer who has been considered but not recommended for continuation on the active list under section 1 of the Act of August 11, 1959. Public Law 86–155 (73 Stat. 333) [set out as a note under section 5701 of this title], and who retired or retires voluntarily before the second day of the month following the month in which this Act is enacted [July 1960], may, within six months following the enactment of this Act [July 12, 1960], affirm a change or revocation of an election made under section 1431 of title 10, United States Code [this section], before his retirement, if the change or revocation would have been effective under section 3 of the Act of August 11, 1959, Public Law 86–155, as amended by this Act [set out as a note under section 5701 of this title], but for his voluntary retirement. If an officer takes no action under this section, his currently valid election under section 1431 of title 10, United States Code [this section], shall remain unchanged. The computation of the revised reduction in retired pay in the case of an officer who affirms a change of election under this section shall be in accordance with section 1436 of title 10, United States Code, and according to the conditions that existed on the day the officer became eligible for retired pay. An affirmation or revocation made under this section is effective on the first day of the month in which made. No refund may be made and no additional payment may be required with respect to any period before that date."
Election of Annuity by Certain Personnel
Pub. L. 86–197, §4, Aug. 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 426, provided that: "Any person who, on the effective date of this Act [August 25, 1959], would not have completed 18 years of service for which he is entitled to credit in the computation of his basic pay under the laws in effect prior to the effective date of this Act, and who, as a result of the enactment of this Act [amending sections 1332 [now 12732], 3683, 3926, 6324, 8683 and 8926 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 3441 and 12732 of this title], is credited with more than 17 years of such service, shall be allowed twelve months from the effective date of this Act to make the election provided by section 1431(b) of title 10, United States Code [subsection (b) of this section], notwithstanding the requirement of the second sentence of that section."
Change or Revocation of Election by Certain Officers
Effective date of change or revocation of election by certain officers, see section 3 of Pub. L. 86–155, Aug. 11, 1959, 73 Stat. 336, set out as a note under section 5701 of this title.
Public Health Service
Authority vested by this chapter in "military departments", "the Secretary concerned", or "the Secretary of Defense" to be exercised, with respect to commissioned officers of Public Health Service, by Secretary of Health and Human Services or his designee, see section 213a of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Authority vested by this chapter in "military departments", "the Secretary concerned", or "the Secretary of Defense" to be exercised, with respect to commissioned officer corps of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, by Secretary of Commerce or Secretary's designee, see section 3071 of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters.
§1432. Election of annuity: former members of armed forces
A person who was a former member of an armed force on November 1, 1953, and who is granted retired or retainer pay after that date, may, at the time he is granted that pay, make an election as provided in section 1431 of this title.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 109.)
§1433. Mental incompetency of member
If a person who would be entitled to make an election under section 1431 or 1432 of this title is determined to be mentally incompetent by medical officers of the armed force concerned or of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, and for that reason cannot make the election within the prescribed time, the Secretary concerned may make an election for that person upon the request of his spouse or, if there is no spouse, of his children who would be eligible to be made beneficiaries under section 1435 of this title. If the person for whom the Secretary has made an election is later determined to be mentally competent by medical officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs or by a court of competent jurisdiction, he may, within 180 days after that determination, change or revoke that election. However, deductions made from his retired or retainer pay before that date may not be refunded.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 109; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1602.)
The first 19 words are substituted for 37:372(c) (1st 9 words). The words "who would be eligible to be made beneficiaries under section 1435 of this title" are inserted to reflect the limitations in 37:371(f). The words "for that reason cannot" are substituted for the words "because of such mental incompetency is incapable of". The words "or is adjudged mentally incompetent", "provided for in this section", and "where appropriate is subsequently adjudged mentally competent" are omitted as surplusage. The last sentence is substituted for 37:372(c) (last sentence).
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1989—Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration" in two places.
§1434. Kinds of annuities that may be elected
(a) The annuity that a person is entitled to elect under section 1431 or 1432 of this title shall, in conformance with actuarial tables selected by the Board of Actuaries under section 1436(a) of this title, be the amount specified by the elector at the time of the election, but not more than 50 percent nor less than 12½ percent of his retired or retainer pay, in no case less than $25. He may make the annuity payable—
(1) to, or on behalf of, the surviving spouse, ending when the spouse dies or, if the spouse remarries before age 60, when the spouse remarries;
(2) in equal shares to, or on behalf of, the surviving children eligible for the annuity at the time each payment is due, ending when there is no surviving eligible child; or
(3) to, or on behalf of, the surviving spouse, and after the death of that spouse or the remarriage of that spouse before age 60, in equal shares to, or on behalf of, the surviving eligible children, ending when there is no surviving eligible child.
(b) A person may elect to provide both the annuity provided in clause (1) of subsection (a) and that provided in clause (2) of subsection (a), but the combined amount of the annuities may not be more than 50 percent nor less than 12½ percent of his retired or retainer pay but in no case less than $25.
(c) An election of any annuity under clause (1) or (2) of subsection (a), or any combination of annuities under subsection (b), shall provide that no deduction may be made from the elector's retired or retainer pay after the last day of the month in which there is no beneficiary who would be eligible for the annuity if the elector died. For the purposes of the preceding sentence, a child (other than a child who is incapable of supporting himself because of a mental defect or physical incapacity existing before his eighteenth birthday) who is at least eighteen, but under twenty-three years of age, and who is not pursuing a course of study or training defined in section 1435 of this title, shall be considered an eligible beneficiary unless the Secretary concerned approves an application submitted by the member under section 1436(b)(4) of this title. An election of an annuity under clause (3) of subsection (a) shall provide that no deduction may be made from the elector's retired or retainer pay after the last day of the month in which there is no eligible spouse because of death or divorce.
(d) Under regulations prescribed under section 1444(a) of this title, a person may, before or after the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted, provided for allocating, during the period of the surviving spouse's eligibility, a part of the annuity under subsection (a)(3) for payment to those of his surviving children who are not children of that spouse.
(e) Whenever there is an increase in retired and retainer pay under section 1401a of this title, each annuity that is payable under this subchapter on the day before the effective date of that increase to a spouse or child of a member who died on or before March 20, 1974, shall be increased by the same percentage as the percentage of that increase, effective on the effective date of that increase.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 109; Pub. L. 87–381, §3, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 811; Pub. L. 90–485, §1(3), Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 751; Pub. L. 95–397, title I, §101(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 843; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(56), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2925.)
In subsection (a), the first 17 words are substituted for 37:373(a) (1st 26 words of 1st sentence). The words "may be 50, 25, or 12½ percent" are substituted for the words "in such amount, expressed as a percentage of the reduced amount of his retired pay * * * in amounts equal to one-half, one-quarter or one-eighth". 37:373(a) (last 53 words of 1st sentence of 2d par., and last 53 words of 1st sentence of 3d par.) is omitted as covered by section 1435(2) of this title. Clause (1) is substituted for 37:373(a)(1). Clause (2) is substituted for 37:373(a)(2) (less last 53 words of 1st sentence). Clause (3) is substituted for 37:373(a)(3) (less last 53 words of 1st sentence). The word "eligible" is inserted in clauses (2) and (3) to reflect the limitations in 37:371(f).
In subsection (c), the first 11 words are substituted for 37:373(a)(4) (1st 24 words). The words "the annuity" are substituted for the words "an annuity payable under the election made by him".
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1980—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "percent" for "per centum" wherever appearing.
1978—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 95–397, §101(a)(1), substituted "or, if the spouse remarries before age 60, when the spouse remarries" for "or remarries".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 95–397, §101(a)(2), substituted "of that spouse or the remarriage of that spouse before age 60" for "or remarriage of that spouse".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–397, §101(a)(3), added subsec. (e).
1968—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–485 substituted provisions allowing election of an annuity amount, in conformance with the selected actuarial tables, of not more than 50 percent nor less than 12½ percent of retired or retired or retainer pay, but in no case less than $25, for provisions allowing election of an annuity amount of 50, 25, or 12½ percent of reduced retired or retainer pay.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–485 substituted provisions that the combined amount of annuities may not be more than 50 percent nor less than 12½ percent of retired or retainer pay, but in no case less than $25, for provisions that the combined amount of annuities may be only 25 or 12½ percent of reduced retired or retainer pay and provisions that the reduction in retired or retainer pay on account of each annuity, and the amount of each annuity, be determined in the same manner that it would be determined if the other annuity had not been elected.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–485 made mandatory the provisions that an election of any annuity under cls. (1) or (2) of subsec. (a), or any combination of annuities under subsec. (b), and the provision that an election of an annuity under cl. (3) of subsec. (a) shall provide that no deduction may be made from the elector's retired or retainer pay after the last day of the month in which there is no beneficiary who would be eligible for the annuity if the elector died or there is no eligible spouse because of death or divorce, respectively, and inserted provision determining what constitutes an eligible beneficiary.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–485 reenacted subsec. (d) without change.
1961—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–381, §3(1), substituted permission to elect only 25 or 12½ percent of the member's reduced retired or retainer pay for each annuity for provisions limiting the combined amount of the annuities to not more than 50 percent or the reduced pay, and added that the reduction in pay on account of each annuity, and the amount of each annuity, shall be determined as if the other annuity had not been elected.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 87–381, §3(2), added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Pub. L. 95–397, title I, §101(b), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 843, provided that: "No benefits shall accrue to any person by virtue of the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] for any period prior to the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which this Act is enacted [Sept. 1978] or October 1, 1978, whichever is later."
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 90–485, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–485, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
Increase in Amount of Annuity Payable Under Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan
Pub. L. 95–397, title I, §102, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 843, provided that: "Each annuity that is payable under subchapter I of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1978] to a spouse or child of a member of the uniformed services who died on or before March 20, 1974, shall be increased effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which this Act [See Short Title note set out under section 1431 of this title] is enacted [September 1978], or as of October 1, 1978, whichever is later, by the percentage increase in retired and retainer pay under section 1401a of that title since September 21, 1972."
Provisions Effective for Certain Members on August 13, 1968
Provisions of this section as amended by Pub. L. 90–485 effective immediately and automatically for members to whom section 1431 of this title applies on Aug. 13, 1968, see section 3 of Pub. L. 90–485, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
§1435. Eligible beneficiaries
Only the following persons are eligible to be made the beneficiaries of, or to receive payments under, an annuity elected under this subchapter by a member of the armed forces:
(1) The spouse of the member on the date when the member is retired or becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay or, if the member was already retired or entitled to retired or retainer pay on November 1, 1953, the spouse on that date.
(2) The children of the member who are—
(A) unmarried;
(B) under eighteen years of age, or incapable of supporting themselves because of a mental defect or physical incapacity existing before their eighteenth birthday, or at least eighteen, but under twenty-three, years of age and pursuing a full-time course of study or training in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational institution;
(C) legitimate or adopted children of, or stepchildren in fact dependent for their support upon, the member;
(D) living on the date when the member is retired or becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay or, if the member was already retired or entitled to retired or retainer pay on November 1, 1953, living on that date; and
(E) born on or before the date prescribed in clause (D).
For the purposes of clause (2)(B), a child is considered to be pursuing a full-time course of study or training during an interval between school years that does not exceed one hundred and fifty days if he has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned that he has a bonafide intention of commencing, resuming, or continuing to pursue a full-time course of study or training in a recognized educational institution immediately after that interval.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 110; Pub. L. 90–485, §1(4), (5), Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 752; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706.)
In clauses (1) and (2), the words "is retired or becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay" are substituted for the words "retired member", since the words "retired member", as defined in the source statute, included former members who have been awarded that pay.
In clause (1), the words " 'widow' includes a widower" are omitted as covered by the definition of "spouse" in section 101(32) of this title.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
1968—Pub. L. 90–485 inserted provisions in cl. (2)(B) concerning children of the member who are at least 18, but under 23 and pursuing a full-time course of study or training and inserted text following cl. (2)(E) relating to children considered to be pursuing a full-time course of study or training.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–485 effective on first day of third calendar month following Aug. 13, 1968, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–485, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
§1436. Computation of reduction in retired pay; withdrawal for severe financial hardship
(a) The reduction in the retired or retainer pay of any person who elects an annuity under this subchapter shall be computed by the armed force concerned as of the date when the person becomes eligible for that pay but without regard to any increase in that pay to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. It shall be computed under an actuarial equivalent method based on (1) appropriate actuarial tables selected by the Board of Actuaries, and (2) an interest rate of 3 percent a year, or such other rate as the Secretary of the Treasury, after considering the average yield on outstanding marketable long-term obligations of the United States during the preceding six months, may specify by August 1 of any year for the following year. The method and tables shall be those in effect on the date as of which the computation is made.
(b) Under regulations prescribed under section 1444(a) of this title, the Secretary concerned may, upon application by the retired member, allow the member—
(1) to reduce the amount of the annuity specified by him under section 1434(a) and 1434(b) of this title but to not less than the prescribed minimum; or
(2) to withdraw from participation in an annuity program under this title; or
(3) to elect the annuity provided under clause (1) of section 1434(a) of this title in place of the annuity provided under clause (3) of such section, if on the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted the member had in effect a valid election under clause (3) of such section, and he does not have a child beneficiary who would be eligible for the annuity provided under clause (3) of such section. For this purpose, a child (other than a child who is incapable of supporting himself because of a mental defect or physical incapacity existing before his eighteenth birthday) who is at least eighteen, but under twenty-three years of age shall not be considered an eligible beneficiary; or
(4) to elect that a child (other than a child who is incapable of supporting himself because of a mental defect or physical incapacity existing before his eighteenth birthday) who is at least eighteen, but under twenty-three years of age shall not be considered eligible for the annuity provided under clause (2) of section 1434(a) of this title, or for an annuity provided under section 1434(b) of this title, if on the first day for which retired or retainer pay is granted the member had in effect a valid election under clause (2) of section 1434(a) of this title, or under section 1434(b) of this title.
A retired member may not reduce an annuity under clause (1) of this subsection, or withdraw under clause (2) of this subsection, earlier than the first day of the seventh calendar month beginning after he applies for reduction or withdrawal. A change of election under clause (3) of this subsection shall be effective on the first day of the month following the month in which application is made. An election under clause (4) of this subsection shall be effective on the first day of the month following the month in which application is made and, if on the effective date there is no surviving child who would be eligible for an annuity provided under clause (2) of section 1434(a), or under section 1434(b), of this title if the elector died, no deduction shall be made for such an annuity to, or on behalf of, a child from the elector's retired or retainer pay for that month or any subsequent month. No amounts by which a member's retired or retainer pay is reduced prior to the effective date of a reduction of annuity, withdrawal, change of election, or election under this subsection may be refunded to, or credited on behalf of, the member by virtue of an application made by him under this subsection.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 110; Pub. L. 87–381, §4, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 811; Pub. L. 90–207, §2(a)(3), Dec. 16, 1967, 81 Stat. 653; Pub. L. 90–485, §1(6), Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 753; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1505(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 514.)
The words "of any person who elects an annuity" are substituted for the words "of an active or retired member who has made an election". The words "in each individual case" and "designated in section 8" are omitted as surplusage. The words "and as of the date of election in the case of a retired member" are omitted as executed. 37:373(c) (1st 23 words of last sentence) is omitted as otherwise covered by the language of the revised section.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 90–485, §1(6). See 1968 Amendment note below.
1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
1968—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 90–485, as amended by Pub. L. 104–106, substituted provisions authorizing the Secretary to allow the member to reduce the amount of the annuity, allow the member to withdraw from participation in an annuity program, allow the member to elect the annuity provided in section 1434(a)(1) in place of the annuity provided in section 1434(a)(3) under the specified conditions, and allow the member to elect that a child at least 18, but under 23, not be eligible for the specified annuities, setting forth the times when such reduction, withdrawal, or change of election may take place, and disallowing the refunding or crediting of any amount previously withheld, for provisions authorizing the Secretary to allow the member to withdraw from participation in an annuity program whenever the Secretary considers it necessary because of the member's severe financial hardship, the absence of an eligible beneficiary not of itself to be a basis for such action.
1967—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 90–207 inserted "but without regard to any increase in that pay to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index" after "that pay".
1961—Pub. L. 87–381 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), added subsec. (b), and inserted "; withdrawal for severe financial hardship" in section catchline.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1505(c), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 514, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Aug. 13, 1968, and as if included in Pub. L. 90–485 as originally enacted.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–485 effective Aug. 13, 1968, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–485, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
Effective Date of 1967 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–207 effective Oct. 1, 1967, see section 7 of Pub. L. 90–207, set out as a note under section 203 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services.
§1436a. Coverage paid up at 30 years and age 70
Effective October 1, 2008, a reduction under this subchapter in the retired or retainer pay of a person electing an annuity under this subchapter may not be made for any month after the later of—
(1) the month that is the 360th month for which that person's retired or retainer pay is reduced pursuant to such an election; and
(2) the month during which that person attains 70 years of age.
(Added Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §655(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 667.)
§1437. Payment of annuity
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), each annuity payable under this subchapter accrues as of the first day of the month in which the person upon whose pay the annuity is based dies. Payments shall be made in equal installments and not later than the fifteenth day of each month following that month. However, no annuity accrues for the month in which entitlement thereto ends. The monthly amount of an annuity payable under this subchapter, if not a multiple of $1, shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1.
(b) Each annuity payable to or on behalf of an eligible child (other than a child who is incapable of supporting himself because of a mental defect or physical incapacity existing before his eighteenth birthday) as defined in section 1435(2)(B) of this title who is at least eighteen years of age and pursuing a full-time course of study or training at a recognized educational institution, accrues—
(1) as of the first day of the month in which the member upon whose pay the annuity is based dies, if the eligible child's eighteenth birthday occurs in the same or a preceding month.
(2) as of the first day of the month in which the eighteenth birthday of an eligible child occurs, if the member upon whose pay the annuity is based died in a preceding month.
(3) as of the first day of the month in which a child first becomes or again becomes eligible, if that eligible child's eighteenth birthday and the death of the member upon whose pay the annuity is based both occurred in a preceding month or months.
However, no such annuity is payable or accrues for any month before November 1, 1968.
(c)(1) Upon application of the beneficiary of a member entitled to retired or retainer pay whose retired or retainer pay has been suspended because the member has been determined to be missing, the Secretary concerned may determine for purposes of this subchapter that the member is presumed dead. Any such determination shall be made in accordance with regulations prescribed under section 1444(a) of this title. The Secretary concerned may not make a determination for purposes of this subchapter that a member is presumed dead unless he finds—
(A) that the member has been missing for at least 30 days; and
(B) that the circumstances under which the member is missing would lead a reasonably prudent person to conclude that the member is dead.
(2) Upon a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to a member, an annuity otherwise payable under this subchapter shall be paid as if the member died on the date as of which the retired or retainer pay of the member was suspended.
(3)(A) If, after a determination under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned determines that the member is alive, any annuity being paid under this subchapter by reason of this subsection shall be promptly terminated and the total amount of any annuity payments made by reason of this subsection shall constitute a debt to the United States which may be collected or offset—
(i) from any retired or retainer pay otherwise payable to the member;
(ii) if the member is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, from that compensation; or
(iii) if the member is entitled to any other payment from the United States, from that payment.
(B) If the member dies before the full recovery of the amount of annuity payments described in subparagraph (A) has been made by the United States, the remaining amount of such annuity payments may be collected from the member's beneficiary under this subchapter if that beneficiary was the recipient of the annuity payments made by reason of this subsection.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 110; Pub. L. 90–485, §1(7), Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 753; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(57), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2925; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §922(a)(14)(A), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 642; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §642(a)(1), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2545; Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1303(a)(9), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 739.)
The words "the person upon whose reduced pay the annuity is based" are substituted for the words "the retired member" since persons other than retired members may elect an annuity. The words "due and" and "or be paid" are omitted as surplusage.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1985—Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 99–145 struck out "(notwithstanding section 144 of this title)" after "which".
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–525, §642(a)(1)(A), substituted "subsections (b) and (c)," for "subsection (b)".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98–525, §642(a)(1)(B), added subsec. (c).
1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–94 inserted "The monthly amount of an annuity payable under this subchapter, if not a multiple of $1, shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1."
1980—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–513 substituted "before November 1, 1968" for "prior to the effective date of this subsection".
1972—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
1968—Pub. L. 90–485 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), inserted "Except as provided in subsection (b)", substituted "whose pay" for "whose reduced pay", and added subsec. (b).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–94 effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 922(e) of Pub. L. 98–94, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
For effective date of amendment by Pub. L. 90–485, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–485, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
§1438. Deposits for amounts not deducted
If, for any period, a person who has been retired or has become entitled to retired or retainer pay, and who has elected an annuity under this subchapter, is not entitled to retired or retainer pay, he must deposit in the Treasury the amount that would otherwise have been deducted from his pay for that period to provide the annuity.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 110; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706.)
The words "a person who has been retired or has become entitled to retired or retainer pay, and who has elected an annuity under this chapter" are substituted for the words "a retired member of a uniformed service who has made the election specified in section 372 of this title", since the revised chapter applies to persons who are receiving retired pay as well as retired members. The word "otherwise" is substituted for the words "had he been receiving that pay". The words "to provide the annuity" are inserted for clarity.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
§1439. Refund of amounts deducted from retired pay
If a person whose name is on the temporary disability retired list of an armed force, and who has elected an annuity under this subchapter, has his name removed from that list for any reason other than retirement or grant of retired pay, he is entitled to a refund of the difference between the amount by which his retired pay was reduced to provide the annuity and the cost of an amount of term insurance equal to the protection provided for his dependents during the period that he was on that list.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 111; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706.)
The words "person whose name is on" are substituted for the words "Any active member or former member on the". The words "is entitled to a refund" are substituted for the words "shall have refunded to him". The words "permanent", "a sum which represents", and "in accordance with his election under section 372 of this title" are omitted as surplusage. The words "retirement or grant of retired pay" are substituted for the words "permanent retirement", since under chapter 67 of this title a member of the Army or Air Force may be granted retired pay without being retired.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
§1440. Annuities not subject to legal process
Except as provided in section 1437(c)(3)(B) of this title, no annuity payable under this subchapter is assignable or subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 111; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §642(a)(2), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 99–145, title XIII, §1303(a)(10), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 739.)
The words "either in law or equity" are omitted as surplusage.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1985—Pub. L. 99–145 substituted "1437(c)(3)(B)" for "1437(c)(3)".
1984—Pub. L. 98–525 substituted "Except as provided in section 1437(c)(3) of this title, no" for "No".
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
§1441. Annuities in addition to other payments
An annuity under this subchapter is in addition to any pension or other payment to which the beneficiary is entitled under any other provision of law, and may not be considered as income under any law administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 111; Pub. L. 85–857, §13(v)(1), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1266; Pub. L. 85–861, §1(31B), Sept. 2, 1958, 72 Stat. 1452; Pub. L. 86–211, §8(a), Aug. 29, 1959, 73 Stat. 436; Pub. L. 91–588, §8(b), Dec. 24, 1970, 84 Stat. 1584; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1602.)
The word "is" is substituted for the words "may now or hereafter be".
The change is made to reflect the amendment made by section 501(1) of the Servicemen's and Veterans' Survivor Benefits Act (70 Stat. 884) to section 11 of the Uniform Services Contingency Option Act of 1953 (restated in section 1441 of title 10).
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1989—Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration".
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
1970—Pub. L. 91–588 struck out "except section 415(g) and chapter 15 of title 38" after "Veterans' Administration".
1959—Pub. L. 86–211 inserted reference to chapter 15 of title 38.
1958—Pub. L. 85–861 inserted "except section 1115 of title 38" after "Administration".
Pub. L. 85–857 substituted "section 415(g) of title 38" for "section 1115 of title 38".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1970 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 91–588 effective Jan. 1, 1971, see section 10 of Pub. L. 91–588, set out as a note under section 1521 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.
Effective Date of 1959 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 86–211 effective July 1, 1960, see section 10 of Pub. L. 86–211, set out as a note under section 1506 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.
Effective Date of 1958 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 85–857 effective Jan. 1, 1959, see section 2 of Pub. L. 85–857, set out as a note preceding Part I of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits.
§1442. Recovery of annuity erroneously paid
In addition to other methods of recovery provided by law, the Secretary concerned may authorize the recovery, by deduction from later payments to a person, of any amount erroneously paid to him under this subchapter. However, recovery is not required if, in the judgment of the Secretary concerned, there has been no fault by the person to whom the amount was erroneously paid and recovery would be contrary to the purposes of this subchapter or against equity and good conscience.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 111; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §105(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3830.)
The words "In addition to other methods of recovery provided by law, the Secretary concerned may" are substituted for 37:376(a) (1st 15 words of 1st sentence). The words "from later payments to an annuitant" are substituted for 37:376(a) (2d sentence).
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Pub. L. 104–316 struck out "and the Comptroller General" after "judgment of the Secretary concerned".
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
Section, act Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 111, related to Board of Actuaries, composed of Government Actuary, Chief Actuary of Social Security Administration, and an actuary who was a member of Society of Actuaries.
§1444. Regulations; determinations
(a) The President shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subchapter. Those regulations shall, so far as practicable, be uniform for the armed forces, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Public Health Service.
(b) Determinations and certifications of eligibility for, and payments of, annuities and other payments or refunds under this subchapter shall be made by the department concerned. However, in the case of a department other than a military department, payments shall be made through the disbursing facilities of the Department of the Treasury.
(Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, 70A Stat. 111; Pub. L. 87–381, §5, Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 811; Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), (C), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; Pub. L. 96–513, title V, §511(58), Dec. 12, 1980, 94 Stat. 2925.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(58)(A), substituted "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration" for "Environmental Science Services Administration".
Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 96–513, §511(58)(B), redesignated subsec. (c) as (b).
1972—Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(C), struck out "reports to Congress" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(C), struck out subsec. (b) which required President to submit annual reports to Congress on administration of this chapter.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–718 substituted "Environmental Science Services Administration" for "Coast and Geodetic Survey".
1961—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 87–381 required report to contain a detailed account, including an actuarial analysis, of cases in which relief is granted under sections 1436(b) and 1552 of this title, or any other statutory or administrative procedure.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–513 effective Dec. 12, 1980, see section 701(b)(3) of Pub. L. 96–513, set out as a note under section 101 of this title.
Repeals
The directory language of, but not the amendment made by, Pub. L. 89–718, §8(a), Nov. 2, 1966, 80 Stat. 1117, cited as a credit to this section, was repealed by Pub. L. 97–295, §6(b), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1314.
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of functions of Public Health Service, see note set out under section 802 of this title.
§1444a. Regulations regarding payment of annuity to a representative payee
(a) The regulations prescribed pursuant to section 1444(a) of this title shall provide procedures for the payment of an annuity under this subchapter in the case of—
(1) a person for whom a guardian or other fiduciary has been appointed; and
(2) a minor, mentally incompetent, or otherwise legally disabled person for whom a guardian or other fiduciary has not been appointed.
(b) Those regulations may include the provisions set out in section 1455(d)(2) of this title.
(c) An annuity paid to a person on behalf of an annuitant in accordance with the regulations prescribed pursuant to subsection (a) discharges the obligation of the United States for payment to the annuitant of the amount of the annuity so paid.
(Added Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §654(b)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1390; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(26), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "section 1455(d)(2)" for "section 1455(c)".
§1445. Correction of administrative deficiencies
Whenever he considers it necessary, the Secretary concerned may, under regulations prescribed under section 1444(a) of this title, correct any election, or any change or revocation of an election, under this subchapter when he considers it necessary to correct an administrative error. Except when procured by fraud, a correction under this section is final and conclusive on all officers of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 87–381, §6(1), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 811; amended Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter".
§1446. Restriction on participation
(a) Notwithstanding section 1441 of this title, if a person—
(1) has made an election under this subchapter; and
(2) is retired for physical disability before he completes 19 years of service for which he is entitled to credit in the computation of his basic pay;
and thereafter dies, his beneficiaries are not entitled to the annuities provided under this subchapter until they give proof to the department concerned that they are not eligible for benefits under chapter 11 or 13 of title 38. If the beneficiaries are not eligible for benefits under chapter 11 or 13 of title 38, the annuity shall begin on the first day of the month in which the death occurs.
(b) Whenever the beneficiaries on whose behalf the election was made are restricted, under subsection (a), from participating in the annuities provided under this subchapter, the amount withheld from the elector's retired or retainer pay as a result of an election under this subchapter shall be refunded to the beneficiaries, less the amount of any annuities paid under this subchapter, and in either case without interest.
(Added Pub. L. 87–381, §6(1), Oct. 4, 1961, 75 Stat. 811; amended Pub. L. 90–485, §1(8), Aug. 13, 1968, 82 Stat. 754; Pub. L. 92–425, §1(2)(A), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1972—Pub. L. 92–425 substituted "subchapter" for "chapter" wherever appearing.
1968—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 90–485 substituted "19" for "18".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1968 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 90–485 effective on first day of third calendar month following Aug. 13, 1968, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–485, set out as a note under section 1431 of this title.
SUBCHAPTER II—SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN
1448.
Application of Plan.
1448a.
Election to discontinue participation: one-year opportunity after second anniversary of commencement of payment of retired pay.
1449.
Mental incompetency of member.
1450.
Payment of annuity: beneficiaries.
1452.
Reduction in retired pay.
1453.
Recovery of amounts erroneously paid.
1454.
Correction of administrative errors.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1997—Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §641(a)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1798, added item 1448a.
1996—Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2551, amended analysis generally, reenacting items 1447 to 1452, 1454, and 1455 without change and substituting "Recovery of amounts" for "Recovery of annuity" in item 1453.
1989—Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(a)(10)(B), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1589, substituted "errors" for "deficiencies" in item 1454.
1985—Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §719(8)(B), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 676, struck out "or retainer" after "retired" in item 1452.
1972—Pub. L. 92–424, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706, added subchapter II heading and items 1447 to 1455.
§1447. Definitions
In this subchapter:
(1) Plan.—The term "Plan" means the Survivor Benefit Plan established by this subchapter.
(2) Standard annuity.—The term "standard annuity" means an annuity provided by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(A) of this title.
(3) Reserve-component annuity.—The term "reserve-component annuity" means an annuity provided by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B) of this title.
(4) Retired pay.—The term "retired pay" includes retainer pay paid under section 8330 of this title.
(5) Reserve-component retired pay.—The term "reserve-component retired pay" means retired pay under chapter 1223 of this title (or under chapter 67 of this title as in effect before the effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act).
(6) Base amount.—The term "base amount" means the following:
(A) Full amount under standard annuity.—In the case of a person who dies after becoming entitled to retired pay, such term means the amount of monthly retired pay (determined without regard to any reduction under section 1409(b)(2) or 1415(b)(1)(B) of this title) to which the person—
(i) was entitled when he became eligible for that pay; or
(ii) later became entitled by being advanced on the retired list, performing active duty, or being transferred from the temporary disability retired list to the permanent disability retired list.
(B) Full amount under reserve-component annuity.—In the case of a person who would have become eligible for reserve-component retired pay but for the fact that he died before becoming 60 years of age, such term means the amount of monthly retired pay for which the person would have been eligible—
(i) if he had been 60 years of age on the date of his death, for purposes of an annuity to become effective on the day after his death in accordance with a designation made under section 1448(e) of this title; or
(ii) upon becoming 60 years of age (if he had lived to that age), for purposes of an annuity to become effective on the 60th anniversary of his birth in accordance with a designation made under section 1448(e) of this title.
(C) Reduced amount.—Such term means any amount less than the amount otherwise applicable under subparagraph (A) or (B) with respect to an annuity provided under the Plan but which is not less than $300 and which is designated by the person (with the concurrence of the person's spouse, if required under section 1448(a)(3) of this title) providing the annuity on or before—
(i) the first day for which he becomes eligible for retired pay, in the case of a person providing a standard annuity, or
(ii) the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which he receives the notification required by section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay, in the case of a person providing a reserve-component annuity.
(7) Widow.—The term "widow" means the surviving wife of a person who, if not married to the person at the time he became eligible for retired pay—
(A) was married to him for at least one year immediately before his death; or
(B) is the mother of issue by that marriage.
(8) Widower.—The term "widower" means the surviving husband of a person who, if not married to the person at the time she became eligible for retired pay—
(A) was married to her for at least one year immediately before her death; or
(B) is the father of issue by that marriage.
(9) Surviving spouse.—The term "surviving spouse" means a widow or widower.
(10) Former spouse.—The term "former spouse" means the surviving former husband or wife of a person who is eligible to participate in the Plan.
(11) Dependent child.—
(A) In general.—The term "dependent child" means a person who—
(i) is unmarried;
(ii) is (I) under 18 years of age, (II) at least 18, but under 22, years of age and pursuing a full-time course of study or training in a high school, trade school, technical or vocational institute, junior college, college, university, or comparable recognized educational institution, or (III) incapable of self support because of a mental or physical incapacity existing before the person's eighteenth birthday or incurred on or after that birthday, but before the person's twenty-second birthday, while pursuing such a full-time course of study or training; and
(iii) is the child of a person to whom the Plan applies, including (I) an adopted child, and (II) a stepchild, foster child, or recognized natural child who lived with that person in a regular parent-child relationship.
(B) Special rules for college students.—For the purpose of subparagraph (A), a child whose twenty-second birthday occurs before July 1 or after August 31 of a calendar year, and while regularly pursuing such a course of study or training, is considered to have become 22 years of age on the first day of July after that birthday. A child who is a student is considered not to have ceased to be a student during an interim between school years if the interim is not more than 150 days and if the child shows to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Defense that the child has a bona fide intention of continuing to pursue a course of study or training in the same or a different school during the school semester (or other period into which the school year is divided) immediately after the interim.
(C) Foster children.—A foster child, to qualify under this paragraph as the dependent child of a person to whom the Plan applies, must, at the time of the death of that person, also reside with, and receive over one-half of his support from, that person, and not be cared for under a social agency contract. The temporary absence of a foster child from the residence of that person, while a student as described in this paragraph, shall not be considered to affect the residence of such a foster child.
(12) Court.—The term "court" has the meaning given that term by section 1408(a)(1) of this title.
(13) Court order.—
(A) In general.—The term "court order" means a court's final decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment or a court ordered, ratified, or approved property settlement incident to such a decree (including a final decree modifying the terms of a previously issued decree of divorce, dissolution, annulment, or legal separation, or of a court ordered, ratified, or approved property settlement agreement incident to such previously issued decree).
(B) Final decree.—The term "final decree" means a decree from which no appeal may be taken or from which no appeal has been taken within the time allowed for the taking of such appeals under the laws applicable to such appeals, or a decree from which timely appeal has been taken and such appeal has been finally decided under the laws applicable to such appeals.
(C) Regular on its face.—The term "regular on its face", when used in connection with a court order, means a court order that meets the conditions prescribed in section 1408(b)(2) of this title.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 706; amended Pub. L. 94–496, §1(1), Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §201, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 843; Pub. L. 96–402, §2, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1705; Pub. L. 97–252, title X, §1003(a), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 735; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §941(c)(1), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 653; Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §§719(1), (2), 721(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 675, 676; Pub. L. 99–348, title III, §301(a)(1), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 702; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, §1343(a)(8)(A), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3992; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title XII, §1231(17), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1161; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(a)(1)–(3), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1588; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(C)(i), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1720; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1671(d), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3014; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2551; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §622(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1428; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §809(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1840.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Chapter 67 of this title as in effect before the effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act, referred to in par. (5), means chapter 67 (§1331 et seq.) of this title prior to its transfer to part II of subtitle E of this title, its renumbering as chapter 1223, and its general revision by section 1662(j)(1) of Pub. L. 103–337. A new chapter 67 (§1331) of this title was added by section 1662(j)(7) of Pub. L. 103–337. For effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act (Pub. L. 103–337, title XVI), see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.
Amendments
2018—Par. (4). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "section 8330" for "section 6330".
2017—Par. (6)(A). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted "or 1415(b)(1)(B)" after "section 1409(b)(2)".
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally, making changes in the order, style, and substance of definitions of terms used in this subchapter and adding definition of "surviving spouse".
1994—Par. (2)(C). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(d)(2), substituted "12731(d)" for "1331(d)".
Par. (14). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(d)(1), substituted "chapter 1223 of this title (or under chapter 67 of this title as in effect before the effective date of the Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act)" for "chapter 67 of this title".
1990—Par. (5). Pub. L. 101–510 made technical correction to directory language of Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(1)(A), see 1989 Amendment note below.
1989—Par. (2)(B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(2), substituted "reserve-component retired pay" for "retired pay under chapter 67 of this title".
Par. (2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(3), struck out "or retainer" after "eligible for retired".
Par. (2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(2), substituted "reserve-component retired pay" for "retired pay under chapter 67 of this title".
Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(3), struck out "or retainer" after "eligible for retired".
Par. (5). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(1)(A), as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, substituted "this paragraph" for "this clause" in three places in concluding provisions.
Par. (11). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(1)(B), inserted "paid under section 6330 of this title" after "retainer pay".
Par. (14). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(1)(C), added par. (14).
1987—Pub. L. 100–180 inserted "The term" after each par. designation and revised first word in quotes in pars. (2) to (13) to make initial letter of such word lowercase.
1986—Par. (2)(A). Pub. L. 99–661 substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay" in two places in provisions preceding cl. (i).
Pub. L. 99–348 inserted "(determined without regard to any reduction under section 1409(b)(2) of this title)".
1985—Par. (2)(C). Pub. L. 99–145, §721(b), inserted "(with the concurrence of the person's spouse, if required under section 1448(a)(3) of this title)" after "designated by the person".
Par. (2)(C)(i). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(2)(A), substituted "a standard annuity" for "an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(A) of this title".
Par. (2)(C)(ii). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(2)(B), substituted "a reserve-component annuity" for "an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B) of this title".
Pars. (11) to (13). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(1), added pars. (11) to (13).
1983—Par. (8). Pub. L. 98–94 substituted "or annulment" for "annulment, or legal separation," in two places.
1982—Pars. (6) to (10). Pub. L. 97–252 added pars. (6) to (10).
1980—Par. (2). Pub. L. 96–402 inserted in subpar. (C) "but which is not less than $300" after "under the Plan", substituted a period at end of subpar. (C) for ", but not less than $300;", and struck out following subpar. (C) "as increased from time to time under section 1401a of this title."
1978—Par. (2). Pub. L. 95–397 inserted "in the case of a person who dies after becoming entitled to retired or retainer pay" before "the amount" and substituted "pay to which the person" for "pay to which a person" in subpar. (A), substituted "in the case of a person who would have become eligible for retired pay under chapter 67 of this title but for the fact that he died before becoming 60 years of age, the amount of monthly retired pay for which the person would have been eligible—" for "any amount less than that described by clause (A) designated by that person on or before the first day for which he became eligible for retired or retainer pay, but not less than $300" in subpar. (B), and added subpars. (B)(i), (ii) and (C).
1976—Pars. (3)(A), (4)(A). Pub. L. 94–496 substituted "one year" for "two years".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Feb. 1, 2019, with provision for the coordination of amendments and special rule for certain redesignations, see section 800 of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(C), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1720, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Nov. 29, 1989.
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §731, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 678, provided that:
"(a) Effective Date.—Except as otherwise provided in this title, the amendments made by this title [see Short Title of 1985 Amendment note below] shall take effect on the first day of the first month beginning more than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 8, 1985].
"(b) Prospective Benefits Only.—No benefit shall accrue to any person by reason of the enactment of this title for any period before the effective date under subsection (a)."
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment; Transition Provisions
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–252 effective Feb. 1, 1983, and applicable to persons becoming eligible to participate in Survivor Benefit Plan provided for in this subchapter before, on, or after Feb. 1, 1983, see section 1006 of Pub. L. 97–252, set out as an Effective Date; Transition Provisions note under section 1408 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Pub. L. 96–402, §7, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1708, provided that: "The amendments made by sections 2, 3, and 4 of this Act [amending this section and sections 1451 and 1452 of this title] and the provisions of section 5 of this Act [set out as a note under section 1448 of this title] shall be effective on the first day of the second calendar month following the month in which this Act is enacted [October 1980] and shall apply to annuities payable by virtue of such amendments and provisions for months beginning on or after such date. No benefits shall accrue to any person by virtue of the enactment of this Act [Pub. L. 96–402] for any period before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 9, 1980]."
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §210, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 848, provided that:
"(a) Except as provided in subsection (b), the provisions of this title [amending this section and sections 1331 [now 12731] and 1448 to 1452 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1448 of this title] and the amendments made by this title shall take effect on October 1, 1978, or on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1978], whichever is later, and shall apply to annuities payable by virtue of such amendments for months beginning on or after such date.
"(b) The amendment made by section 206 [amending section 1331 [now 12731] of this title] shall apply to notifications under section 1331(d) [now 12731(d)] of title 10, United States Code, after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30, 1978]."
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Pub. L. 94–496, §3, Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2376, provided that: "This Act [amending this section and sections 1448, 1450, 1451, and 1452 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1448 of this title] shall be effective as of September 21, 1972. No pay shall accrue to any person by virtue of the enactment of this Act for any period prior to October 1, 1976."
Short Title of 1989 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1401, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1577, provided that: "This title [enacting subchapter III of this chapter, amending this section and sections 1331 [now 12731], 1448 to 1452, and 1454 of this title and section 3101 [now 5301] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 1448, 1451, 1452, 1456, and 12731 of this title] may be cited as the 'Military Survivor Benefits Improvement Act of 1989'."
Short Title of 1985 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §701, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 666, provided that: "This title [amending this section and sections 1448, 1450 to 1452, and 1455 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1448 and 1452 of this title, and repealing a provision set out as a note under section 1451 of this title] may be cited as the 'Survivor Benefit Plan Amendments of 1985'."
Short Title of 1980 Amendment
Pub. L. 96–402, §1, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1705, provided: "That this Act [amending this section and sections 1451 and 1452 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1448 of this title, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1448 of this title] may be cited as the 'Uniformed Services Survivor Benefits Amendments of 1980'."
End of 90-Day Period With Respect to Certain Individuals
Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §208, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 848, as amended by Pub. L. 96–107, title VIII, §816, Nov. 9, 1979, 93 Stat. 818, provided that the 90-day period referred to in former sections 1447(2)(C) and 1448(a)(2) and (4)(B) of this title was to be considered to end on Mar. 31, 1980, for an individual who would have been eligible for retired pay under former chapter 67 of this title on the effective date of title II of Pub. L. 95–397 (see Effective Date of 1978 Amendment note above), but for the fact such individual was under 60 years of age, or for an individual who received before Jan. 1, 1980, a notification that such individual had completed the years of service required for eligibility for such retired pay.
§1448. Application of Plan
(a) General Rules for Participation in the Plan.—
(1) Name of plan; eligible participants.—The program established by this subchapter shall be known as the Survivor Benefit Plan. The following persons are eligible to participate in the Plan:
(A) Persons entitled to retired pay.
(B) Persons who would be eligible for reserve-component retired pay but for the fact that they are under 60 years of age.
(2) Participants in the plan.—The Plan applies to the following persons, who shall be participants in the Plan:
(A) Standard annuity participants.—A person who is eligible to participate in the Plan under paragraph (1)(A) and who is married or has a dependent child when he becomes entitled to retired pay, unless he elects (with his spouse's concurrence, if required under paragraph (3)) not to participate in the Plan before the first day for which he is eligible for that pay.
(B) Reserve-component annuity participants.—A person who (i) is eligible to participate in the Plan under paragraph (1)(B), and (ii) is married or has a dependent child when he is notified under section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay, unless the person elects (with his spouse's concurrence, if required under paragraph (3)) not to participate in the Plan before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date on which he receives that notification.
A person who elects under subparagraph (B) not to participate in the Plan remains eligible, upon reaching 60 years of age and otherwise becoming entitled to retired pay, to participate in the Plan in accordance with eligibility under paragraph (1)(A).
(3) Elections.—
(A) Spousal consent for certain elections respecting standard annuity.—A married person who is eligible to provide a standard annuity may not without the concurrence of the person's spouse elect—
(i) not to participate in the Plan;
(ii) to provide an annuity for the person's spouse at less than the maximum level; or
(iii) to provide an annuity for a dependent child but not for the person's spouse.
(B) Spousal consent for certain elections respecting reserve-component annuity.—A married person who is eligible to provide a reserve-component annuity may not without the concurrence of the person's spouse elect—
(i) not to participate in the Plan;
(ii) to designate under subsection (e)(2) the effective date for commencement of annuity payments under the Plan in the event that the member dies before becoming 60 years of age to be the 60th anniversary of the member's birth (rather than the day after the date of the member's death);
(iii) to provide an annuity for the person's spouse at less than the maximum level; or
(iv) to provide an annuity for a dependent child but not for the person's spouse.
(C) Exception when spouse unavailable.—A person may make an election described in subparagraph (A) or (B) without the concurrence of the person's spouse if the person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned—
(i) that the spouse's whereabouts cannot be determined; or
(ii) that, due to exceptional circumstances, requiring the person to seek the spouse's consent would otherwise be inappropriate.
(D) Construction with former spouse election provisions.—This paragraph does not affect any right or obligation to elect to provide an annuity for a former spouse (or for a former spouse and dependent child) under subsection (b)(2).
(E) Notice to spouse of election to provide former spouse annuity.—If a married person who is eligible to provide a standard annuity elects to provide an annuity for a former spouse (or for a former spouse and dependent child) under subsection (b)(2), that person's spouse shall be notified of that election.
(4) Irrevocability of elections.—
(A) Standard annuity.—An election under paragraph (2)(A) is irrevocable if not revoked before the date on which the person first becomes entitled to retired pay.
(B) Reserve-component annuity.—An election under paragraph (2)(B) is irrevocable if not revoked before the end of the 90-day period referred to in that paragraph.
(5) Participation by person marrying after retirement, etc.—
(A) Election to participate in plan.—A person who is not married and has no dependent child upon becoming eligible to participate in the Plan but who later marries or acquires a dependent child may elect to participate in the Plan.
(B) Manner and time of election.—Such an election must be written, signed by the person making the election, and received by the Secretary concerned within one year after the date on which that person marries or acquires that dependent child.
(C) Limitation on revocation of election.—Such an election may not be revoked except in accordance with subsection (b)(3).
(D) Effective date of election.—The election is effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary concerned.
(E) Designation if rcsbp election.—In the case of a person providing a reserve-component annuity, such an election shall include a designation under subsection (e).
(6) Election out of plan by person with spouse coverage who remarries.—
(A) General rule.—A person—
(i) who is a participant in the Plan and is providing coverage under the Plan for a spouse (or a spouse and child);
(ii) who does not have an eligible spouse beneficiary under the Plan; and
(iii) who remarries,
may elect not to provide coverage under the Plan for the person's spouse.
(B) Effect of election on retired pay.—If such an election is made, reductions in the retired pay of that person under section 1452 of this title shall not be made.
(C) Terms and conditions of election.—An election under this paragraph—
(i) is irrevocable;
(ii) shall be made within one year after the person's remarriage; and
(iii) shall be made in such form and manner as may be prescribed in regulations under section 1455 of this title.
(D) Notice to spouse.—If a person makes an election under this paragraph—
(i) not to participate in the Plan;
(ii) to provide an annuity for the person's spouse at less than the maximum level; or
(iii) to provide an annuity for a dependent child but not for the person's spouse,
the person's spouse shall be notified of that election.
(E) Construction with former spouse election provisions.—This paragraph does not affect any right or obligation to elect to provide an annuity to a former spouse under subsection (b).
(b) Insurable Interest and Former Spouse Coverage.—
(1) Coverage for person with insurable interest.—
(A) General rule.—A person who is not married and does not have a dependent child upon becoming eligible to participate in the Plan may elect to provide an annuity under the Plan to a natural person with an insurable interest in that person. In the case of a person providing a reserve-component annuity, such an election shall include a designation under subsection (e).
(B) Termination of coverage.—An election under subparagraph (A) for a beneficiary who is not the former spouse of the person providing the annuity may be terminated. Any such termination shall be made by a participant by the submission to the Secretary concerned of a request to discontinue participation in the Plan, and such participation in the Plan shall be discontinued effective on the first day of the first month following the month in which the request is received by the Secretary concerned. Effective on such date, the Secretary concerned shall discontinue the reduction being made in such person's retired pay on account of participation in the Plan or, in the case of a person who has been required to make deposits in the Treasury on account of participation in the Plan, such person may discontinue making such deposits effective on such date.
(C) Form for discontinuation.—A request under subparagraph (B) to discontinue participation in the Plan shall be in such form and shall contain such information as may be required under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
(D) Withdrawal of request for discontinuation.—The Secretary concerned shall furnish promptly to each person who submits a request under subparagraph (B) to discontinue participation in the Plan a written statement of the advantages and disadvantages of participating in the Plan and the possible disadvantages of discontinuing participation. A person may withdraw the request to discontinue participation if withdrawn within 30 days after having been submitted to the Secretary concerned.
(E) Consequences of discontinuation.—Once participation is discontinued, benefits may not be paid in conjunction with the earlier participation in the Plan and premiums paid may not be refunded. Participation in the Plan may not later be resumed except through a qualified election under paragraph (5) of subsection (a) or under subparagraph (G) of this paragraph.
(F) Vitiation of election by disability retiree who dies of disability-related cause.—If a member retired after November 23, 2003, under chapter 61 of this title dies within one year after the date on which the member is so retired and the cause of death is related to a disability for which the member was retired under that chapter (as determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense)—
(i) an election made by the member under paragraph (1) to provide an annuity under the Plan to any person other than a dependent of that member (as defined in section 1072(2) of this title) is vitiated; and
(ii) the amounts by which the member's retired pay was reduced under section 1452 of this title shall be refunded and paid to the person to whom the annuity under the Plan would have been paid pursuant to such election.
(G) Election of new beneficiary upon death of previous beneficiary.—
(i) Authority for election.—If the reason for discontinuation in the Plan is the death of the beneficiary, the participant in the Plan may elect a new beneficiary. Any such beneficiary must be a natural person with an insurable interest in the participant. Such an election may be made only during the 180-day period beginning on the date of the death of the previous beneficiary.
(ii) Procedures.—Such an election shall be in writing, signed by the participant, and made in such form and manner as the Secretary concerned may prescribe. Such an election shall be effective the first day of the first month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary.
(iii) Vitiation of election by participant who dies within two years of election.—If a person providing an annuity under a election under clause (i) dies before the end of the two-year period beginning on the effective date of the election—
(I) the election is vitiated; and
(II) the amount by which the person's retired pay was reduced under section 1452 of this title that is attributable to the election shall be paid in a lump sum to the person who would have been the deceased person's beneficiary under the vitiated election if the deceased person had died after the end of such two-year period.
(2) Former spouse coverage upon becoming a participant in the plan.—
(A) General rule.—A person who has a former spouse upon becoming eligible to participate in the Plan may elect to provide an annuity to that former spouse.
(B) Effect of former spouse election on spouse or dependent child.—In the case of a person with a spouse or a dependent child, such an election prevents payment of an annuity to that spouse or child (other than a child who is a beneficiary under an election under paragraph (4)), including payment under subsection (d).
(C) Designation if more than one former spouse.—If there is more than one former spouse, the person shall designate which former spouse is to be provided the annuity.
(D) Designation if rcsbp election.—In the case of a person providing a reserve-component annuity, such an election shall include a designation under subsection (e).
(3) Former spouse coverage by persons already participating in plan.—
(A) Election of coverage.—
(i) Authority for election.—A person—
(I) who is a participant in the Plan and is providing coverage for a spouse or a spouse and child (even though there is no beneficiary currently eligible for such coverage), and
(II) who has a former spouse who was not that person's former spouse when that person became eligible to participate in the Plan,
may (subject to subparagraph (B)) elect to provide an annuity to that former spouse.
(ii) Termination of previous coverage.—Any such election terminates any previous coverage under the Plan.
(iii) Manner and time of election.—Any such election must be written, signed by the person making the election, and received by the Secretary concerned within one year after the date of the decree of divorce, dissolution, or annulment.
(B) Limitation on election.—A person may not make an election under subparagraph (A) to provide an annuity to a former spouse who that person married after becoming eligible for retired pay unless—
(i) the person was married to that former spouse for at least one year, or
(ii) that former spouse is the parent of issue by that marriage.
(C) Irrevocability, etc.—An election under this paragraph may not be revoked except in accordance with section 1450(f) of this title. This paragraph does not provide the authority to change a designation previously made under subsection (e).
(D) Notice to spouse.—If a person who is married makes an election to provide an annuity to a former spouse under this paragraph, that person's spouse shall be notified of the election.
(E) Effective date of election.—An election under this paragraph is effective as of—
(i) the first day of the first month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary concerned; or
(ii) in the case of a person required (as described in section 1450(f)(3)(B) of this title) to make the election by reason of a court order or filing the date of which is after October 16, 1998, the first day of the first month which begins after the date of that court order or filing.
(4) Former spouse and child coverage.—A person who elects to provide an annuity for a former spouse under paragraph (2) or (3) may, at the time of the election, elect to provide coverage under that annuity for both the former spouse and a dependent child, if the child resulted from the person's marriage to that former spouse.
(5) Disclosure of whether election of former spouse coverage is required.—A person who elects to provide an annuity to a former spouse under paragraph (2) or (3) shall, at the time of making the election, provide the Secretary concerned with a written statement (in a form to be prescribed by that Secretary and signed by such person and the former spouse) setting forth—
(A) whether the election is being made pursuant to the requirements of a court order; or
(B) whether the election is being made pursuant to a written agreement previously entered into voluntarily by such person as a part of, or incident to, a proceeding of divorce, dissolution, or annulment and (if so) whether such voluntary written agreement has been incorporated in, or ratified or approved by, a court order.
(6) Special needs trusts for sole benefit of certain dependent children.—A person who has established a supplemental or special needs trust under subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396p(d)(4)) for the sole benefit of a dependent child considered disabled under section 1614(a)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)) who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity may elect to provide an annuity to that supplemental or special needs trust.
(7) Effect of death of former spouse beneficiary.—
(A) Termination of participation in plan.—A person who elects to provide an annuity to a former spouse under paragraph (2) or (3) and whose former spouse subsequently dies is no longer a participant in the Plan, effective on the date of death of the former spouse.
(B) Authority for election of new spouse beneficiary.—If a person's participation in the Plan is discontinued by reason of the death of a former spouse beneficiary, the person may elect to resume participation in the Plan and to elect a new spouse beneficiary as follows:
(i) Married on the date of death of former spouse.—A person who is married at the time of the death of the former spouse beneficiary may elect to provide coverage to that person's spouse. Such an election must be received by the Secretary concerned within one year after the date of death of the former spouse beneficiary.
(ii) Marriage after death of former spouse beneficiary.—A person who is not married at the time of the death of the former spouse beneficiary and who later marries may elect to provide spouse coverage. Such an election must be received by the Secretary concerned within one year after the date on which that person marries.
(C) Effective date of election.—The effective date of election under this paragraph shall be as follows:
(i) An election under subparagraph (B)(i) is effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the death of the former spouse beneficiary.
(ii) An election under subparagraph (B)(ii) is effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary concerned.
(D) Level of coverage.—A person making an election under subparagraph (B) may not reduce the base amount previously elected.
(E) Procedures.—An election under this paragraph shall be in writing, signed by the participant, and made in such form and manner as the Secretary concerned may prescribe.
(F) Irrevocability.—An election under this paragraph is irrevocable.
(c) Persons on Temporary Disability Retired List.—The application of the Plan to a person whose name is on the temporary disability retired list terminates when his name is removed from that list and he is no longer entitled to disability retired pay.
(d) Coverage for Survivors of Members Who Die on Active Duty.—
(1) Surviving spouse annuity.—Except as provided in paragraph (2)(B),1 the Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the surviving spouse of—
(A) a member who dies while on active duty after—
(i) becoming eligible to receive retired pay;
(ii) qualifying for retired pay except that the member has not applied for or been granted that pay; or
(iii) completing 20 years of active service but before the member is eligible to retire as a commissioned officer because the member has not completed 10 years of active commissioned service; or
(B) a member not described in subparagraph (A) who dies in line of duty while on active duty.
(2) Dependent children.—In the case of a member described in paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the member's dependent children under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(4) of section 1450 of this title as applicable.
(3) Mandatory former spouse annuity.—If a member described in paragraph (1) is required under a court order or spousal agreement to provide an annuity to a former spouse upon becoming eligible to be a participant in the Plan or has made an election under subsection (b) to provide an annuity to a former spouse, the Secretary—
(A) may not pay an annuity under paragraph (1) or (2); but
(B) shall pay an annuity to that former spouse as if the member had been a participant in the Plan and had made an election under subsection (b) to provide an annuity to the former spouse, or in accordance with that election, as the case may be, if the Secretary receives a written request from the former spouse concerned that the election be deemed to have been made in the same manner as provided in section 1450(f)(3) of this title.
(4) Priority.—An annuity that may be provided under this subsection shall be provided in preference to an annuity that may be provided under any other provision of this subchapter on account of service of the same member.
(5) Computation.—The amount of an annuity under this subsection is computed under section 1451(c) of this title.
(6) Deemed election.—
(A) Annuity for dependent.—In the case of a member described in paragraph (1) who dies after November 23, 2003, the Secretary concerned may, if no other annuity is payable on behalf of the member under this subchapter, pay an annuity to a natural person who has an insurable interest in such member as if the annuity were elected by the member under subsection (b)(1). The Secretary concerned may pay such an annuity under this paragraph only in the case of a person who is a dependent of that member (as defined in section 1072(2) of this title).
(B) Computation of annuity.—An annuity under this subparagraph shall be computed under section 1451(b) of this title as if the member had retired for total disability on the date of death with reductions as specified under section 1452(c) of this title, as applicable to the ages of the member and the natural person with an insurable interest.
(e) Designation for Commencement of Reserve-Component Annuity.—In any case in which a person is required to make a designation under this subsection, the person shall designate whether, in the event he dies before becoming 60 years of age, the annuity provided shall become effective on—
(1) the day after the date of his death; or
(2) the 60th anniversary of his birth.
(f) Coverage of Survivors of Persons Dying When or Before Eligible To Elect Reserve-Component Annuity.—
(1) Surviving spouse annuity.—The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the surviving spouse of a person who—
(A) is eligible to provide a reserve-component annuity and dies—
(i) before being notified under section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay; or
(ii) during the 90-day period beginning on the date he receives notification under section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay if he had not made an election under subsection (a)(2)(B) to participate in the Plan; or
(B) is a member of a reserve component not described in subparagraph (A) and dies from an injury or illness incurred or aggravated in the line of duty during inactive-duty training.
(2) Dependent children annuity.—
(A) Annuity when no eligible surviving spouse.—In the case of a person described in paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the dependent children of that person under section 1450(a)(2) of this title as applicable.
(B) Optional annuity when there is an eligible surviving spouse.—The Secretary may pay an annuity under this subchapter to the dependent children of a person described in paragraph (1) under section 1450(a)(3) of this title, if applicable, instead of paying an annuity to the surviving spouse under paragraph (1), if the Secretary concerned, in consultation with the surviving spouse, determines it appropriate to provide an annuity for the dependent children under this paragraph instead of an annuity for the surviving spouse under paragraph (1).
(3) Mandatory former spouse annuity.—If a person described in paragraph (1) is required under a court order or spousal agreement to provide an annuity to a former spouse upon becoming eligible to be a participant in the Plan or has made an election under subsection (b) to provide an annuity to a former spouse, the Secretary—
(A) may not pay an annuity under paragraph (1) or (2); but
(B) shall pay an annuity to that former spouse as if the person had been a participant in the Plan and had made an election under subsection (b) to provide an annuity to the former spouse, or in accordance with that election, as the case may be, if the Secretary receives a written request from the former spouse concerned that the election be deemed to have been made in the same manner as provided in section 1450(f)(3) of this title.
(4) Computation.—The amount of an annuity under this subsection is computed under section 1451(c) of this title.
(5) Deemed election to provide an annuity for dependent.—Paragraph (6) of subsection (d) shall apply in the case of a member described in paragraph (1) who dies after November 23, 2003, when no other annuity is payable on behalf of the member under this subchapter.
(g) Election To Increase Coverage Upon Remarriage.—
(1) Election.—A person—
(A) who is a participant in the Plan and is providing coverage under subsection (a) for a spouse or a spouse and child, but at less than the maximum level; and
(B) who remarries,
may elect, within one year of such remarriage, to increase the level of coverage provided under the Plan to a level not in excess of the current retired pay of that person.
(2) Payment required.—Such an election shall be contingent on the person paying to the United States the amount determined under paragraph (3) plus interest on such amount at a rate determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
(3) Amount to be paid.—The amount referred to in paragraph (2) is the amount equal to the difference between—
(A) the amount that would have been withheld from such person's retired pay under section 1452 of this title if the higher level of coverage had been in effect from the time the person became a participant in the Plan; and
(B) the amount of such person's retired pay actually withheld.
(4) Manner of making election.—An election under paragraph (1) shall be made in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe and shall become effective upon receipt of the payment required by paragraph (2).
(5) Disposition of payments.—A payment received under this subsection by the Secretary of Defense shall be deposited into the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund. Any other payment received under this subsection shall be deposited in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 707; amended Pub. L. 94–496, §1(2), Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §202, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 844; Pub. L. 97–252, title X, §1003(b), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 735; Pub. L. 97–295, §1(18), Oct. 12, 1982, 96 Stat. 1290; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §941(a)(1), (2), (c)(2), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 652, 653; Pub. L. 99–145, title V, §513(b), title VII, §§712(a), 713(a), 715, 716(a), 719(3), (8)(A), 721(a), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 628, 670, 671, 673-676; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §§641(b)(1), 642(a), title XIII, §1343(a)(8)(B), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3885, 3886, 3992; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(a)(2), (3), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1588; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, §638, title XVI, §1671(d)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2791, 3015; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2553; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(27), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VI, §643(a), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2047; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title X, §1066(a)(12), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 771; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(a)–(c)(3), title X, §1087(a)(10)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-165, 1654A-166, 1654A-290; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, §642(a), (c)(1), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1151, 1152; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, §§644(a), (b), 645(a), (b)(1), (c), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1517–1519; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(d)(10), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2061; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §§643(a), 644(a), title X, §1071(a)(8), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2260, 2261, 2398; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VI, §624(a)(2)(B), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3403; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VI, §641(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 852; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §642(b), (c), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2165; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(d), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1427.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Paragraph (2)(B), referred to in subsec. (d)(1), was repealed by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(d)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1427.
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 116–92 struck out subpar. (A) designation and heading before "In the case of a member described in paragraph (1)" and struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: "Optional annuity when there is an eligible surviving spouse.—In the case of a member described in paragraph (1) who dies after October 7, 2001, and for whom there is a surviving spouse eligible for an annuity under paragraph (1), the Secretary may pay an annuity under this subchapter to the member's dependent children under subsection (a)(3) or (a)(4) of section 1450 of this title, if applicable, instead of paying an annuity to the surviving spouse under paragraph (1), if the Secretary concerned, in consultation with the surviving spouse, determines it appropriate to provide an annuity for the dependent children under this paragraph instead of an annuity for the surviving spouse under paragraph (1)."
2016—Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §642(b), amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the dependent child, or to a special needs trust pursuant to section 1450(a)(4) of this title, of a person described in paragraph (1) if there is no surviving spouse or if the person's surviving spouse subsequently dies."
Subsec. (f)(5). Pub. L. 114–328, §642(c), added par. (5).
2015—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 114–92 added par. (7).
2014—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(a)(2)(B)(i), added par. (6).
Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(a)(2)(B)(ii)(I), substituted "subsection (a)(2) or (a)(4) of section 1450" for "section 1450(a)(2)".
Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(a)(2)(B)(ii)(II), substituted "subsection (a)(3) or (a)(4) of section 1450" for "section 1450(a)(3)".
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(a)(2)(B)(iii), inserted ", or to a special needs trust pursuant to section 1450(a)(4) of this title," after "dependent child".
2006—Subsec. (b)(1)(E). Pub. L. 109–364, §643(a)(1), inserted "or under subparagraph (G) of this paragraph" before period at end.
Subsec. (b)(1)(G). Pub. L. 109–364, §643(a)(2), added subpar. (G).
Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 109–364, §644(a), substituted "October 7, 2001" for "November 23, 2003".
Subsec. (d)(6)(A). Pub. L. 109–364, §1071(a)(8), struck out second comma after "November 23, 2003".
2004—Subsecs. (b)(1)(F), (d)(2)(B), (6)(A). Pub. L. 108–375 substituted "after November 23, 2003," for "on or after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004".
2003—Subsec. (b)(1)(F). Pub. L. 108–136, §645(b)(1), added subpar. (F).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–136, §645(a)(2), substituted "Except as provided in paragraph (2)(B), the Secretary concerned" for "The Secretary concerned" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 108–136, §645(a)(1), amended heading and text of par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the dependent child of a member described in paragraph (1) if there is no surviving spouse or if the member's surviving spouse subsequently dies."
Subsec. (d)(6). Pub. L. 108–136, §645(c), added par. (6).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 108–136, §644(b), inserted "or Before" after "Dying When" in heading.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 108–136, §644(a), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the surviving spouse of a person who is eligible to provide a reserve-component annuity and who dies—
"(A) before being notified under section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay; or
"(B) during the 90-day period beginning on the date he receives notification under section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay if he had not made an election under subsection (a)(2)(B) to participate in the Plan."
2001—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 107–107 struck out "Retirement-Eligible" before "Members" in heading and amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows:
"(1) Surviving spouse annuity.—The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity under this subchapter to the surviving spouse of a member who dies on active duty after—
"(A) becoming eligible to receive retired pay;
"(B) qualifying for retired pay except that he has not applied for or been granted that pay; or
"(C) completing 20 years of active service but before he is eligible to retire as a commissioned officer because he has not completed 10 years of active commissioned service."
2000—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(c)(1)], substituted "who elects under subparagraph (B) not to participate in the Plan" for "described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (B) who does not elect to participate in the Plan before the end of the 90-day period referred to in that clause" in concluding provisions.
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(a)], amended heading and text of subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "A person who (i) is eligible to participate in the Plan under paragraph (1)(B), (ii) is married or has a dependent child when he is notified under section 12731(d) of this title that he has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay, and (iii) elects to participate in the Plan (and makes a designation under subsection (e)) before the end of the 90-day period beginning on the date he receives such notification."
Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(b)], substituted "who is eligible to provide" for "who elects to provide" in introductory provisions, added cls. (i) and (ii), and redesignated former cls. (i) and (ii) as (iii) and (iv), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(c)(2)(A)], struck out "not to participate in the Plan" after "election under paragraph (2)(A)".
Subsec. (a)(4)(B). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(c)(2)(B)], struck out "to participate in the Plan" after "under paragraph (2)(B)".
Subsec. (b)(3)(E)(ii). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(a)(10)], struck out second comma after "October 16, 1998".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(c)(3)], substituted "a person is required to make a designation under this subsection, the person" for "a person electing to participate in the Plan is required to make a designation under this subsection, the person making such election" in introductory provisions.
1999—Subsec. (b)(3)(E)(ii). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "after October 16, 1998," for "on or after the date of the enactment of the subparagraph".
1998—Subsec. (b)(3)(C). Pub. L. 105–261, §643(a)(1), struck out "effective date," after "Irrevocability," in heading and "Such an election is effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which it is received by the Secretary concerned." after "section 1450(f) of this title." in text.
Subsec. (b)(3)(E). Pub. L. 105–261, §643(a)(2), added subpar. (E).
1997—Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "Plan" for "plan" in section catchline.
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally, revising and restating provisions relating to application of the Plan and inserting subsec., par., and subpar. headings.
1994—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(d)(2), substituted "12731(d)" for "1331(d)".
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §638, designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpars. (B) to (E).
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §1671(d)(2), substituted "12731(d)" for "1331(d)" in subpars. (A) and (B).
1989—Subsec. (a)(1)(B), (2)(B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(2), substituted "reserve-component retired pay" for "retired pay under chapter 67 of this title".
Subsec. (a)(4)(A). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(3), struck out "or retainer" after "entitled to retired".
Subsec. (f)(1)(A), (B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(2), substituted "reserve-component retired pay" for "retired pay under chapter 67 of this title".
1986—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 99–661, §1343(a)(8)(B), substituted "a reserve-component annuity" for "an annuity by virtue of eligibility under paragraph (1)(B)".
Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(b)(1), inserted "(A) whether the election is being made pursuant to the requirements of a court order, or (B)".
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(a)(1), substituted "if there is no surviving spouse or if the member's surviving spouse subsequently dies" for "if the member and the member's spouse die as a result of a common accident".
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(a)(2), substituted "if there is no surviving spouse or if the person's surviving spouse subsequently dies" for "if the person and the person's spouse die as a result of a common accident".
1985—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–145, §721(a)(1), inserted "(with his spouse's concurrence, if required under paragraph (3))" after "unless he elects".
Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–145, §721(a)(2), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows:
"(A) If a person who is eligible under paragraph (1)(A) to participate in the Plan and who is married elects not to participate in the Plan at the maximum level, or elects to provide an annuity for a dependent child but not for his spouse, or elects to provide an annuity for a former spouse under subsection (b)(2), that person's spouse shall be notified of that election.
"(B) If a person who is eligible under paragraph (1)(B) to participate in the Plan and who is married does not elect to participate in the Plan at the maximum level, or elects to provide an annuity for a dependent child but not for his spouse, or elects to provide an annuity for a former spouse under subsection (b)(2), that person's spouse shall be notified of that action."
Subsec. (a)(6). Pub. L. 99–145, §715(a), added par. (6).
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(3), substituted "a reserve-component annuity" for "an annuity under this paragraph by virtue of eligibility under subsection (a)(1)(B)".
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(3), substituted "a reserve-component annuity" for "an annuity under this paragraph by virtue of eligibility under subsection (a)(1)(B)".
Pub. L. 99–145, §716(a)(1), inserted "(other than a child who is a beneficiary under an election under paragraph (4))" after "that spouse or child" in second sentence.
Subsec. (b)(3)(B). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Subsec. (b)(4), (5). Pub. L. 99–145, §716(a)(2), (3), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145, §513(b), inserted "disability" before "retired pay".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–145, §712(a), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "If a member of an armed force dies on active duty after he has become entitled to retired or retainer pay, or after he has qualified for that pay except that he has not applied for or been granted that pay, and his spouse is eligible for dependency and indemnity compensation under section 411(a) of title 38 in an amount that is less than the annuity the spouse would have received under this subchapter if it had applied to the member when he died, the Secretary concerned shall pay to the spouse an annuity equal to the difference between that amount of compensation and 55 percent of the retired or retainer pay to which the otherwise eligible spouse described in section 1450(a)(1) of this title would have been entitled if the member had been entitled to that pay based upon his years of active service when he died."
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–145, §713(a), added subsec. (f).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–145, §715(b), added subsec. (g).
1983—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–94, §941(c)(2), substituted "provide an annuity for a former spouse under subsection (b)(2)," for "provide an annuity under subsection (b)(2) of this section," in subpars. (A) and (B).
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 98–94, §941(a)(1), inserted "except in accordance with subsection (b)(3)".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–94, §941(a)(2), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment subsec. (b) read as follows:
"(1) A person who is not married and does not have a dependent child when he becomes eligible to participate in the Plan may elect to provide an annuity to a natural person with an insurable interest in that person or to provide an annuity to a former spouse.
"(2) A person who is married, or has a dependent child may elect to provide an annuity to a former spouse instead of providing an annuity to a spouse or dependent child if the election is made in order to carry out the terms of a written agreement entered into voluntarily with the former spouse (without regard to whether such agreement is included in or approved by a court order).
"(3) In the case of a person electing to provide an annuity under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection by virtue of eligibility under subsection (a)(1)(B), the election shall include a designation under subsection (e).
"(4) Any person who elects under paragraph (1) or (2) to provide an annuity to a former spouse shall, at the time of making such election, provide the Secretary concerned with a written statement, in a form to be prescribed by that Secretary, signed by such person and the former spouse setting forth whether the election is being made pursuant to a voluntary written agreement previously entered into by such person as a part of or incident to a proceeding of divorce, dissolution, annulment, or legal separation, and if so, whether such voluntary written agreement has been incorporated in or ratified or approved by a court order."
1982—Pub. L. 97–295, §1(18), substituted "Plan" for "plan" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–252, §1003(b)(1), inserted in subpars. (A) and (B) identical text "or elects to provide an annuity under subsection (b)(2) of this section," after "for his spouse,".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–252, §1003(b)(2), designated existing first sentence as par. (1), authorized an election to provide an annuity to a former spouse, added pars. (2) and (4), designated existing second sentence as par. (3), and substituted "person electing to provide an annuity under paragraph (1) or (2) of this subsection" for "person providing an annuity under this subsection" and "the election" for "such an election".
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–397, §202(a), amended subsec. (a) generally, primarily inserting provision that this subchapter shall be known as the Survivor Benefit Plan and provisions of pars. (1)(B), (2)(B) and concluding sentence, (3)(B), (4)(B), and last sentence of (5).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–397, §202(b), substituted "entitled to retired or retainer pay" for "eligible to participate in the Plan" and inserted provisions relating to the inclusion in an election a designation under subsection (e) by persons providing an annuity under this subsection by virtue of eligibility under subsection (a)(1)(B).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 95–397, §202(c), added subsec. (e).
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–496 inserted "or elects to provide an annuity for a dependent child but not for his spouse" after "maximum level".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(f), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1428, provided that: "This section [amending this section and sections 1450 and 1451 of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 1450 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first month that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], except subsections (d) and (e) of this section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note below] and the amendments made thereby shall take effect on January 1, 2023."
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §642(e), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2165, provided that:
"(1) Payment.—No annuity benefit under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, shall accrue to any person by reason of the amendments made by this section [amending this section and sections 1450 and 1451 of this title] for any period before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2016].
"(2) Elections.—For any death that occurred before the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to which an annuity under such subchapter is being paid (or could be paid) to a surviving spouse, the Secretary concerned may, within six months of that date and in consultation with the surviving spouse, determine it appropriate to provide an annuity for the dependent children of the decedent under paragraph 1448(f)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), instead of an annuity for the surviving spouse. Any such determination and resulting change in beneficiary shall be effective as of the first day of the first month following the date of the determination."
Effective Date of 2015 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VI, §641(b), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 853, provided that: "Paragraph (7) of section 1448(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to any person whose former spouse beneficiary dies on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015]."
Effective Date of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §644(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2261, provided that: "Any annuity payable to a dependent child under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, by reason of the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall be payable only for months beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006]."
Effective Date of 2003 Amendment
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, §644(c), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1518, provided that: "Subparagraph (B) of section 1448(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect as of September 10, 2001, and shall apply with respect to performance of inactive-duty training (as defined in section 101(d) of title 10, United States Code) on or after that date."
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, §642(d), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1152, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1451 of this title] shall take effect as of September 10, 2001, and shall apply with respect to deaths of members of the Armed Forces occurring on or after that date."
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(d)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-166, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1450 of this title] apply only with respect to a notification under section 12731(d) of title 10, United States Code, made after January 1, 2001, that a member of a reserve component has completed the years of service required for eligibility for reserve-component retired pay."
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §645(c), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1801, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending section 4(e)(1) of Pub. L. 92–425 and section 653(d) of Pub. L. 100–456, set out as notes below] take effect on the first day of the first month beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997] and shall apply with respect to payments of benefits for months beginning on or after that date, except that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may provide, if necessary for administrative implementation, that such amendments shall apply beginning with a later month, not later than the first month beginning more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act."
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Amendment by section 1671(d)(2) of Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of this title.
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by section 641 of Pub. L. 99–661 applicable to court orders issued on or after Nov. 14, 1986, see section 641(c) of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 1450 of this title.
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §642(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3886, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only to claims arising on or after March 1, 1986. The amendments made by subsection (b) [amending section 1451 of this title] shall apply to payments for periods after February 28, 1986."
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Amendment by title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 effective Mar. 1, 1986, with prohibition against accrual of benefits to any person by reason of the enactment of such title VII for any period before Mar. 1, 1986, see section 731 of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §941(b), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 653, provided that: "In the case of a person who on the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 24, 1983] is a person described in subparagraph (A) of subsection (b)(3) of section 1448 of title 10, United States Code (as amended by subsection (a)(2)), such subsection shall apply to that person as if the one-year period provided for in subparagraph (A) of such subsection began on the date of the enactment of this Act."
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment; Transition Provisions
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–252 effective Feb. 1, 1983, and applicable to persons becoming eligible to participate in Survivor Benefit Plan provided for in this subchapter before, on, or after Feb. 1, 1983, see section 1006 of Pub. L. 97–252, set out as an Effective Date; Transition Provisions note under section 1408 of this title.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–397 effective Oct. 1, 1978, and applicable to annuities payable by virtue of amendment for months beginning on or after such date, see section 210 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 94–496 effective Sept. 21, 1972, see section 3 of Pub. L. 94–496, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season
Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VI, §643, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2634, provided that:
"(a) Elections by Persons Not Currently Participating in Survivor Benefit Plan.—
"(1) Election of SBP coverage.—An eligible retired or former member may elect to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan during the open season described in subsection (e).
"(2) Eligible retired or former members.—For purposes of paragraph (1), an eligible retired or former member is a member or former member of the uniformed services who, on or before the day before the first day of the open season described in subsection (e)—
"(A) is entitled to retired pay; or
"(B) would be entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10, United States Code (or chapter 67 of such title as in effect before October 5, 1994), but for the fact that such member or former member is under 60 years of age.
"(3) Status under SBP of persons making elections.—
"(A) Standard annuity.—A person making an election under paragraph (1) by reason of eligibility under paragraph (2)(A) shall be treated for all purposes as providing a standard annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(B) Reserve-component annuity.—A person making an election under paragraph (1) by reason of eligibility under paragraph (2)(B) shall be treated for all purposes as providing a reserve-component annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(4) Premiums for open season.—
"(A) Premiums to be charged.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations premiums that a person who makes an election under paragraph (1) shall be required to pay for participating in the Survivor Benefit Plan pursuant to the election.
"(B) Amount of premiums.—The total amount of the premiums to be paid by a person under the regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) shall be equal to the sum of—
"(i) the total amount by which the retired pay of the person would have been reduced before the effective date of the election under subsection (d) if the person had elected to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (for the same base amount specified in the election) at the first opportunity that was afforded the person to participate under chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code;
"(ii) interest on the amount by which the retired pay of the person would have been so reduced, computed from the date on which the retired pay would have been so reduced at such rate or rates and according to such methodology as the Secretary determines reasonable; and
"(iii) any additional amount that the Secretary determines necessary to protect the actuarial soundness of the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund against any increased risk for the fund that is associated with the election.
"(C) Premiums to be credited to retirement fund.—Premiums paid under the regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) shall be credited to the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund.
"(b) Elections by Persons Currently Participating in Survivor Benefit Plan.—
"(1) Election of to discontinue SBP participation.—A person participating in the Survivor Benefit Plan on the day before the first day of the open season described in subsection (e) may elect to discontinue such participation during the open season.
"(2) Consent of beneficiaries.—
"(A) In general.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), a person described in paragraph (1) may not make an election under that paragraph without the concurrence of—
"(i) each designated beneficiary of such person under the Survivor Benefit Plan; and
"(ii) the spouse of such person, if such person is married.
"(B) Exception when beneficiary unavailable.—A person may make an election under paragraph (1) without a concurrence required under subparagraph (2) if the person establishes to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned—
"(i) that the whereabouts of the spouse or beneficiary, as the case may be, cannot be determined; or
"(ii) that, due to exceptional circumstances, requiring the person to seek the consent of the spouse or beneficiary, as the case may be, would otherwise be inappropriate.
"(3) Treatment of premiums.—
"(A) Discontinuation of reductions in pay.—As of the effective date under subsection (d) of an election by a person under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall discontinue the reduction being made in the retired pay of the person arising from participation in the Survivor Benefit Plan or, in the case of a person who has been required to make deposits in the Treasury on account of participation in the Survivor Benefit Plan, that person may discontinue making such deposits effective on such effective date.
"(B) Treatment of previous reductions.—A person who makes an election under paragraph (1) is not entitled to a refund of any reduction or deposit described in subparagraph (A) made before such effective date.
"(c) Manner of Making Elections.—
"(1) In general.—An election under subsection (a) or (b) shall be made in writing, signed by the person making the election, and received by the Secretary concerned before the end of the open season described in subsection (e).
"(2) Conditions.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), an election under subsection (a) shall be made subject to the same conditions, and with the same opportunities for designation of beneficiaries and specification of base amount, that apply under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(3) Election must be voluntary.—An election under subsection (a) or (b) is not effective unless the person making the election declares the election to be voluntary. An election under subsection (a) or (b) to participate or not to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan may not be required by any court. An election by a person under subsection (a) to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan is not subject to the concurrence of a spouse or former spouse of the person.
"(4) Designation with respect to reserve-component annuity.—A person making an election under subsection (a) to provide a reserve-component annuity shall make a designation described in section 1448(e) of title 10, United States Code.
"(d) Effective Date for Elections.—An election under subsection (a) or (b) shall be effective on the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary concerned.
"(e) Open Season Described.—The open season described in this subsection is the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022] and ending on January 1, 2024.
"(f) Applicability of Certain Provisions of Law.—The provisions of sections 1449, 1453, and 1454 of title 10, United States Code, are applicable to a person making an election, and to an election, under subsection (a) or (b) in the same manner as if the election were made under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(g) Definitions.—In this section:
"(1) The terms 'base amount', 'reserve-component annuity', and 'standard annuity' have the meanings given those terms in section 1447 of title 10, United States Code.
"(2) The term 'Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund' means the fund established under section 1461(a) of title 10, United States Code.
"(3) The term 'retired pay' includes retainer pay.
"(4) The terms 'Secretary concerned' and 'uniformed services' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
"(5) The term 'Survivor Benefit Plan' means the program established under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code."
Restoration of Eligibility for Previously Eligible Spouses
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(e), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1428, provided that: "The Secretary of the military department concerned shall restore annuity eligibility to any eligible surviving spouse who, in consultation with the Secretary, previously elected to transfer payment of such annuity to a surviving child or children under the provisions of section 1448(d)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before the effective date provided under subsection (f) [set out as an Effective Date of 2019 Amendment note above]. Such eligibility shall be restored whether or not payment to such child or children subsequently was terminated due to loss of dependent status or death. For the purposes of this subsection, an eligible spouse includes a spouse who was previously eligible for payment of such annuity and is not remarried, or remarried after having attained age 55, or whose second or subsequent marriage has been terminated by death, divorce or annulment."
Applicability to Former Spouse Deaths Before Enactment of Pub. L. 114–92
Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VI, §641(c), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 853, provided that:
"(1) In general.—A person—
"(A) who before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015] had a former spouse beneficiary under the Survivor Benefit Plan who died before that date; and
"(B) who on the date of the enactment of this Act is married,
may elect to provide spouse coverage for such spouse under the Plan, regardless of whether the person married such spouse before or after the death of the former spouse beneficiary. Any such election may only be made during the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
"(2) Effective date of election if married at least a year at death former spouse.—If the person providing the annuity was married to the spouse beneficiary for at least one year at the time of the death of the former spouse beneficiary, the effective date of such election shall be the first day of the first month after the death of the former spouse beneficiary.
"(3) Other effective date.—If the person providing the annuity married the spouse beneficiary after (or during the one-year period preceding) the death of the former spouse beneficiary, the effective date of the election shall be the first day of the first month following the first anniversary of the person's marriage to the spouse beneficiary.
"(4) Responsibility for premiums.—A person electing to participate in the Plan under this subsection shall be responsible for payment of all premiums due from the effective date of the election."
Transition
Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §643(c), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2261, provided that:
"(1) Transition period.—In the case of a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan who made a covered insurable-interest election (as defined in paragraph (2)) and whose designated beneficiary under that election dies before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006] or during the 18-month period beginning on such date, the time period applicable for purposes of the limitation in the third sentence of subparagraph (G)(i) of section 1448(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be the two-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act (rather than the 180-day period specified in that sentence).
"(2) Covered insurable-interest elections.—For purposes of paragraph (1), a covered insurable-interest election is an election under section 1448(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, made before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006], or during the 18-month period beginning on such date, by a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan to provide an annuity under that plan to a natural person with an insurable interest in that person.
"(3) Survivor benefit plan.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'Survivor Benefit Plan' means the program under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code."
One-Year Open Enrollment Period for Survivor Benefit Plan Commencing October 1, 2005
Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §645, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1962, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, §1071(g)(5), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2402, provided that:
"(a) Persons Not Currently Participating in Survivor Benefit Plan.—
"(1) Election of sbp coverage.—An eligible retired or former member may elect to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan during the open enrollment period specified in subsection (f).
"(2) Election of supplemental annuity coverage.—An eligible retired or former member who elects under paragraph (1) to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan at the maximum level may also elect during the open enrollment period to participate in the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(3) Eligible retired or former member.—For purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), an eligible retired or former member is a member or former member of the uniformed services who on the day before the first day of the open enrollment period is not a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan and—
"(A) is entitled to retired pay; or
"(B) would be entitled to retired pay under chapter 1223 of title 10, United States Code, but for the fact that such member or former member is under 60 years of age.
"(4) Status under sbp of persons making elections.—
"(A) Standard annuity.—A person making an election under paragraph (1) by reason of eligibility under paragraph (3)(A) shall be treated for all purposes as providing a standard annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(B) Reserve-component annuity.—A person making an election under paragraph (1) by reason of eligibility under paragraph (3)(B) shall be treated for all purposes as providing a reserve-component annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(b) Election To Increase Coverage Under SBP.—A person who on the day before the first day of the open enrollment period is a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan but is not participating at the maximum base amount or is providing coverage under the Plan for a dependent child and not for the person's spouse or former spouse may, during the open enrollment period, elect to—
"(1) participate in the Plan at a higher base amount (not in excess of the participant's retired pay); or
"(2) provide annuity coverage under the Plan for the person's spouse or former spouse at a base amount not less than the base amount provided for the dependent child.
"(c) Election for Current SBP Participants To Participate in Supplemental SBP.—
"(1) Election.—A person who is eligible to make an election under this paragraph may elect during the open enrollment period to participate in the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(2) Persons eligible.—Except as provided in paragraph (3), a person is eligible to make an election under paragraph (1) if on the day before the first day of the open enrollment period the person is a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan at the maximum level, or during the open enrollment period the person increases the level of such participation to the maximum level under subsection (b) of this section, and under that Plan is providing annuity coverage for the person's spouse or a former spouse.
"(3) Limitation on eligibility for certain sbp participants not affected by two-tier annuity computation.—A person is not eligible to make an election under paragraph (1) if (as determined by the Secretary concerned) the annuity of a spouse or former spouse beneficiary of that person under the Survivor Benefit Plan is to be computed under section 1451(e) of title 10, United States Code. However, such a person may during the open enrollment period waive the right to have that annuity computed under such section 1451(e). Any such election is irrevocable. A person making such a waiver may make an election under paragraph (1) as in the case of any other participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(d) Manner of Making Elections.—An election under this section shall be made in writing, signed by the person making the election, and received by the Secretary concerned before the end of the open enrollment period. Any such election shall be made subject to the same conditions, and with the same opportunities for designation of beneficiaries and specification of base amount, that apply under the Survivor Benefit Plan or the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan, as the case may be. A person making an election under subsection (a) to provide a reserve-component annuity shall make a designation described in section 1448(e) of title 10, United States Code.
"(e) Effective Date for Elections.—Any such election shall be effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary concerned.
"(f) Open Enrollment Period.—The open enrollment period under this section is the one-year period beginning on October 1, 2005.
"(g) Effect of Death of Person Making Election Within Two Years of Making Election.—If a person making an election under this section dies before the end of the two-year period beginning on the effective date of the election, the election is void and the amount of any reduction in retired pay of the person that is attributable to the election shall be paid in a lump sum to the person who would have been the deceased person's beneficiary under the voided election if the deceased person had died after the end of such two-year period.
"(h) Applicability of Certain Provisions of Law.—The provisions of sections 1449, 1453, and 1454 of title 10, United States Code, are applicable to a person making an election, and to an election, under this section in the same manner as if the election were made under the Survivor Benefit Plan or the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan, as the case may be.
"(i) Premium for Open Enrollment Election.—
"(1) Premiums to be charged.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations premiums which a person electing under this section shall be required to pay for participating in the Survivor Benefit Plan pursuant to the election. The total amount of the premiums to be paid by a person under the regulations shall be equal to the sum of—
"(A) the total amount by which the retired pay of the person would have been reduced before the effective date of the election if the person had elected to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan (for the same base amount specified in the election) at the first opportunity that was afforded the member to participate under chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code;
"(B) interest on the amounts by which the retired pay of the person would have been so reduced, computed from the dates on which the retired pay would have been so reduced at such rate or rates and according to such methodology as the Secretary of Defense determines reasonable; and
"(C) any additional amount that the Secretary determines necessary to protect the actuarial soundness of the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund against any increased risk for the fund that is associated with the election.
"(2) Premiums to be credited to retirement fund.—Premiums paid under the regulations under paragraph (1) shall be credited to the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund.
"(j) Definitions.—In this section:
"(1) The term 'Survivor Benefit Plan' means the program established under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code.
"(2) The term 'Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan' means the program established under subchapter III of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code.
"(3) The term 'retired pay' includes retainer pay paid under section 6330 [now 8330] of title 10, United States Code.
"(4) The terms 'uniformed services' and 'Secretary concerned' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
"(5) The term 'Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund' means the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund established under section 1461(a) of title 10, United States Code."
Open Enrollment Period for Survivor Benefit Plan Commencing March 1, 1999
Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VI, §642, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2045, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §654, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 667, provided for a one-year open enrollment period beginning on Mar. 1, 1999, during which an eligible retired or former member who was not participating in the Survivor Benefit Plan could elect to participate in the Plan and also elect to participate in the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan.
Annuities for Certain Military Surviving Spouses
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §644, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1800, as amended by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §656(a), (b), title X, §1066(c)(3), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 668, 773; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VI, §634, Dec. 2, 202, 116 Stat. 2573, provided that:
"(a) Survivor Annuity.—(1) The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member of the uniformed services who—
"(A) became entitled to retired or retainer pay before September 21, 1972, died before March 21, 1974, and was entitled to retired or retainer pay on the date of death; or
"(B) died before October 1, 1978, and at the time of his death would have been entitled to retired pay under chapter 67 [now 1223] of title 10, United States Code (as in effect before December 1, 1994), but for the fact that he was under 60 years of age.
"(2) A qualified surviving spouse for purposes of this section is a surviving spouse who has not remarried.
"(b) Amount of Annuity.—(1) An annuity under this section shall be paid at the rate of $185.58 per month, as adjusted from time to time under paragraph (3).
"(2) The amount of an annuity to which a surviving spouse is entitled under this section for any period shall be reduced (but not below zero) by any amount paid to that surviving spouse for the same period under any of the following provisions of law:
"(A) Section 1311(a) of title 38, United States Code (relating to dependency and indemnity compensation payable by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs).
"(B) Chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code.
"(C) Section 4 of Public Law 92–425 (10 U.S.C. 1448 note).
"(3) Whenever after May 1, 2002, retired or retainer pay is increased under section 1401a(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, each annuity that is payable under this section shall be increased at the same time and by the same total percent.
"(c) Application Required.—No benefit shall be paid to any person under this section unless an application for such benefit is filed with the Secretary concerned by or on behalf of such person.
"(d) Definitions.—For purposes of this section:
"(1) The terms 'uniformed services' and 'Secretary concerned' have the meanings given such terms in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
"(2) The term 'surviving spouse' has the meaning given such term in paragraph (9) of section 1447 of title 10, United States Code.
"(e) Prospective Applicability.—(1) Annuities under this section shall be paid for months beginning after November 1997.
"(2) No benefit shall accrue to any person by reason of the enactment of this section for any period before December 1997."
[Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §656(c), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 668, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending section 644 of Pub. L. 105–85, set out above] shall apply with respect to annuities payable for months beginning after September 30, 1999."]
Authority for Relief From Previous Overpayments Under Minimum Income Widows Program
Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title VI, §635, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 366, authorized the Secretary of Defense to waive recovery by the United States of any overpayment by the United States that had been made before Feb. 10, 1996, under section 4 of Public Law 92–425, set out below, and that was attributable to failure by the Department of Defense to apply the eligibility provisions of subsection (a) of such section in the case of the person to whom the overpayment had been made.
Open Enrollment Period for Survivor Benefit Plan Commencing April 1, 1992
Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1405, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1586, as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title VI, §631(2), title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(B), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1580, 1720; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(1), (c)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1388, 1389; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VI, §643, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2425, provided for a one-year open enrollment period beginning on Apr. 1, 1992, during which: (1) an eligible retired or former member who was not participating in the Survivor Benefit Plan could elect to participate in the Plan and also elect to participate in the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan, (2) a current participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan who was not participating at the maximum base amount could elect to participate in the Plan at a higher base amount or provide coverage for a previously uncovered spouse or former spouse, and (3) a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan at the maximum level who was providing annuity coverage for a spouse or former spouse could elect to participate in the Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan, and directed the Secretary of Defense to submit to committees of Congress a report on the open season not later than June 1, 1990.
Definitions for 1989 Amendments
Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1406, Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1588, as amended by Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §653(a)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1388, provided that: "For the purpose of this title [see Short Title of 1989 Amendment note set out under section 1447 of this title]:
"(1) The term 'Survivor Benefit Plan' means the program established under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code.
"(2) The term 'retired pay' includes retainer pay paid under section 6330 [now 8330] of title 10, United States Code.
"(3) The terms 'uniformed services' and 'Secretary concerned' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
"(4) The term 'SBP premium' means the reduction in retired pay required as a condition of providing an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(5) The term 'base amount' has the meaning given that term in section 1447(2) [see 1447(6)] of title 10, United States Code."
Annuity for Surviving Spouses of Members Who Died Before November 1, 1953, and Who Were Entitled to Retired or Retainer Pay on Date of Death
Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §653, Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1991, as amended by Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(d)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2858; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §645(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1801, provided that:
"(a) Annuity.—(1) The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity to the qualified surviving spouse of each member of the uniformed services who—
"(A) died before November 1, 1953; and
"(B) was entitled to retired or retainer pay on the date of death.
"(2) A qualified surviving spouse for purposes of this section is a surviving spouse who has not remarried and who is eligible for an annuity under section 4 of Public Law 92–425 (10 U.S.C. 1448 note).
"(b) Amount of Annuity.—(1) An annuity payable under this section shall be paid at the rate of $165 per month, as adjusted from time to time under subsection (c).
"(2) An annuity paid to a surviving spouse under this section shall be reduced by the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) to which the surviving spouse is entitled under section 1311(a) of title 38, United States Code.
"(c) Cost-of-Living Increases.—Whenever retired or retainer pay is increased under section 1401a(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, each annuity that is payable under this section shall be increased at the same time and by the same total percent. The amount of the increase shall be based on the monthly annuity payable before any reduction under this section.
"(d) Relationship to Other Programs.—(1) An annuity paid to a surviving spouse under this section is in addition to any pension to which the surviving spouse is entitled under subchapter III of chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, or section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978 (38 U.S.C. 1521 note), and any payment made under the provisions of section 4 of Public Law 92–425. An annuity paid under this section shall not be considered as income for the purposes of eligibility for any such pension.
"(2) Payment of annuities under this section shall be made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In making such payments, the Secretary shall combine the payment under this section with the payment of any amount due the same person under section 4 of Public Law 92–425 (10 U.S.C. 1448 note), as provided in subsection (e)(1) of that section. The Secretary concerned shall transfer amounts for payments under this section to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the same manner as is provided under subsection (e)(2) of section 4 of Public Law 92–425 for payments under that section.
"(e) Definitions.—For purposes of this section:
"(1) The terms 'uniformed services' and 'Secretary concerned' have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of title 37, United States Code.
"(2) The term 'surviving spouse' has the meaning given the terms 'widow' and 'widower' in paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively, of section 1447 [see 1447(7), (8)] of title 10, United States Code.
"(f) Effective Date.—Annuities under this section shall be paid for months beginning after the month in which this Act is enacted [September 1988]. No benefit shall accrue to any person by reason of the enactment of this section for any period before the first month referred to in the preceding sentence. No benefit shall be paid to any person under this section unless an application for such benefit has been filed with the Secretary concerned by or on behalf of such person."
Authority for Certain Remarried Survivor Benefit Plan Participants To Withdraw From Plan
Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VI, §631, Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1104, provided that:
"(a) Authority To Withdraw.—(1) An individual who is a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, and is described in paragraph (2) may, with the consent of such individual's spouse, withdraw from participation in the Plan.
"(2) An individual referred to in paragraph (1) is an individual who—
"(A) is providing coverage for a spouse or for a spouse and child under the Plan; and
"(B) remarried before March 1, 1986, and at a time when such individual was a participant in the Plan but did not have an eligible spouse beneficiary under the Plan.
"(b) Applicable Provisions.—An election under subsection (a) shall be subject to subparagraphs (B) and (D) [see (E)] of section 1448(a)(6) of title 10, United States Code, except that in applying such subparagraph (B) to subsection (a), the one-year period referred to in clause (ii) of such subparagraph shall extend until the end of the one-year period beginning 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 1987].
"(c) Treatment of Prior Contributions.—No refund of amounts by which the retired pay of a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan has been reduced by reason of section 1452 of title 10, United States Code, may be made to an individual who withdraws from the Survivor Benefit Plan under subsection (a)."
Option for Certain Participants To Withdraw From Survivor Benefit Plan
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §711(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 670, provided that person who during period Oct. 19, 1984, to Nov. 8, 1985, became participant in Survivor Benefit Plan under this subchapter could withdraw from Plan before end of one-year period beginning on Nov. 8, 1985, and receive refund of contributions plus interest.
Persons Covered Under Subsections (d) and (f)
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §712(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 671, provided that:
"(1) Section 1448(d) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), applies to the surviving spouse and dependent children of a person who dies on active duty after September 20, 1972, and the former spouse of a person who dies after September 7, 1982.
"(2) In the case of the surviving spouse and children of a person who dies during the period beginning on September 21, 1972, and ending on October 1, 1985, the Secretary concerned shall take appropriate steps to locate persons eligible for an annuity under section 1448(d) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a). Any such person must submit an application to the Secretary for such an annuity before October 1, 1988, to be eligible to receive such annuity. Any such annuity shall be effective only for months after the month in which the Secretary receives such application."
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §713(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 672, provided that:
"(1) Section 1448(f) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply to the surviving spouse and dependent children of any person who dies after September 30, 1978, and the former spouse of a person who dies after September 7, 1982.
"(2) In the case of the surviving spouse and dependents of a person who dies during the period beginning on September 30, 1978, and ending on October 1, 1985, the Secretary concerned shall take appropriate steps to locate persons eligible for an annuity under section 1448(f) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Any such person must submit an application to the Secretary for such an annuity before October 1, 1988, to be eligible to receive such annuity. Any such annuity shall be effective only for months after the month in which the Secretary receives such application."
Revision for Former Spouse Coverage Already in Effect
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §716(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 674, as amended by Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §645, Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3887, provided that person who before Mar. 1, 1986, made election under subsec. (b) of this section to provide annuity for former spouse could change that election to provide annuity for former spouse and dependent children, even though former spouse had died, but such election had to be made not later than Mar. 1, 1987, in case of person who made election before Nov. 8, 1985, and not later than end of one-year period beginning on Nov. 14, 1986, in case of person who made election during period of Nov. 8, 1985, to Feb. 28, 1986.
One-Year Open Period To Switch Computation of SBP Annuity
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §723(c), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 677, provided that person who, before effective date of title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 (see Effective Date of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1447 of this title) participated in Survivor Benefit Plan under this subchapter, and had elected to provide annuity to former spouse could, with concurrence of such former spouse, elect to terminate such annuity and provide annuity to such former spouse under section 1450(a)(1) of this title, and any such election was to be made before end of 12-month period beginning on Nov. 8, 1985.
One-Year Open Period for New Former Spouse Coverage
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §723(d), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 677, provided that person who before effective date of part B of title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 (see Effective Date of 1985 Amendment note set out under section 1447 of this title) was participant in Survivor Benefit Plan and did not elect to provide annuity to former spouse could elect to provide annuity to former spouse under Plan, and that any such election was to be made before end of 12-month period beginning on Nov. 8, 1985.
Open Enrollment Period for Survivor Benefit Plan
Pub. L. 97–35, title II, §212, Aug. 13, 1981, 95 Stat. 383, as amended by Pub. L. 97–252, title XI, §1119, Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 753, provided that certain members or former members of the uniformed services who, on Aug. 13, 1981, were not participants in the Survivor Benefit Plan established under this subchapter or were not participants in the Plan at the maximum level, could elect to participate in the Plan or to participate in the Plan at a higher level, during an open enrollment period beginning Oct. 1, 1981, and ending Sept. 30, 1982, for members and former members entitled to retired or retainer pay on Aug. 13, 1981, or beginning on Oct. 1, 1982, and ending on Sept. 30, 1983, for members or former members who on Aug. 13, 1981, would have been entitled to retired pay, but for the fact they were under 60 years of age on that date.
Surviving Spouse; Annuity Payment and Reduction Provisions; Election of Annuity; Definitions; Effective Date
Pub. L. 96–402, §5, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1707, provided that:
"(a)(1) The Secretary concerned shall pay an annuity to any individual who is the surviving spouse of a member of the uniformed services who—
"(A) died before September 21, 1972;
"(B) was serving on active duty in the uniformed services at the time of his death and had served on active duty for a period of not less than 20 years; and
"(C) was at the time of his death entitled to retired or retainer pay or would have been entitled to that pay except that he had not applied for or been granted that pay.
"(2) An annuity under paragraph (1) shall be paid under the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, in the same manner as if such member had died on or after September 21, 1972.
"(b)(1) The amount of retired or retainer pay to be used as the basis for the computation of an annuity under subsection (a) is the amount of the retired or retainer pay to which the member would have been entitled if the member had been entitled to that pay based upon his years of active service when he died, adjusted by the overall percentage increase in retired and retainer pay under section 1401a of title 10, United States Code (or any prior comparable provision of law), during the period beginning on the date of the member's death and ending on the day before the effective date of this section.
"(2) In addition to any reduction required under the provisions of subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, the annuity paid to any surviving spouse under this section shall be reduced by any amount such surviving spouse is entitled to receive as an annuity under subchapter I of such chapter.
"(c) If an individual entitled to an annuity under this section is also entitled to an annuity under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, based upon a subsequent marriage, the individual may not receive both annuities but must elect which to receive.
"(d) As used in this section:
"(1) The term 'uniformed services' means the Armed Forces and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service and of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"(2) The term 'surviving spouse' has the meaning given the terms 'widow' and 'widower' in section 1447 of title 10, United States Code.
"(3) The term 'Secretary concerned' has the meaning given such term in section 101(8) of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 101(a)(9)], and includes the Secretary of Commerce, with respect to matters concerning the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with respect to matters concerning the Public Health Service."
Provision effective Dec. 1, 1980, applicable to annuities payable for months beginning on or after such date, and prohibiting accrual of benefits for any period before Oct. 9, 1980, see section 7 of Pub. L. 96–402, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Election To Participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan and Withdraw From the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan
Pub. L. 92–425, §3, Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 711, as amended by Pub. L. 93–155, title VIII, §804, Nov. 16, 1973, 87 Stat. 615, provided that:
"(a) The Survivor Benefit Plan established pursuant to clause (3) of the first section of this Act [this subchapter] applies to any person who initially becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay on or after the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972]. An election made before that date by such a person under section 1431 of title 10, United States Code, is canceled. However, a person who initially becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay within 180 days after the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972] may, within 180 days after becoming so entitled, elect—
"(1) not to participate in such Survivor Benefit Plan if he is married or has a dependent child; or
"(2) to participate in that Plan, if he is a person covered by section 1448(b) of title 10, United States Code.
"(b) Any person who is entitled to retired or retainer pay on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972] may elect to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan established pursuant to clause (3) of the first section of this Act [this subchapter] at any time within eighteen months after such date. However, such a person who is receiving retired or retainer pay reduced under section 1436(a) of title 10, United States Code, or who is depositing amounts under section 1438 of that title, may elect at any time within eighteen months after the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972]—
"(1) to participate in the Plan and continue his participation under chapter 73 of that title [this chapter] as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972], except that the total of the annuities elected may not exceed 100 percent of his retired or retainer pay; or
"(2) to participate in the Plan and, notwithstanding section 1436(b) of that title, terminate his participation under chapter 73 of that title [this chapter] as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972].
A person who elects under clause (2) of this subsection is not entitled to a refund of amounts previously deducted from his retired or retainer pay under chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code [this chapter], as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972], or any payments made thereunder on his behalf. A person who is not married or does not have a dependent child on the first anniversary of the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972], but who later marries or acquires a dependent child, may elect to participate in the Plan under the fourth sentence of section 1448(a) of that title [former subsec. (a) of this section].
"(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of the Survivor Benefit Plan established pursuant to clause (3) of the first section of this Act [this subchapter], and except as otherwise provided in this section, subchapter I of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code [subchapter I of this chapter] (other than the last two sentences of section 1436(a), section 1443, and section 1444(b)), as in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972], shall continue to apply in the case of persons, and their beneficiaries, who have elected annuities under section 1431 or 1432 of that title and who have not elected under subsection (b)(2) of this section to participate in that Plan.
"(d) In this section, 'base amount' means—
"(1) the monthly retired or retainer pay to which a person—
"(A) is entitled on the effective date of this Act [Sept. 21, 1972]; or
"(B) later becomes entitled by being advanced on the retired list, performing active duty, or being transferred from the temporary disability retired list to the permanent disability retired list; or
"(2) any amount less than that described in clause (1) designated by that person at the time he makes an election under subsection (a)(2) or (b) of this section, but not less than $300;
as increased from time to time under section 1401a of title 10, United States Code.
"(e) An election made under subsection (a) or (b) of this section is effective on the date it is received by the Secretary concerned, as defined in section 101(5) of title 37, United States Code.
"(f) Sections 1449, 1453, and 1454 of title 10, United States Code, as added by clause (3) of the first section of this Act [as part of this subchapter], are applicable to persons covered by this section."
Income Supplement for Certain Widows of Retired Members of the Uniformed Forces; Special Annuity for Widows of Commissioned Personnel of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Lieu of VA Pension
Pub. L. 92–425, §4, Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 712, as amended by Pub. L. 94–496, §2, Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §209, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 848; Pub. L. 96–402, §6, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1708; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §942(a), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 654; Pub. L. 102–40, title IV, §402(d)(2), May 7, 1991, 105 Stat. 239; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(d)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2858; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §638(a)–(c), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2581; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §645(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1801, provided that:
"(a) A person—
"(1) who, on September 21, 1972, was, or during the period beginning on September 22, 1972, and ending on March 20, 1974, became, a widow of a person who was entitled to retired or retainer pay when he died;
"(2) who is eligible for a pension under subchapter III of chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, or section 306 of the Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978 [set out as note under section 1521 of Title 38]; and
"(3) whose annual income, as determined in establishing that eligibility, is less than the maximum annual rate of pension in effect under section 1541(b) of title 38, United States Code;
shall be paid an annuity by the Secretary concerned unless she is eligible to receive an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan established pursuant to clause (3) of the first section of this Act [this subchapter]. However, such a person who is the widow of a retired officer of the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and who would otherwise be eligible for an annuity under this section except that she does not qualify for the pension described in clause (2) of this subsection because the service of her deceased spouse is not considered active duty under section 101(21) of title 38, United States Code, is entitled to an annuity under this section.
"(b) The annuity under subsection (a) of this section shall be in an amount which when added to the widow's income determined under subsection (a)(3) of this section, plus the amount of any annuity being received under sections 1431–1436 of title 10, United States Code, but exclusive of a pension described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, equals the maximum annual rate of pension in effect under section 1541(b) of title 38, United States Code. In addition, the Secretary concerned shall pay to the widow, described in the last sentence of subsection (a) of this section, an amount equal to the pension she would otherwise have been eligible to receive under subchapter III of chapter 15 of title 38, United States Code, if the service of her deceased spouse was considered active duty under section 101(21) of that title.
"(c) The amount of an annuity payable under this section, although counted as income in determining the amount of any pension described in subsection (a)(2) of this section, shall not be considered to affect the eligiblity [sic] of the recipient of such annuity for such pension, even though, as a result of including the amount of the annuity as income, no amount of such pension is due.
"(d) Subsection 1450(i) and section 1453 as added to title 10, United States Code, by clause 3 of the first section of this Act, are applicable to persons covered by this section.
"(e)(1) Payment of annuities under this section shall be made by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In making such payments, the Secretary shall combine with the payment under this section payment of any amount due the same person under section 653(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989 [Pub. L. 100–456] (10 U.S.C. 1448 note). If appropriate for administrative convenience (or otherwise determined appropriate by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs), that Secretary may combine a payment to any person for any month under this section (and, if applicable, under section 653(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 1989) with any other payment for that month under laws administered by the Secretary so as to provide that person with a single payment for that month.
"(2) The Secretary concerned shall annually transfer to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs such amounts as may be necessary for payments by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs under this section and for costs of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in administering this section. Such transfers shall be made from amounts that would otherwise be used for payment of annuities by the Secretary concerned under this section. The authority to make such a transfer is in addition to any other authority of the Secretary concerned to transfer funds for a purpose other than the purpose for which the funds were originally made available. In the case of a transfer by the Secretary of a military department, the provisions of section 2215 of title 10, United States Code, do not apply.
"(3) The Secretary concerned shall promptly notify the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of any change in beneficiaries under this section."
[Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §638(d), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2581, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending section 4 of Pub. L. 92–425, set out above] take effect on July 1, 1997, and apply with respect to payments of benefits for any month after June 1997."]
[Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §942(b), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 654, provided that: "Any annuity payable by reason of subsection (a) [amending section 4(a)(1) of Pub. L. 92–425, set out above] shall be payable only for months after September 1983."]
End of 90-Day Period With Respect to Certain Individuals
The 90-day period, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), (4)(B), with respect to certain individuals shall be considered to end on Mar. 31, 1980, see section 208 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
§1448a. Election to discontinue participation: one-year opportunity after second anniversary of commencement of payment of retired pay
(a) Authority.—A participant in the Plan may, subject to the provisions of this section, elect to discontinue participation in the Plan at any time during the one-year period beginning on the second anniversary of the date on which payment of retired pay to the participant commences.
(b) Concurrence of Spouse.—
(1) Concurrence required.—A married participant may not (except as provided in paragraph (2)) make an election under subsection (a) without the concurrence of the participant's spouse.
(2) Exceptions.—A participant may make such an election without the concurrence of the participant's spouse by establishing to the satisfaction of the Secretary concerned that one of the conditions specified in section 1448(a)(3)(C) of this title exists.
(3) Form of concurrence.—The concurrence of a spouse under paragraph (1) shall be made in such written form and shall contain such information as may be required under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
(c) Limitation on Election When Former Spouse Coverage in Effect.—The limitation set forth in section 1450(f)(2) of this title applies to an election to discontinue participation in the Plan under subsection (a).
(d) Withdrawal of Election To Discontinue.—Section 1448(b)(1)(D) of this title applies to an election under subsection (a).
(e) Consequences of Discontinuation.—Section 1448(b)(1)(E) of this title applies to an election under subsection (a).
(f) Notice to Affected Beneficiaries.—The Secretary concerned shall notify any former spouse or other natural person previously designated under section 1448(b) of this title of an election to discontinue participation under subsection (a).
(g) Effective Date of Election.—An election under subsection (a) is effective as of the first day of the first calendar month following the month in which the election is received by the Secretary concerned.
(h) Inapplicability of Irrevocability Provisions.—Paragraphs (4)(B) and (5)(C) of section 1448(a) of this title do not apply to prevent an election under subsection (a).
(Added Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §641(a)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1797.)
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §641(c), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1799, provided that: "Section 1448a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997]."
Transition Provision for Current Participants
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §641(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1798, provided that: "Notwithstanding the limitation on the time for making an election under section 1448a of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), that is specified in subsection (a) of such section, a participant in the Survivor Benefit Plan under subchapter II of chapter 73 of such title may make an election in accordance with that section within one year after the effective date of that section under subsection (c) [set out as an Effective Date note above] if the second anniversary of the commencement of payment of retired pay to the participant precedes that effective date."
§1449. Mental incompetency of member
(a) Election by Secretary Concerned on Behalf of Mentally Incompetent Member.—If a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies is determined to be mentally incompetent by medical officers of the armed force concerned or of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, an election described in subsection (a)(2) or (b) of section 1448 of this title may be made on behalf of that person by the Secretary concerned.
(b) Revocation of Election by Member.—
(1) Authority upon subsequent determination of mental competence.—If a person for whom the Secretary has made an election under subsection (a) is later determined to be mentally competent by an authority named in that subsection, that person may, within 180 days after that determination, revoke that election.
(2) Deductions from retired pay or CRSC not to be refunded.—Any deduction made from retired pay or combat-related special compensation by reason of such an election may not be refunded.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 708; amended Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §207(a), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 848; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(a)(3), title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1588, 1602; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2560; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §643(c)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2166.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2016—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–328 inserted "or CRSC" after "retired pay" in heading and "or combat-related special compensation" after "from retired pay" in text.
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "If a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies is determined to be mentally incompetent by medical officers of the armed force concerned or of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, any election described in subsection (a)(2) or (b) of section 1448 of this title may be made on behalf of that person by the Secretary concerned. If the person for whom the Secretary has made an election is later determined to be mentally competent by an authority named in the first sentence, he may, within 180 days after that determination revoke that election. Any deductions made from retired pay by reason of such an election will not be refunded."
1989—Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration" and struck out "or retainer" after "made from retired".
1978—Pub. L. 95–397 substituted "subsection (a)(2) or (b)" for "the first sentence of subsection (a), or subsection (b)".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–397 effective Oct. 1, 1978, and applicable to annuities payable by virtue of amendment for months beginning on or after such date, see section 210 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
§1450. Payment of annuity: beneficiaries
(a) In General.—Effective as of the first day after the death of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies (or on such other day as that person may provide under subsection (j)), a monthly annuity under section 1451 of this title shall be paid to the person's beneficiaries under the Plan, as follows:
(1) Surviving spouse or former spouse.—The eligible surviving spouse or the eligible former spouse.
(2) Surviving children.—The surviving dependent children in equal shares, if the eligible surviving spouse or the eligible former spouse is dead, dies, or otherwise becomes ineligible under this section.
(3) Dependent children.—The dependent children in equal shares if the person to whom section 1448 of this title applies (with the concurrence of the person's spouse, if required under section 1448(a)(3) of this title) elected to provide an annuity for dependent children but not for the spouse or former spouse.
(4) Special needs trusts for sole benefit of certain dependent children.—Notwithstanding subsection (i), a supplemental or special needs trust established under subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396p(d)(4)) for the sole benefit of a dependent child considered disabled under section 1614(a)(3) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 1382c(a)(3)) who is incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity.
(5) Natural person designated under "insurable interest" coverage.—The natural person designated under section 1448(b)(1) of this title, unless the election to provide an annuity to the natural person has been changed as provided in subsection (f).
(b) Termination of Annuity for Death, Remarriage Before Age 55, Etc.—
(1) General rule.—An annuity payable to the beneficiary terminates effective as of the first day of the month in which eligibility is lost.
(2) Termination of spouse annuity upon death or remarriage before age 55.—An annuity for a surviving spouse or former spouse shall be paid to the surviving spouse or former spouse while the surviving spouse or former spouse is living or, if the surviving spouse or former spouse remarries before reaching age 55, until the surviving spouse or former spouse remarries.
(3) Effect of termination of subsequent marriage before age 55.—If the surviving spouse or former spouse remarries before reaching age 55 and that marriage is terminated by death, annulment, or divorce, payment of the annuity shall be resumed effective as of the first day of the month in which the marriage is so terminated. However, if the surviving spouse or former spouse is also entitled to an annuity under the Plan based upon the marriage so terminated, the surviving spouse or former spouse may not receive both annuities but must elect which to receive.
(c) Offset for Amount of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.—
(1) Required offset.—If, upon the death of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies, the surviving spouse or former spouse of that person is also entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation under section 1311(a) of title 38, the surviving spouse or former spouse may be paid an annuity under this section, but only in the amount calculated as follows:
(A) During the period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 31, 2020, the amount that the annuity otherwise payable under this section would exceed such dependency and indemnity compensation.
(B) During the period beginning on January 1, 2021, and ending on December 31, 2021, the amount that the annuity otherwise payable under this section would exceed two-thirds of such dependency and indemnity compensation.
(C) During the period beginning on January 1, 2022, and ending on December 31, 2022, the amount that the annuity otherwise payable under this section would exceed one-third of such dependency and indemnity compensation.
(D) On and after January 1, 2023, the full amount of the annuity under this section.
(2) Effective date of offset.—A reduction in an annuity under this section required by paragraph (1) shall be effective on the date of the commencement of the period of payment of such dependency and indemnity compensation under title 38.
(3) Limitation on recoupment of offset amount.—Any amount subject to offset under this subsection that was previously paid to the surviving spouse or former spouse shall be recouped only to the extent that the amount paid exceeds any amount to be refunded under subsection (e). In notifying a surviving spouse or former spouse of the recoupment requirement, the Secretary shall provide the spouse or former spouse—
(A) a single notice of the net amount to be recouped or the net amount to be refunded, as applicable, under this subsection or subsection (e);
(B) a written explanation of the statutory requirements for recoupment of the offset amount and for refund of any applicable amount deducted from retired pay;
(C) a detailed accounting of how the offset amount being recouped and retired pay deduction amount being refunded were calculated; and
(D) contact information for a person who can provide information about the offset recoupment and retired pay deduction refund processes and answer questions the surviving spouse or former spouse may have about the requirements, processes, or amounts.
(d) Limitation on Payment of Annuities When Coverage Under Civil Service Retirement Elected.—If, upon the death of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies, that person had in effect a waiver of that person's retired pay for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 or chapter 84 of such title, an annuity under this section shall not be payable unless, in accordance with section 8339(j) or 8416(a) of title 5, that person notified the Office of Personnel Management that he did not desire any spouse surviving him to receive an annuity under section 8341(b) or 8442(a) of that title.
(e) Refund of Amounts Deducted From Retired Pay or CRSC When DIC Offset Is Applicable.—
(1) Full refund when dic greater than sbp annuity.—If an annuity under this section is not payable because of subsection (c), any amount deducted from the retired pay or combat-related special compensation of the deceased under section 1452 of this title shall be refunded to the surviving spouse or former spouse.
(2) Partial refund when sbp annuity reduced by dic.—If, because of subsection (c), the annuity payable is less than the amount established under section 1451 of this title, the annuity payable shall be recalculated under that section. The amount of the reduction in the retired pay required to provide that recalculated annuity shall be computed under section 1452 of this title, and the difference between the amount deducted before the computation of that recalculated annuity and the amount that would have been deducted on the basis of that recalculated annuity shall be refunded to the surviving spouse or former spouse.
(f) Change in Election of Insurable Interest or Former Spouse Beneficiary.—
(1) Authorized changes.—
(A) Election in favor of spouse or child.—A person who elects to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under section 1448(b) of this title may, subject to paragraph (2), change that election and provide an annuity to his spouse or dependent child.
(B) Notice.—The Secretary concerned shall notify the former spouse or other natural person previously designated under section 1448(b) of this title of any change of election under subparagraph (A).
(C) Procedures, effective date, etc.—Any such change of election is subject to the same rules with respect to execution, revocation, and effectiveness as are set forth in section 1448(a)(5) of this title (without regard to the eligibility of the person making the change of election to make such an election under that section). Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a change of election under this subsection to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse may (subject to paragraph (2)) be made at any time after the person providing the annuity remarries without regard to the time limitation in section 1448(a)(5)(B) of this title.
(2) Limitation on change in beneficiary when former spouse coverage in effect.—A person who, incident to a proceeding of divorce, dissolution, or annulment, is required by a court order to elect under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse (or to both a former spouse and child), or who enters into a written agreement (whether voluntary or required by a court order) to make such an election, and who makes an election pursuant to such order or agreement, may not change that election under paragraph (1) unless, of the following requirements, whichever are applicable in a particular case are satisfied:
(A) In a case in which the election is required by a court order, or in which an agreement to make the election has been incorporated in or ratified or approved by a court order, the person—
(i) furnishes to the Secretary concerned a certified copy of a court order which is regular on its face and which modifies the provisions of all previous court orders relating to such election, or the agreement to make such election, so as to permit the person to change the election; and
(ii) certifies to the Secretary concerned that the court order is valid and in effect.
(B) In a case of a written agreement that has not been incorporated in or ratified or approved by a court order, the person—
(i) furnishes to the Secretary concerned a statement, in such form as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, signed by the former spouse and evidencing the former spouse's agreement to a change in the election under paragraph (1); and
(ii) certifies to the Secretary concerned that the statement is current and in effect.
(3) Required former spouse election to be deemed to have been made.—
(A) Deemed election upon request by former spouse.—If a person described in paragraph (2) or (3) of section 1448(b) of this title is required (as described in subparagraph (B)) to elect under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse and such person then fails or refuses to make such an election, such person shall be deemed to have made such an election if the Secretary concerned receives the following:
(i) Request from former spouse.—A written request, in such manner as the Secretary shall prescribe, from the former spouse concerned requesting that such an election be deemed to have been made.
(ii) Copy of court order or other official statement.—Either—
(I) a copy of the court order, regular on its face, which requires such election or incorporates, ratifies, or approves the written agreement of such person; or
(II) a statement from the clerk of the court (or other appropriate official) that such agreement has been filed with the court in accordance with applicable State law.
(B) Persons required to make election.—A person shall be considered for purposes of subparagraph (A) to be required to elect under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse if—
(i) the person enters, incident to a proceeding of divorce, dissolution, or annulment, into a written agreement to make such an election and the agreement (I) has been incorporated in or ratified or approved by a court order, or (II) has been filed with the court of appropriate jurisdiction in accordance with applicable State law; or
(ii) the person is required by a court order to make such an election.
(C) Time limit for request by former spouse.—An election may not be deemed to have been made under subparagraph (A) in the case of any person unless the Secretary concerned receives a request from the former spouse of the person within one year of the date of the court order or filing involved.
(D) Effective date of deemed election.—An election deemed to have been made under subparagraph (A) shall become effective on the day referred to in section 1448(b)(3)(E)(ii) of this title.
(4) Former spouse coverage may be required by court order.—A court order may require a person to elect (or to enter into an agreement to elect) under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse (or to both a former spouse and child).
(g) Limitation on Changing or Revoking Elections.—
(1) In general.—An election under this section may not be changed or revoked.
(2) Exceptions.—Paragraph (1) does not apply to—
(A) a revocation of an election under section 1449(b) of this title; or
(B) a change in an election under subsection (f).
(h) Treatment of Annuities Under Other Laws.—Except as provided in section 1451 of this title, an annuity under this section is in addition to any other payment to which a person is entitled under any other provision of law. Such annuity shall be considered as income under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
(i) Annuities Exempt From Certain Legal Process.—Except as provided in subsection (a)(4) or (l)(3)(B), an annuity under this section is not assignable or subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment, or other legal process.
(j) Effective Date of Reserve-Component Annuities.—
(1) Persons making section 1448(e) designation.—A reserve-component annuity shall be effective in accordance with the designation made under section 1448(e) of this title by the person providing the annuity.
(2) Persons dying before making section 1448(e) designation.—An annuity payable under section 1448(f) of this title shall be effective on the day after the date of the death of the person upon whose service the right to the annuity is based.
(k) Adjustment of Spouse or Former Spouse Annuity Upon Loss of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.—
(1) Readjustment if beneficiary 55 years of age or more.—If a surviving spouse or former spouse whose annuity has been adjusted under subsection (c) subsequently loses entitlement to dependency and indemnity compensation under section 1311(a) of title 38 because of the remarriage of the surviving spouse, or former spouse, and if at the time of such remarriage the surviving spouse or former spouse is 55 years of age or more, the amount of the annuity of the surviving spouse or former spouse shall be readjusted, effective on the effective date of such loss of dependency and indemnity compensation, to the amount of the annuity which would be in effect with respect to the surviving spouse or former spouse if the adjustment under subsection (c) had never been made.
(2) Repayment of amounts previously refunded.—
(A) General rule.—A surviving spouse or former spouse whose annuity is readjusted under paragraph (1) shall repay any amount refunded under subsection (e) by reason of the adjustment under subsection (c).
(B) Interest required if repayment not a lump sum.—If the repayment is not made in a lump sum, the surviving spouse or former spouse shall pay interest on the amount to be repaid. Such interest shall commence on the date on which the first such payment is due and shall be applied over the period during which any part of the repayment remains to be paid.
(C) Manner of repayment; rate of interest.—The manner in which such repayment shall be made, and the rate of any such interest, shall be prescribed in regulations under section 1455 of this title.
(D) Deposit of amounts repaid.—An amount repaid under this paragraph (including any such interest) received by the Secretary of Defense shall be deposited into the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund. Any other amount repaid under this paragraph shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.
(l) Participants in the Plan Who Are Missing.—
(1) Authority to presume death of missing participant.—
(A) In general.—Upon application of the beneficiary of a participant in the Plan who is missing, the Secretary concerned may determine for purposes of this subchapter that the participant is presumed dead.
(B) Participant who is missing.—A participant in the Plan is considered to be missing for purposes of this subsection if—
(i) the retired pay of the participant has been suspended on the basis that the participant is missing; or
(ii) in the case of a participant in the Plan who would be eligible for reserve-component retired pay but for the fact that he is under 60 years of age, his retired pay, if he were entitled to retired pay, would be suspended on the basis that he is missing.
(C) Requirements applicable to presumption of death.—Any such determination shall be made in accordance with regulations prescribed under section 1455 of this title. The Secretary concerned may not make a determination for purposes of this subchapter that a participant who is missing is presumed dead unless the Secretary finds that—
(i) the participant has been missing for at least 30 days; and
(ii) the circumstances under which the participant is missing would lead a reasonably prudent person to conclude that the participant is dead.
(2) Commencement of annuity.—Upon a determination under paragraph (1) with respect to a participant in the Plan, an annuity otherwise payable under this subchapter shall be paid as if the participant died on the date as of which the retired pay of the participant was suspended.
(3) Effect of person not being dead.—
(A) Termination of annuity.—If, after a determination under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned determines that the participant is alive—
(i) any annuity being paid under this subchapter by reason of this subsection shall be terminated; and
(ii) the total amount of any annuity payments made by reason of this subsection shall constitute a debt to the United States.
(B) Collection from participant of annuity amounts erroneously paid.—A debt under subparagraph (A)(ii) may be collected or offset—
(i) from any retired pay otherwise payable to the participant;
(ii) if the participant is entitled to compensation under chapter 11 of title 38, from that compensation; or
(iii) if the participant is entitled to any other payment from the United States, from that payment.
(C) Collection from beneficiary.—If the participant dies before the full recovery of the amount of annuity payments described in subparagraph (A)(ii) has been made by the United States, the remaining amount of such annuity payments may be collected from the participant's beneficiary under the Plan if that beneficiary was the recipient of the annuity payments made by reason of this subsection.
(m) Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance.—
(1) Provision of allowance.—The Secretary concerned shall pay a monthly special survivor indemnity allowance under this subsection to the surviving spouse or former spouse of a member of the uniformed services to whom section 1448 of this title applies if—
(A) the surviving spouse or former spouse is entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation under section 1311(a) of title 38;
(B) except for subsection (c) of this section, the surviving spouse or former spouse is eligible for an annuity by reason of a participant in the Plan under subsection (a)(1) of section 1448 of this title or by reason of coverage under subsection (d) or (f) of such section; and
(C) the eligibility of the surviving spouse or former spouse for an annuity as described in subparagraph (B) is affected by subsection (c) of this section.
(2) Amount of payment.—Subject to paragraph (3), the amount of the allowance paid to an eligible survivor under paragraph (1) for a month shall be equal to—
(A) for months during fiscal year 2009, $50;
(B) for months during fiscal year 2010, $60;
(C) for months during fiscal year 2011, $70;
(D) for months during fiscal year 2012, $80;
(E) for months during fiscal year 2013, $90;
(F) for months during fiscal year 2014, $150;
(G) for months during fiscal year 2015, $200;
(H) for months during fiscal year 2016, $275;
(I) for months from October 2016 through November 2018, $310; and
(J) for months after November 2018, the amount determined in accordance with paragraph (6).
(3) Limitation.—The amount of the allowance paid to an eligible survivor under paragraph (1) for any month may not exceed the amount of the annuity for that month that is subject to offset under subsection (c).
(4) Status of payments.—An allowance paid under this subsection does not constitute an annuity, and amounts so paid are not subject to adjustment under any other provision of law.
(5) Source of funds.—The special survivor indemnity allowance shall be paid from amounts in the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund established under section 1461 of this title.
(6) Cost-of-living adjustments after november 2018.—
(A) In general.—Whenever retired pay is increased for a month under section 1401a of this title (or any other provision of law), the amount of the allowance payable under paragraph (1) for that month shall also be increased.
(B) Amount of increase.—With respect to an eligible survivor of a member of the uniformed services, the increase for a month shall be—
(i) the amount payable pursuant to paragraph (2) for months during the preceding 12-month period; plus
(ii) an amount equal to a percentage of the amount determined pursuant to clause (i), which percentage is the percentage by which the retired pay of the member would have increased for the month, as described in subparagraph (A), if the member was alive (and otherwise entitled to such pay).
(C) Rounding down.—The monthly amount of an allowance payable under this subsection, if not a multiple of $1, shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1.
(D) Public notice on amount of allowance payable.—Whenever an increase in the amount of the allowance payable under paragraph (1) is made pursuant to this paragraph, the Secretary of Defense shall publish the amount of the allowance so payable by reason of such increase, including the months for which payable.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 708; amended Pub. L. 94–496, §1(3), (4), Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §§203, 207(b), (c), Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 845, 848; Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(3), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 97–252, title X, §1003(c), (d), Sept. 8, 1982, 96 Stat. 736; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §941(a)(3), (c)(3), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 653; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §§642(b), 644, Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2546, 2548; Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §§713(b), 717, 718, 719(4)–(6), (8)(A), 722, 723(a), (b)(1), title XIII, §1303(a)(11), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 672, 674-677, 739; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §§641(a), (b)(2), (3), 643(a), title XIII, §1343(a)(8)(C), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3885, 3886, 3992; Pub. L. 100–26, §3(3), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 273; Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VI, §636(a), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1106; Pub. L. 100–224, §5(b)(1), Dec. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 1538; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(a)(2)–(4), title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1588, 1602; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(e)(3), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2859; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2561; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §642(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1799; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VI, §643(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2048; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §655(c)(4)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-166; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §§643(a), 644, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 157, 158; Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VI, §631(a), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4492; Pub. L. 111–31, div. B, title II, §201, June 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 1857; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VI, §641(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1783; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VI, §624(a)(1), (2)(A), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3403; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §§642(d), 643(c)(2), 646, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2165, 2166, 2168; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §621, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1427; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VI, §622(a), (b), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1799; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(a)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1427.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "calculated as follows:" for "that the annuity otherwise payable under this section would exceed that compensation." and added subpars. (A) to (D).
2018—Subsec. (m)(2)(I). Pub. L. 115–232, §622(a)(1), substituted "November" for "December".
Subsec. (m)(2)(J). Pub. L. 115–232, §622(a)(2), substituted "for months after November 2018" for "for months during any calendar year after 2018".
Subsec. (m)(6). Pub. L. 115–232, §622(b), substituted "after november 2018" for "after 2018" in heading, added subpars. (A) to (D), and struck out former subpars. (A) and (B) which read as follows:
"(A) In general.—The amount of the allowance payable under paragraph (1) for months during any calendar year beginning after 2018 shall be—
"(i) the amount payable pursuant to paragraph (2) for months during the preceding calendar year, plus
"(ii) an amount equal to the percentage of the amount determined pursuant to clause (i) which percentage is equal to the percentage increase in retired pay of members and former members of the armed forces for such calendar year under section 1401a of this title.
"(B) Public notice on amount of allowance payable.—The Secretary of Defense shall publish in the Federal Register each year the amount of the allowance payable under paragraph (1) for months in such year by reason of the operation of this paragraph."
2017—Subsec. (m)(2)(I), (J). Pub. L. 115–91, §621(1), added subpars. (I) and (J) and struck out former subpar. (I) which read as follows: "for months during each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018, $310."
Subsec. (m)(6). Pub. L. 115–91, §621(2), added par. (6) and struck out former par. (6). Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "This subsection shall only apply with respect to the month beginning on October 1, 2008, and subsequent months through the month ending on May 31, 2018. Effective on June 1, 2018, the authority provided by this subsection shall terminate. No special survivor indemnity allowance may be paid to any person by reason of this subsection for any period before October 1, 2008, or beginning on or after June 1, 2018."
2016—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(c)(2)(A), inserted "or CRSC" after "Retired Pay" in heading.
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(c)(2)(B), inserted "or combat-related special compensation" after "from the retired pay".
Subsec. (m)(1)(B). Pub. L. 114–328, §642(d), inserted "or (f)" after "subsection (d)".
Subsec. (m)(2)(I). Pub. L. 114–328, §646(1), substituted "each of fiscal years 2017 and 2018" for "fiscal year 2017".
Subsec. (m)(6). Pub. L. 114–328, §646(2), substituted "May 31, 2018" for "September 30, 2017" and substituted "June 1, 2018" for "October 1, 2017" in two places.
2014—Subsec. (a)(4), (5). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(a)(1), added par. (4) and redesignated former par. (4) as (5).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(a)(2)(A), inserted "(a)(4) or" after "subsection".
2013—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted "or chapter 84 of such title" after "chapter 83 of title 5", "or 8416(a)" after "8339(j)", and "or 8442(a)" after "8341(b)".
2009—Subsec. (m)(2)(F) to (I). Pub. L. 111–31, §201(a), added subpars. (F) to (I) and struck out former subpar. (F) which read as follows: "for months after fiscal year 2013, $100."
Subsec. (m)(6). Pub. L. 111–31, §201(b), substituted "September 30, 2017" for "February 28, 2016" and substituted "October 1, 2017" for "March 1, 2016" in two places.
2008—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 110–181, §643(a), added par. (3).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 110–181, §644, added subsec. (m).
Subsec. (m)(1)(B). Pub. L. 110–417 substituted "subsection (a)(1) of section 1448 of this title or by reason of coverage under subsection (d) of such section" for "section 1448(a)(1) of this title".
2000—Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 106–398 substituted "A reserve-component annuity shall be effective in accordance with the designation made under section 1448(e) of this title by the person providing the annuity." for "An annuity elected by a person providing a reserve-component annuity shall be effective in accordance with the designation made by such person under section 1448(e) of this title."
1998—Subsec. (f)(3)(D). Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "the day referred to in section 1448(b)(3)(E)(ii) of this title" for "the first day of the first month which begins after the date of the court order or filing involved".
1997—Subsec. (f)(1)(C). Pub. L. 105–85 inserted at end "Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, a change of election under this subsection to provide an annuity to a spouse instead of a former spouse may (subject to paragraph (2)) be made at any time after the person providing the annuity remarries without regard to the time limitation in section 1448(a)(5)(B) of this title."
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally, revising and restating provisions relating to payment of annuities and beneficiaries and inserting subsec., par., and subpar. headings.
1994—Subsecs. (c), (k)(1). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "section 1311(a) of title 38" for "section 411(a) of title 38".
1989—Subsec. (f)(3)(B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(4), substituted "within one year of the date of the court order or filing involved" for "before October 1, 1985, or within one year of the date of the court order or filing involved, whichever is later".
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–189, §1621(a)(1), substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration".
Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(2), substituted "reserve-component retired pay" for "retired pay under chapter 67 of this title".
Subsec. (l)(2). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(3), struck out "or retainer" after "of which the retired".
1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–26, §3(3), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 99–661, §643(a). See 1986 Amendment note below.
Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 100–224 struck out second of two commas after "required by a court order to make such an election".
Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 100–180 substituted "55 years of age" for "60 years of age".
1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–661, §643(a), as amended by Pub. L. 100–26, §3(3), substituted "age 55" for "age 60" in two places.
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–661, §1343(a)(8)(C), substituted "entitled to dependency and indemnity compensation" for "entitled to compensation".
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(b)(2)(A), substituted "is required by a court order to elect under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse (or to both a former spouse and child), or who enters into a written agreement (whether voluntary or required by a court order) to make such an election, and who makes an election pursuant to such order or agreement," for "enters into a voluntary written agreement to elect under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse and who makes an election pursuant to such agreement".
Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(b)(2)(B), substituted "in a case in which the election is required by a court order, or in which an agreement to make the election" for "in a case in which such agreement".
Subsec. (f)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(b)(2)(C), substituted "relating to such election, or the agreement to make such election," for "relating to the agreement to make such election".
Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(b)(2)(D), substituted "of a written agreement that" for "in which such agreement".
Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(b)(3), struck out "voluntary" before "written agreement" in two places, inserted "or if such person is required by a court order to make such an election," after "applicable" and inserted "requires such election or" after "on its face, which".
Subsec. (f)(4). Pub. L. 99–661, §641(a), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "Nothing in this chapter authorizes any court to order any person to elect under section 1448(b) of this title to provide an annuity to a former spouse unless such person has voluntarily agreed in writing to make such election."
1985—Subsec. (a)(1), (2). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(a)(1), inserted "or the eligible former spouse" after "widow or widower".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(a)(2), inserted "(with the concurrence of the person's spouse, if required under section 1448(a)(3) of this title)" after "title applies", and "or former spouse" after "the spouse".
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(a)(3), struck out "former spouse or other" before "natural person" in two places.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(b)(1), substituted "widow, widower, or former spouse" for "widow or widower" in eight places.
Pub. L. 99–145, §719(4), substituted "under the Plan" for "under this section".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(b)(1), substituted "widow, widower, or former spouse" for "widow or widower" in two places.
Pub. L. 99–145, §718, inserted provision respecting the effective date of the dependency and indemnity compensation offset.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay" in two places.
Pub. L. 99–145, §723(b)(1), substituted "widow, widower, or former spouse" for "widow or widower" in two places.
Subsec. (f)(3)(A). Pub. L. 99–145, §722(1), inserted "or has been filed with the court of appropriate jurisdiction in accordance with applicable State law" after "by a court order" and "or receives a statement from the clerk of the court (or other appropriate official) that such agreement has been filed with the court in accordance with applicable State law" after "voluntary written agreement of such person".
Subsec. (f)(3)(B), (C). Pub. L. 99–145, §722(2), inserted "or filing" after "court order".
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–145, §1303(a)(11)(A), substituted "subsection (l)(3)(B)" for "subsection (l)".
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(5), substituted "a person providing a reserve-component annuity" for "any person providing an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B) of this title".
Pub. L. 99–145, §713(b), inserted provision respecting the effective date of an annuity payable under section 1448(f) of this title.
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(b)(1), substituted "widow, widower, or former spouse" for "widow or widower" wherever appearing.
Subsec. (k)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, §717(1), (2), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and substituted "had never been made." for "had never been made, but such readjustment may not be made until the widow or widower repays any amount refunded under subsection (e) by reason of the adjustment under subsection (c)."
Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 99–145, §717(3), added par. (2).
Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(6)(A), (8)(A), substituted in first sentence "the Plan" for "the plan" in two places, and substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay" before "has been suspended".
Subsec. (l)(2). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(6)(B), struck out "the provision of" before "this subchapter".
Subsec. (l)(3)(A). Pub. L. 99–145, §1303(a)(11)(B), struck out "(notwithstanding subsection (h))" before "may be collected".
Subsec. (l)(3)(A)(i). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retried or retainer pay".
1984—Subsec. (f)(3), (4). Pub. L. 98–525, §644, added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 98–525, §642(b)(1), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (l), an" for "An".
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 98–525, §642(b)(2), added subsec. (l).
1983—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 98–94, §941(a)(3)(A), struck out "at the time the person to whom section 1448 applies became entitled to retired or retainer pay" after "section 1448(b) of this title".
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 98–94, §941(a)(3)(B), inserted "(without regard to the eligibility of the person making the change of election to make an election under such section)" after "section 1448(a)(5) of this title".
Pub. L. 98–94, §941(c)(3)(A), struck out "of this subsection" after "subject to paragraph (2)".
Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 98–94, §941(c)(3)(B), substituted "or annulment," for "annulment, or legal separation,".
1982—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 97–252, §1003(c), substituted "former spouse or other natural person" for "natural person" and "unless the election to provide an annuity to the former spouse or other natural person has been changed as provided in subsection (f)" for "if there is no eligible beneficiary under clause (1) or clause (2)".
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–252, §1003(d), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "A person who elects to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under section 1448(b) of this title may, subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection," for "An unmarried person who elects to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under subsection (a)(4), but who later marries or acquires a dependent child,", inserted provision that the Secretary concerned notify the former spouse or such other natural person previously designated under section 1448(b) of any such change in election, and added pars. (2) and (3).
1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–22 substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission".
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–397, §203(1), inserted "(or on such other day as he may provide under subsection (j))" after "death of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–397, §207(b), substituted "section 8339(j)" for "section 8339(i)".
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–397, §207(c), substituted "section 1448(a)(5)" for "the last three sentences of section 1448(a)".
Subsecs. (j), (k). Pub. L. 95–397, §203(2), added subsecs. (j) and (k).
1976—Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 94–496, §1(3), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 94–496, §1(4), substituted "(a)(4)" for "(a)(3)".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 116–92 effective on the first day of the first month that begins after Dec. 20, 2019, see section 622(f) of Pub. L. 116–92, set out as a note under section 1448 of this title.
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VI, §622(c), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1800, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on December 1, 2018."
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by section 642(d) of Pub. L. 114–328 inapplicable to accural of annuity benefits under subchapter II of chapter 73 of this title for any period prior to Dec. 23, 2016, with provisions for election of benefits payable to dependent children, see section 642(e) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 1448 of this title.
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VI, §641(c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1783, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1452 of this title] shall apply with respect to any participant electing an annuity for survivors under chapter 84 of title 5, United States Code, on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013]."
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VI, §631(b), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4492, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to the month beginning on October 1, 2008, and subsequent months as provided by paragraph (6) of subsection (m) of section 1450 of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 644 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 [Pub. L. 110–181]."
Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VI, §643(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 157, provided that: "Paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of section 1450 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to the recoupment on or after April 1, 2008, of amounts subject to offset under such subsection."
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VI, §642(b), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1799, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to marriages occurring before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1997]."
Effective Date of 1987 Amendments
Pub. L. 100–180, div. A, title VI, §636(b), Dec. 4, 1987, 101 Stat. 1106, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply as if included in the amendments made by section 643(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1987 (Public Law 99–661; 100 Stat. 3886) [amending this section]."
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–26 applicable as if included in Pub. L. 99–661 when enacted on Nov. 14, 1986, see section 12(a) of Pub. L. 100–26, set out as a note under section 776 of this title.
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §641(c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3886, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and section 1448 of this title] apply to court orders issued on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986]."
Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §643(b), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3886, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to remarriages that occur on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 14, 1986], but only with respect to payments for periods after the date of the enactment of this Act."
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Amendment by title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 effective Mar. 1, 1986, with prohibition against accrual of benefits to any person by reason of the enactment of such title VII for any period before Mar. 1, 1986, see section 731 of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment; Transition Provisions
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–252 effective Feb. 1, 1983, and applicable to persons becoming eligible to participate in Survivor Benefit Plan provided for in this subchapter before, on, or after Feb. 1, 1983, see section 1006 of Pub. L. 97–252, set out as an Effective Date; Transition Provisions note under section 1408 of this title.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–397 effective Oct. 1, 1978, and applicable to annuities payable by virtue of amendment for months beginning on or after such date, see section 210 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 94–496 effective Sept. 21, 1972, see section 3 of Pub. L. 94–496, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Prohibition on Retroactive Benefits
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1427, provided that: "No benefits may be paid to any person for any period before the effective date provided under subsection (f) [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1448 of this title] by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 1451 of this title]."
Prohibition on Recoupment of Certain Amounts Previously Refunded to SBP Recipients
Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(c), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1427, provided that: "A surviving spouse who is or has been in receipt of an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, that is in effect before the effective date provided under subsection (f) [enacting provisions set out as a note under section 1448 of this title] and that is adjusted by reason of the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and section 1451 of this title] and who has received a refund of retired pay under section 1450(e) of title 10, United States Code, shall not be required to repay such refund to the United States."
Recomputation of Annuities
Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §644(c), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1961, as amended by Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VI, §632, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4493, provided that:
"(1) Periodic recomputation required.—Effective on the first day of each month specified in paragraph (2)—
"(A) each annuity under section 1450 of title 10, United States Code, that commenced before that month, is computed under a provision of section 1451 of that title amended by subsection (a), and is payable for that month shall be recomputed so as to be equal to the amount that would be in effect if the percent applicable for that month under that provision, as so amended, had been used for the initial computation of the annuity; and
"(B) each supplemental survivor annuity under [former] section 1457 of such title that commenced before that month and is payable for that month shall be recomputed so as to be equal to the amount that would be in effect if the percent applicable for that month under that section, as amended by this section, had been used for the initial computation of the supplemental survivor annuity.
"(2) Time for recomputation.—The requirement under paragraph (1) for recomputation of certain annuities applies with respect to the following months:
"(A) October 2005.
"(B) April 2006.
"(C) April 2007.
"(D) April 2008.
"(3) Savings provision.—If, as a result of the recomputation of annuities under section 1450 of title 10, United States Code, and supplemental survivor annuities under [former] section 1457 of such title, as required by paragraph (1), the total amount of both annuities to be paid to an annuitant for a month would be less (because of the offset required by section 1450(c) of such title for dependency and indemnity compensation) than the amount that would be paid to the annuitant in the absence of recomputation, the Secretary of Defense shall take such actions as are necessary to adjust the annuity amounts to eliminate the reduction."
[Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VI, §632, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4493, provided that the amendment made by that section to section 644(c) of Pub. L. 108–375, set out above, is effective as of Oct. 28, 2004, and as if included in section 644(c) of Pub. L. 108–375 as enacted.]
Effectuation of Intended SBP Annuity for Former Spouse When Not Elected by Reason of Untimely Death of Retiree
Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §657, Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 668, as amended by Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(c)(1)(D)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-292, provided that:
"(a) Cases Not Covered by Existing Authority.—Paragraph (3) of section 1450(f) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1999], shall apply in the case of a former spouse of any person referred to in that paragraph who—
"(1) incident to a proceeding of divorce, dissolution, or annulment—
"(A) entered into a written agreement on or after August 19, 1983, to make an election under section 1448(b) of such title to provide an annuity to the former spouse (the agreement thereafter having been incorporated in or ratified or approved by a court order or filed with the court of appropriate jurisdiction in accordance with applicable State law); or
"(B) was required by a court order dated on or after such date to make such an election for the former spouse; and
"(2) before making the election, died within 21 days after the date of the agreement referred to in paragraph (1)(A) or the court order referred to in paragraph (1)(B), as the case may be.
"(b) Adjusted Time Limit for Request by Former Spouse.—For the purposes of paragraph (3)(C) of section 1450(f) of title 10, United States Code, a court order or filing referred to in subsection (a)(1) of this section that is dated before October 19, 1984, shall be deemed to be dated on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1999]."
[Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title X, §1087(c)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-292, provided that: "In the case of any former spouse to whom paragraph (3) of section 1450(f) of title 10, United States Code, applies by reason of the amendment made by paragraph (1)(D) [amending section 657 of Pub. L. 106–65, set out above], the provisions of subsection (b) of section 657 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 [Pub. L. 106–65, set out above] shall be applied by using the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000], rather than the date of the enactment of that Act [Oct. 5, 1999]."]
§1451. Amount of annuity
(a) Computation of Annuity for a Spouse, Former Spouse, or Child.—
(1) Standard annuity.—In the case of a standard annuity provided to a beneficiary under section 1450(a) of this title (other than under section 1450(a)(5)), the monthly annuity payable to the beneficiary shall be determined as follows:
(A) Beneficiary under 62 years of age.—If the beneficiary is under 62 years of age or is a dependent child when becoming entitled to the annuity, the monthly annuity shall be the amount equal to 55 percent of the base amount.
(B) Beneficiary 62 years of age or older.—
(i) General rule.—If the beneficiary (other than a dependent child) is 62 years of age or older when becoming entitled to the annuity, the monthly annuity shall be the amount equal to the product of the base amount and the percent applicable to the month, as follows:
(I) For a month before October 2005, the applicable percent is 35 percent.
(II) For months after September 2005 and before April 2006, the applicable percent is 40 percent.
(III) For months after March 2006 and before April 2007, the applicable percent is 45 percent.
(IV) For months after March 2007 and before April 2008, the applicable percent is 50 percent.
(V) For months after March 2008, the applicable percent is 55 percent.
(ii) Rule if beneficiary eligible for social security offset computation.—If the beneficiary is eligible to have the annuity computed under subsection (e) and if computation of the annuity under that subsection is more favorable to the beneficiary than computation under clause (i), the annuity shall be computed under that subsection rather than under clause (i).
(2) Reserve-component annuity.—In the case of a reserve-component annuity provided to a beneficiary under section 1450(a) of this title (other than under section 1450(a)(5)), the monthly annuity payable to the beneficiary shall be determined as follows:
(A) Beneficiary under 62 years of age.—If the beneficiary is under 62 years of age or is a dependent child when becoming entitled to the annuity, the monthly annuity shall be the amount equal to a percentage of the base amount that—
(i) is less than 55 percent; and
(ii) is determined under subsection (f).
(B) Beneficiary 62 years of age or older.—
(i) General rule.—If the beneficiary (other than a dependent child) is 62 years of age or older when becoming entitled to the annuity, the monthly annuity shall be the amount equal to a percentage of the base amount that—
(I) is less than the percent specified under subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) as being applicable for the month; and
(II) is determined under subsection (f).
(ii) Rule if beneficiary eligible for social security offset computation.—If the beneficiary is eligible to have the annuity computed under subsection (e) and if, at the time the beneficiary becomes entitled to the annuity, computation of the annuity under that subsection is more favorable to the beneficiary than computation under clause (i), the annuity shall be computed under that subsection rather than under clause (i).
(b) Insurable Interest Beneficiary.—
(1) Standard annuity.—In the case of a standard annuity provided to a beneficiary under section 1450(a)(5) of this title, the monthly annuity payable to the beneficiary shall be the amount equal to 55 percent of the retired pay of the person who elected to provide the annuity after the reduction in that pay in accordance with section 1452(c) of this title.
(2) Reserve-component annuity.—In the case of a reserve-component annuity provided to a beneficiary under section 1450(a)(5) of this title, the monthly annuity payable to the beneficiary shall be the amount equal to a percentage of the retired pay of the person who elected to provide the annuity after the reduction in such pay in accordance with section 1452(c) of this title that—
(A) is less than 55 percent; and
(B) is determined under subsection (f).
(3) Computation of reserve-component annuity when participant dies before age 60.—For the purposes of paragraph (2), a person—
(A) who provides an annuity that is determined in accordance with that paragraph;
(B) who dies before becoming 60 years of age; and
(C) who at the time of death is otherwise entitled to retired pay,
shall be considered to have been entitled to retired pay at the time of death. The retired pay of such person for the purposes of such paragraph shall be computed on the basis of the rates of basic pay in effect on the date on which the annuity provided by such person is to become effective in accordance with the designation of such person under section 1448(e) of this title.
(c) Annuities for Survivors of Certain Persons Dying During a Period of Special Eligibility for SBP.—
(1) In general.—In the case of an annuity provided under section 1448(d) or 1448(f) of this title, the amount of the annuity shall be determined as follows:
(A) Beneficiary under 62 years of age.—If the person receiving the annuity is under 62 years of age or is a dependent child when the member or former member dies, the monthly annuity shall be the amount equal to 55 percent of the retired pay to which the member or former member would have been entitled if the member or former member had been entitled to that pay when he died determined as follows:
(i) In the case of an annuity provided under section 1448(d) or 1448(f) of this title (other than in a case covered by clause (ii) or (iii)), such retired pay shall be computed as if the member had been retired under section 1201 of this title on the date of the member's death with a disability rated as total.
(ii) In the case of an annuity provided under section 1448(d)(1)(A) of this title by reason of the death of a member not in line of duty, such retired pay shall be computed based upon the member's years of active service when he died.
(iii) In the case of an annuity provided under section 1448(f)(1)(A) of this title by reason of the death of a member or former member not in line of duty, such retired pay shall be computed based upon the member or former member's years of service when he died computed under section 12733 of this title.
(B) Beneficiary 62 years of age or older.—
(i) General rule.—If the person receiving the annuity (other than a dependent child) is 62 years of age or older when the member or former member dies, the monthly annuity shall be the amount equal to the applicable percent of the retired pay to which the member or former member would have been entitled as determined under subparagraph (A). The percent applicable for a month under the preceding sentence is the percent specified under subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) as being applicable for that month.
(ii) Rule if beneficiary eligible for social security offset computation.—If the beneficiary is eligible to have the annuity computed under subsection (e) and if computation of the annuity under that subsection is more favorable to the beneficiary than computation under clause (i), the annuity shall be computed under that subsection rather than under clause (i).
(2) DIC offset.—An annuity computed under paragraph (1) that is paid to a surviving spouse shall be reduced by a portion (calculated under section 1450(c) of this title) of the amount of dependency and indemnity compensation to which the surviving spouse is entitled under section 1311(a) of title 38. Any such reduction shall be effective on the date of the commencement of the period of payment of such compensation under title 38.
(3) Servicemembers not yet granted retired pay.—In the case of an annuity provided by reason of the service of a member described in clause (ii) or (iii) of section 1448(d)(1)(A) of this title who first became a member of a uniformed service before September 8, 1980, the retired pay to which the member would have been entitled when he died shall be determined for purposes of paragraph (1) based upon the rate of basic pay in effect at the time of death for the grade in which the member was serving at the time of death, unless (as determined by the Secretary concerned) the member would have been entitled to be retired in a higher grade.
(4) Rate of pay to be used in computing annuity.—In the case of an annuity paid under section 1448(f) of this title by reason of the service of a person who first became a member of a uniformed service before September 8, 1980, the retired pay of the person providing the annuity shall for the purposes of paragraph (1) be computed on the basis of the rates of basic pay in effect on the effective date of the annuity.
(d) Reduction of Annuities at Age 62.—
(1) Reduction required.—The annuity of a person whose annuity is computed under subparagraph (A) of subsection (a)(1), (a)(2), or (c)(1) shall be reduced on the first day of the month after the month in which the person becomes 62 years of age.
(2) Amount of annuity as reduced.—
(A) Computation of annuity.—Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the reduced amount of the annuity shall be the amount of the annuity that the person would be receiving on that date if the annuity had initially been computed under subparagraph (B) of that subsection.
(B) Savings provision for beneficiaries eligible for social security offset computation.—In the case of a person eligible to have an annuity computed under subsection (e) and for whom, at the time the person becomes 62 years of age, the annuity computed with a reduction under subsection (e)(3) is more favorable than the annuity with a reduction described in subparagraph (A), the reduction in the annuity shall be computed in the same manner as a reduction under subsection (e)(3).
(e) Savings Provision for Certain Beneficiaries.—
(1) Persons covered.—The following beneficiaries under the Plan are eligible to have an annuity under the Plan computed under this subsection:
(A) A beneficiary receiving an annuity under the Plan on October 1, 1985, as the surviving spouse or former spouse of the person providing the annuity.
(B) A spouse or former spouse beneficiary of a person who on October 1, 1985—
(i) was a participant in the Plan;
(ii) was entitled to retired pay or was qualified for that pay except that he had not applied for and been granted that pay; or
(iii) would have been eligible for reserve-component retired pay but for the fact that he was under 60 years of age.
(2) Amount of annuity.—Subject to paragraph (3), an annuity computed under this subsection is determined as follows:
(A) Standard annuity.—In the case of the beneficiary of a standard annuity, the annuity shall be the amount equal to 55 percent of the base amount.
(B) Reserve-component annuity.—In the case of the beneficiary of a reserve-component annuity, the annuity shall be the percentage of the base amount that—
(i) is less than 55 percent; and
(ii) is determined under subsection (f).
(C) Beneficiaries of persons dying during a period of special eligibility for sbp.—In the case of the beneficiary of an annuity under section 1448(d) or 1448(f) of this title, the annuity shall be the amount equal to 55 percent of the retired pay of the person providing the annuity (as that pay is determined under subsection (c)).
(3) Social security offset.—An annuity computed under this subsection shall be reduced by the lesser of the following:
(A) Social security computation.—The amount of the survivor benefit, if any, to which the surviving spouse (or the former spouse, in the case of a former spouse beneficiary who became a former spouse under a divorce that became final after November 29, 1989) would be entitled under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) based solely upon service by the person concerned as described in section 210(l)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 410(l)(1)) and calculated assuming that the person concerned lives to age 65.
(B) Maximum amount of reduction.—40 percent of the amount of the monthly annuity as determined under paragraph (2).
(4) Special rules for social security offset computation.—
(A) Treatment of deductions made on account of work.—For the purpose of paragraph (3), a surviving spouse (or a former spouse, in the case of a person who becomes a former spouse under a divorce that becomes final after November 29, 1989) shall not be considered as entitled to a benefit under title II of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.) to the extent that such benefit has been offset by deductions under section 203 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 403) on account of work.
(B) Treatment of certain periods for which social security refunds are made.—In the computation of any reduction made under paragraph (3), there shall be excluded any period of service described in section 210(l)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 410(l)(1))—
(i) which was performed after December 1, 1980; and
(ii) which involved periods of service of less than 30 continuous days for which the person concerned is entitled to receive a refund under section 6413(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 of the social security tax which the person had paid.
(f) Determination of Percentages Applicable to Computation of Reserve-Component Annuities.—The percentage to be applied in determining the amount of an annuity computed under subsection (a)(2), (b)(2), or (e)(2)(B) shall be determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense. Such regulations shall be prescribed taking into consideration the following:
(1) The age of the person electing to provide the annuity at the time of such election.
(2) The difference in age between such person and the beneficiary of the annuity.
(3) Whether such person provided for the annuity to become effective (in the event he died before becoming 60 years of age) on the day after his death or on the 60th anniversary of his birth.
(4) Appropriate group annuity tables.
(5) Such other factors as the Secretary considers relevant.
(g) Adjustments to Annuities.—
(1) Periodic adjustments for cost-of-living.—
(A) Increases in annuities when retired pay increased.—Whenever retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title (or any other provision of law), each annuity that is payable under the Plan shall be increased at the same time.
(B) Percentage of increase.—The increase shall, in the case of any annuity, be by the same percent as the percent by which the retired pay of the person providing the annuity would have been increased at such time if the person were alive (and otherwise entitled to such pay).
(C) Certain reductions to be disregarded.—The amount of the increase shall be based on the monthly annuity payable before any reduction under section 1450(c) of this title or under subsection (c)(2).
(2) Rounding down.—The monthly amount of an annuity payable under this subchapter, if not a multiple of $1, shall be rounded to the next lower multiple of $1.
(h) Adjustments to Base Amount.—
(1) Periodic adjustments for cost-of-living.—
(A) Increases in base amount when retired pay increased.—Whenever retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title (or any other provision of law), the base amount applicable to each participant in the Plan shall be increased at the same time.
(B) Percentage of increase.—The increase shall be by the same percent as the percent by which the retired pay of the participant is so increased.
(2) Recomputation at age 62.—When the retired pay of a person who first became a member of a uniformed service on or after August 1, 1986, and who is a participant in the Plan is recomputed under section 1410 of this title upon the person's becoming 62 years of age, the base amount applicable to that person shall be recomputed (effective on the effective date of the recomputation of such retired pay under section 1410 of this title) so as to be the amount equal to the amount of the base amount that would be in effect on that date if increases in such base amount under paragraph (1) had been computed as provided in paragraph (2) of section 1401a(b) of this title (rather than under paragraph (3) of that section).
(3) Disregarding of retired pay reductions for retirement of certain members before 30 years of service.—Computation of a member's retired pay for purposes of this section shall be made without regard to any reduction under section 1409(b)(2) of this title.
(i) Recomputation of Annuity for Certain Beneficiaries.—In the case of an annuity under the Plan which is computed on the basis of the retired pay of a person who would have been entitled to have that retired pay recomputed under section 1410 of this title upon attaining 62 years of age, but who dies before attaining that age, the annuity shall be recomputed, effective on the first day of the first month beginning after the date on which the member or former member would have attained 62 years of age, so as to be the amount equal to the amount of the annuity that would be in effect on that date if increases under subsection (h)(1) in the base amount applicable to that annuity to the time of the death of the member or former member, and increases in such annuity under subsection (g)(1), had been computed as provided in paragraph (2) of section 1401a(b) of this title (rather than under paragraph (3) of that section).
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 709; amended Pub. L. 94–496, §1(4), Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §204, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 846; Pub. L. 96–402, §3, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1705; Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(4), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 98–94, title IX, §922(a)(14)(B), Sept. 24, 1983, 97 Stat. 642; Pub. L. 98–525, title VI, §641(a), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2545; Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §711(a), (b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 666, 670; Pub. L. 99–348, title III, §301(a)(2), (b), (c), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 702; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title VI, §642(b), title XIII, §1343(a)(8)(D), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3886, 3992; Pub. L. 100–26, §7(h)(1), Apr. 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 282; Pub. L. 100–224, §3(a), (c), Dec. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 1537; Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §652(a), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1991; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §§1403(a), 1407(a)(5)–(8), (b)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1579, 1588, 1589; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(e)(4), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2859; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2566; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(28), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §643(a)(1), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 663; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VI, §642(b), (c)(2), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1152; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title X, §1062(a)(6), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2650; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §644(a), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1960; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §642(a), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2164; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(25), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1595; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VI, §622(a)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1427.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(3)(A), (4)(A), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531, 49 Stat. 620, as amended. Title II of the Social Security Act is classified generally to subchapter II (§401 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Tables.
Section 6413(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (e)(4)(B)(ii), is classified to section 6413(c) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Amendments
2019—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 116–92 inserted "a portion (calculated under section 1450(c) of this title) of" before "the amount".
2017—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 115–91 substituted "section 1450(a)(5)" for "section 1450(a)(4)" in two places.
2016—Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 114–328, §642(a)(1), inserted "or 1448(f)" after "section 1448(d)" and "or (iii)" after "clause (ii)".
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 114–328, §642(a)(2), substituted "section 1448(f)(1)(A) of this title by reason of the death of a member or former member not in line of duty" for "section 1448(f) of this title" and "service" for "active service".
2004—Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 108–375, §644(a)(1)(A), substituted "the product of the base amount and the percent applicable to the month, as follows:" and subcls. (I) to (V) for "35 percent of the base amount."
Subsec. (a)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 108–375, §644(a)(1)(B), struck out ", at the time the beneficiary becomes entitled to the annuity," after "subsection (e) and if".
Subsec. (a)(2)(B)(i)(I). Pub. L. 108–375, §644(a)(2), substituted "the percent specified under subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) as being applicable for the month" for "35 percent".
Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 108–375, §644(a)(3)(A), substituted "the applicable percent" for "35 percent" and inserted at end "The percent applicable for a month under the preceding sentence is the percent specified under subsection (a)(1)(B)(i) as being applicable for that month."
Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 108–375, §644(a)(3)(B), struck out ", at the time the beneficiary becomes entitled to the annuity," after "subsection (e) and if".
Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–375, §644(a)(4), substituted "Computation of annuity" for "35 percent annuity" in heading.
2002—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 107–314 struck out "section" before "clause (ii)".
2001—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 107–107, §642(b)(1), substituted "when he died determined as follows:" and cls. (i) to (iii) for "based upon his years of active service when he died."
Subsec. (c)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 107–107, §642(b)(2), substituted "as determined under subparagraph (A)" for "if the member or former member had been entitled to that pay based upon his years of active service when he died".
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 107–107, §642(c)(2), substituted "clause (ii) or (iii) of section 1448(d)(1)(A)" for "1448(d)(1)(B) or 1448(d)(1)(C)".
1999—Subsec. (h)(3). Pub. L. 106–65 inserted "of certain members" after "retirement" in heading.
1997—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "annuity.—" for "annuity—" in heading.
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally, revising and restating provisions relating to amounts of annuities and inserting subsec., par., and subpar. headings.
1994—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–337 substituted "section 1311(a) of title 38" for "section 411(a) of title 38".
1989—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 101–189, §1403(a), amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows: "In the case of an annuity provided by a member described in section 1448(d)(1)(C) of this title, the retired pay to which the member would have been entitled when he died shall be determined based upon the rate of basic pay in effect at the time of death for the highest grade other than a commissioned officer grade in which the member served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the Secretary concerned."
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(5), inserted "by reason of the service of a person who first became a member of a uniformed service before September 8, 1980".
Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(6), substituted "beneficiaries under the Plan" for "beneficiaries under the plan" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (e)(1)(B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(7), in cl. (i), substituted "was" for "is", in cl. (ii), substituted "was" for "is" in two places and "had" for "has", and in cl. (iii), substituted "would have been" for "would be" and "was" for "is".
Subsec. (e)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(8), struck out "(as the base amount is adjusted from time to time under section 1401a of this title)" after "base amount".
Subsec. (e)(3)(A), (4)(A). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(b)(1), inserted "or former spouse" after "widow or widower".
1988—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 100–456 substituted "widow, widower, or former spouse" for "widow or widower" in subpar. (A), and inserted "or former spouse" after "A spouse" in subpar. (B).
1987—Subsec. (a)(1)(A), (B), (2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 100–224, §3(a)(2), struck out "(as the base amount is adjusted from time to time under section 1401a of this title)" after "base amount".
Subsec. (e)(4)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 100–26 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–224, §3(a)(1), designated existing provisions of subsec. (h) as par. (3) and added pars. (1) and (2).
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–224, §3(c), substituted "so as to be the amount equal to the amount of the annuity that would be in effect on that date if increases under subsection (h)(1) in the base amount applicable to that annuity to the time of the death of the member or former member, and increases in such annuity under subsection (g)(1), had been computed as provided in paragraph (2) of section 1401a(b) of this title (rather than under paragraph (3) of that section)" for "on the basis of the amount of retired pay to which the member or former member would have been entitled upon recomputation of such pay effective on such date under section 1410 of this title, had the member or former member attained such age".
1986—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–661, §1343(a)(8)(D), substituted "section" for "subsection" before "1401a of this title".
Pub. L. 99–661, §642(b)(1)(A), inserted "or is a dependent child".
Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(b)(1)(B), inserted "(other than a dependent child)".
Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(b)(1)(A), inserted "or is a dependent child".
Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(b)(1)(B), inserted "(other than a dependent child)".
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(b)(2)(A), inserted "or is a dependent child".
Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 99–661, §642(b)(2)(B), inserted "(other than a dependent child)".
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 99–348, §301(b), struck out "by the same total percent" after "same time" in first sentence, and inserted provision that the increase, in the case of any annuity, be by the same percent as the percent by which the retired pay of the person providing the annuity would have been increased at such time if the person were alive, and otherwise entitled to such pay.
Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 99–348, §301(a)(2), (c), added subsecs. (h) and (i).
1985—Pub. L. 99–145, §711(a), amended section generally, eliminating the social security offset to the Plan and establishing a two-tier system under which the beneficiary would receive 55 percent of retired pay before age 62 and 35 percent thereafter in recognition of the entitlement to social security based on military service, and providing benefits to certain beneficiaries under either the old social security offset system or the new two-tier system, whichever is higher.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–145, §711(b), repealed Pub. L. 98–525, §641(a), effective Sept. 1, 1985. See 1984 Amendment note below.
1984—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 98–525, §641(a), which substituted "is entitled" for "would be entitled" after "widow or widower" in first sentence and inserted "or to the extent that the benefit to which the beneficiary is entitled is based on the beneficiary's own earnings or self-employment" at end of second sentence, was repealed effective Sept. 1, 1985, by Pub. L. 99–145, §711(b). See Effective Date of 1984 Amendment note below.
1983—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 98–94 added subsec. (e).
1981—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 97–22 substituted "December 1, 1980" for "the effective date of the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefits Amendments of 1980".
1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–402, §3(a), in revising subsec. (a), designated as par. (1)(A) and (B) existing first sentence containing cls. (1) and (2) and provided in subpar. (A) for adjustment of the annuity from time to time under section 1401a of this title and in subpar. (B) for a similar adjustment after the date the person becomes entitled to retired pay under chapter 67 of this title; designated as par. (2) existing second sentence but provided for reduction of the annuity by the lesser of amounts indicated in subpar. (A) or (B), previously limited to reduction by amount prescribed in predecessor of subpar. (A) provision; designated existing third and fourth sentences as par. (3) and inserted annuity reduction provision described for par. (2); and added par. (4).
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–402, §3(b), substituted in first sentence "this section or under section 1448(d) of this title" for "this section, or section 1448(d) of this title, on the day before the effective day of that increase" and in second sentence "title or under" for "title, or" before "subsection (a)".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–402, §3(c), substituted reference to "subsection (a)(1)(B)" for "subsection (a)(2)".
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–397, §204(a), (b), substituted "The monthly annuity payable to a widow, widower, or dependent child who is entitled under section 1450(a) of this title to an annuity shall be—" for "If the widow or widower is under age 62 or there is a dependent child, the monthly annuity payable to the widow, widower, or dependent child, under section 1450 of this title shall be equal to 55 percent of the base amount.", and added pars. (1) and (2), and substituted "For the purpose of the preceding sentence, a widow or widower shall not be considered as entitled to a benefit under subchapter II of chapter 7 of title 42 to the extent that such benefit has been offset by deductions under section 403 of title 42 on account of work" for "For the purpose of the preceding sentence, a widow or widower shall be considered as entitled to a benefit under subchapter II of chapter 7 of title 42 even though that benefit has been offset by deductions under section 403 of title 42 on account of work".
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–397, §204(c), substituted "The monthly annuity payable under section 1450(a)(4) of this title shall be—" for "The monthly annuity payable under section 1450(a)(4) of this title shall be 55 percent of the retired or retainer pay of the person who elected to provide that annuity after the reduction in that retired or retainer pay in accordance with section 1452(c) of this title.", added pars. (1) and (2) and provision following par. (2) relating to the entitlement to retirement pay, and computation thereof, by a person who provided an annuity and who dies before becoming 60 years of age.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 95–397, §204(d), added subsec. (d).
1976—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–496 substituted "(a)(4)" for "(a)(3)".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2019 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 116–92 effective on the first day of the first month that begins after Dec. 20, 2019, see section 622(f) of Pub. L. 116–92, set out as a note under section 1448 of this title.
Effective Date of 2016 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 114–328 inapplicable to accural of annuity benefits under subchapter II of chapter 73 of this title for any period prior to Dec. 23, 2016, with provisions for election of benefits payable to dependent children, see section 642(e) of Pub. L. 114–328, set out as a note under section 1448 of this title.
Effective Date of 2001 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–107 effective Sept. 10, 2001, and applicable with respect to deaths of members of the Armed Forces occurring on or after that date, see section 642(d) of Pub. L. 107–107, set out as a note under section 1448 of this title.
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 106–65 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 644 of Pub. L. 106–65, set out as a note under section 1401a of this title.
Effective Date of 1989 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(b)(2), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1589, provided that: "The amendments made by paragraph (1) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to the computation of an annuity for a person who becomes a former spouse under a divorce that becomes final after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1989]."
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–456, div. A, title VI, §652(b), Sept. 29, 1988, 102 Stat. 1991, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to payments under the Survivor Benefit Plan established under subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, for periods after February 28, 1986."
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by section 642(b) of Pub. L. 99–661 applicable to payments for periods after Feb. 28, 1986, see section 642(c) of Pub. L. 99–661, set out as a note under section 1448 of this title.
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Amendment by section 711(a) of Pub. L. 99–145 effective Mar. 1, 1986, with prohibition against accrual of benefits to any person by reason of the enactment of such title VII for any period before Mar. 1, 1986, see section 731 of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §711(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 670, provided that the repeal of section 641 of Pub. L. 98–525 [amending this section and enacting provision set out below] is effective Sept. 1, 1985.
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Section 641(b) of Pub. L. 98–525, which provided that the amendments made by subsection (a), amending this section, was applicable only in the case of payments of annuities payable for periods that began on or after Sept. 30, 1985, was repealed effective Sept. 1, 1985, by section 711(b) of Pub. L. 99–145.
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–94 effective Oct. 1, 1983, see section 922(e) of Pub. L. 98–94, set out as a note under section 1401 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–402 effective Dec. 1, 1980, applicable to annuities payable for months beginning on or after such date, and prohibiting accrual of benefits for any period before Oct. 9, 1980, see section 7 of Pub. L. 96–402, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–397 effective Oct. 1, 1978, and applicable to annuities payable by virtue of amendment for months beginning on or after such date, see section 210 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 94–496 effective Sept. 11, 1972, see section 3 of Pub. L. 94–496, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Adjustment of Annuities for Survivors of Certain Members Who Died While on Active Duty Between September 21, 1972 and November 29, 1990
Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1403(b)–(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1579, provided that:
"(b) Adjustment of Annuities Already in Effect.—
"(1) Recomputation.—The Secretary concerned shall recompute the annuity of any person who on the effective date specified in subsection (d) is entitled to an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan by reason of eligibility described in section 1448(d)(1)(B) or 1448(d)(1)(C) of title 10, United States Code, and who is further described in subsection (c).
"(2) Amount of recomputed annuities.—The amount of the annuity as so recomputed shall be the amount that would be in effect for that annuity on the effective date specified in subsection (d) if the annuity had originally been computed subject to the provisions of paragraph (3) of section 1451(c) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
"(c) Persons Eligible for Recomputation.—A person is eligible to have an annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan recomputed under subsection (b) if—
"(1) the annuity is based upon the service of a member of the uniformed services who died on active duty during the period beginning on September 21, 1972, and ending on the effective date specified in subsection (d); and
"(2) the retired pay of that member for the purposes of determining the amount of the annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan was computed using a rate of basic pay lower than the rate of basic pay in effect at the time of death for the grade in which the member was serving at the time of death.
"(d) Effective Date.—An annuity recomputed under subsection (b) shall take effect as so recomputed on March 1, 1990."
§1452. Reduction in retired pay
(a) Spouse and Former Spouse Annuities.—
(1) Required reduction in retired pay.—Except as provided in subsection (b), the retired pay, other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title, of a participant in the Plan who is providing spouse coverage (as described in paragraph (5)) shall be reduced as follows:
(A) Standard annuity.—If the annuity coverage being provided is a standard annuity, the reduction shall be as follows:
(i) Disability and nonregular service retirees.—In the case of a person who is entitled to retired pay under chapter 61 or chapter 1223 of this title, the reduction shall be in whichever of the alternative reduction amounts is more favorable to that person.
(ii) Members as of enactment of flat-rate reduction.—In the case of a person who first became a member of a uniformed service before March 1, 1990, the reduction shall be in whichever of the alternative reduction amounts is more favorable to that person.
(iii) New entrants after enactment of flat-rate reduction.—In the case of a person who first becomes a member of a uniformed service on or after March 1, 1990, and who is entitled to retired pay under a provision of law other than chapter 61 or chapter 1223 of this title, the reduction shall be in an amount equal to 6½ percent of the base amount.
(iv) Alternative reduction amounts.—For purposes of clauses (i) and (ii), the alternative reduction amounts are the following:
(I) Flat-rate reduction.—An amount equal to 6½ percent of the base amount.
(II) Amount under pre-flat-rate reduction.—An amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $337 (as adjusted after November 1, 1989, under paragraph (4)) of the base amount plus 10 percent of the remainder of the base amount.
(B) Reserve-component annuity.—If the annuity coverage being provided is a reserve-component annuity, the reduction shall be in whichever of the following amounts is more favorable to that person:
(i) Flat-rate reduction.—An amount equal to 6½ percent of the base amount plus an amount determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense as a premium for the additional coverage provided through reserve-component annuity coverage under the Plan.
(ii) Amount under pre-flat-rate reduction.—An amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $337 (as adjusted after November 1, 1989, under paragraph (4)) of the base amount plus 10 percent of the remainder of the base amount plus an amount determined in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense as a premium for the additional coverage provided through reserve-component annuity coverage under the Plan.
(2) Additional reduction for child coverage.—If there is a dependent child as well as a spouse or former spouse, the amount prescribed under paragraph (1) shall be increased by an amount prescribed under regulations of the Secretary of Defense.
(3) No reduction when no beneficiary.—The reduction in retired pay prescribed by paragraph (1) shall not be applicable during any month in which there is no eligible spouse or former spouse beneficiary.
(4) Periodic adjustments.—
(A) Adjustments for increases in rates of basic pay.—Whenever there is an increase in the rates of basic pay of members of the uniformed services effective on or after October 1, 1985, the amounts under paragraph (1) with respect to which the percentage factor of 2½ is applied shall be increased by the overall percentage of such increase in the rates of basic pay. The increase under the preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to persons whose retired pay is computed based on the rates of basic pay in effect on or after the date of such increase in rates of basic pay.
(B) Adjustments for retired pay colas.—In addition to the increase under subparagraph (A), the amounts under paragraph (1) with respect to which the percentage factor of 2½ is applied shall be further increased at the same time and by the same percentage as an increase in retired pay under section 1401a of this title effective on or after October 1, 1985. Such increase under the preceding sentence shall apply only with respect to a person who initially participates in the Plan on a date which is after both the effective date of such increase under section 1401a and the effective date of the rates of basic pay upon which that person's retired pay is computed.
(5) Spouse coverage described.—For the purposes of paragraph (1), a participant in the Plan who is providing spouse coverage is a participant who—
(A) has (i) a spouse or former spouse, or (ii) a spouse or former spouse and a dependent child; and
(B) has not elected to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under section 1448(b)(1) of this title or, having made such an election, has changed his election in favor of his spouse under section 1450(f) of this title.
(b) Child-Only Annuities.—
(1) Required reduction in retired pay.—The retired pay, other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title, of a participant in the Plan who is providing child-only coverage (as described in paragraph (4)) shall be reduced by an amount prescribed under regulations by the Secretary of Defense.
(2) No reduction when no child.—There shall be no reduction in retired pay under paragraph (1) for any month during which the participant has no eligible dependent child.
(3) Special rule for certain rcsbp participants.—In the case of a participant in the Plan who is participating in the Plan under an election under section 1448(a)(2)(B) of this title and who provided child-only coverage during a period before the participant becomes entitled to receive retired pay, the retired pay of the participant shall be reduced by an amount prescribed under regulations by the Secretary of Defense to reflect the coverage provided under the Plan during the period before the participant became entitled to receive retired pay. A reduction under this paragraph is in addition to any reduction under paragraph (1) and is made without regard to whether there is an eligible dependent child during a month for which the reduction is made.
(4) Child-only coverage defined.—For the purposes of this subsection, a participant in the Plan who is providing child-only coverage is a participant who has a dependent child and who—
(A) does not have an eligible spouse or former spouse; or
(B) has a spouse or former spouse but has elected to provide an annuity for dependent children only.
(c) Reduction for Insurable Interest Coverage.—
(1) Required reduction in retired pay.—The retired pay, other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title, of a person who has elected to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under section 1450(a)(5) of this title shall be reduced as follows:
(A) Standard annuity.—In the case of a person providing a standard annuity, the reduction shall be by 10 percent plus 5 percent for each full five years the individual designated is younger than that person.
(B) Reserve component annuity.—In the case of a person providing a reserve-component annuity, the reduction shall be by an amount prescribed under regulations of the Secretary of Defense.
(2) Limitation on total reduction.—The total reduction under paragraph (1) may not exceed 40 percent.
(3) Duration of reduction.—The reduction in retired pay prescribed by this subsection shall continue during the lifetime of the person designated under section 1450(a)(5) of this title or until the person receiving retired pay changes his election under section 1450(f) of this title.
(4) Rule for computation.—Computation of a member's retired pay for purposes of this subsection shall be made without regard to any reduction under section 1409(b)(2) or 1415(b)(1)(B) of this title.
(5) Rule for designation of new insurable interest beneficiary following death of original beneficiary.—The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations premiums which a participant making an election under section 1448(b)(1)(G) of this title shall be required to pay for participating in the Plan pursuant to that election. The total amount of the premiums to be paid by a participant under the regulations shall be equal to the sum of the following:
(A) The total additional amount by which the retired pay of the participant would have been reduced before the effective date of the election if the original beneficiary (i) had not died and had been covered under the Plan through the date of the election, and (ii) had been the same number of years younger than the participant (if any) as the new beneficiary designated under the election.
(B) Interest on the amounts by which the retired pay of the participant would have been so reduced, computed from the dates on which the retired pay would have been so reduced at such rate or rates and according to such methodology as the Secretary of Defense determines reasonable.
(C) Any additional amount that the Secretary determines necessary to protect the actuarial soundness of the Department of Defense Military Retirement Fund against any increased risk for the fund that is associated with the election.
(d) Deposits To Cover Periods When Retired Pay Not Paid or Not Sufficient.—
(1) Required deposits.—If a person who has elected to participate in the Plan has been awarded retired pay and is not entitled to that pay for any period, that person must deposit in the Treasury the amount that would otherwise have been deducted from his pay for that period, except to the extent that the required deduction is made pursuant to paragraph (2).
(2) Deduction from combat-related special compensation when retired pay not adequate.—In the case of a person who has elected to participate in the Plan and who has been awarded both retired pay and combat-related special compensation under section 1413a of this title, if a deduction from the person's retired pay for any period cannot be made in the full amount required, there shall be deducted from the person's combat-related special compensation in lieu of deduction from the person's retired pay the amount that would otherwise have been deducted from the person's retired pay for that period.
(3) Deposits not required when participant on active duty.—Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to a person with respect to any period when that person is on active duty under a call or order to active duty for a period of more than 30 days.
(e) Deposits Not Required for Certain Participants in CSRS and FERS.—When a person who has elected to participate in the Plan waives that person's retired pay for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 of title 5 or chapter 84 of such title, that person shall not be required to make the deposit otherwise required by subsection (d) as long as that waiver is in effect unless, in accordance with section 8339(j) or 8416(a) of title 5, that person has notified the Office of Personnel Management that he does not desire a spouse surviving him to receive an annuity under section 8341(b) or 8442(a) of title 5.
(f) Refunds of Deductions Not Allowed.—
(1) General rule.—A person is not entitled to refund of any amount deducted from retired pay or combat-related special compensation under this section.
(2) Exceptions.—Paragraph (1) does not apply—
(A) in the case of a refund authorized by section 1450(e) of this title; or
(B) in case of a deduction made through administrative error.
(g) Discontinuation of Participation by Participants Whose Surviving Spouses Will Be Entitled to DIC.—
(1) Discontinuation.—
(A) Conditions.—Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter but subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), a person who has elected to participate in the Plan and who is suffering from a service-connected disability rated by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as totally disabling and has suffered from such disability while so rated for a continuous period of 10 or more years (or, if so rated for a lesser period, has suffered from such disability while so rated for a continuous period of not less than 5 years from the date of such person's last discharge or release from active duty) may discontinue participation in the Plan by submitting to the Secretary concerned a request to discontinue participation in the Plan.
(B) Effective date.—Participation in the Plan of a person who submits a request under subparagraph (A) shall be discontinued effective on the first day of the first month following the month in which the request under subparagraph (A) is received by the Secretary concerned. Effective on such date, the Secretary concerned shall discontinue the reduction being made in such person's retired pay on account of participation in the Plan or, in the case of a person who has been required to make deposits in the Treasury on account of participation in the Plan, such person may discontinue making such deposits effective on such date.
(C) Form for request for discontinuation.—Any request under this paragraph to discontinue participation in the Plan shall be in such form and shall contain such information as the Secretary concerned may require by regulation.
(2) Consent of beneficiaries required.—A person described in paragraph (1) may not discontinue participation in the Plan under such paragraph without the written consent of the beneficiary or beneficiaries of such person under the Plan.
(3) Information on plan to be provided by secretary concerned.—
(A) Information to be provided promptly to participant.—The Secretary concerned shall furnish promptly to each person who files a request under paragraph (1) to discontinue participation in the Plan a written statement of the advantages of participating in the Plan and the possible disadvantages of discontinuing participation.
(B) Right to withdraw discontinuation request.—A person may withdraw a request made under paragraph (1) if it is withdrawn within 30 days after having been submitted to the Secretary concerned.
(4) Refund of deductions from retired pay or CRSC.—Upon the death of a person described in paragraph (1) who discontinued participation in the Plan in accordance with this subsection, any amount deducted from the retired pay or combat-related special compensation of that person under this section shall be refunded to the person's surviving spouse.
(5) Resumption of participation in plan.—
(A) Conditions for resumption.—A person described in paragraph (1) who discontinued participation in the Plan may elect to participate again in the Plan if—
(i) after having discontinued participation in the Plan the Secretary of Veterans Affairs reduces that person's service-connected disability rating to a rating of less than total; and
(ii) that person applies to the Secretary concerned, within such period of time after the reduction in such person's service-connected disability rating has been made as the Secretary concerned may prescribe, to again participate in the Plan and includes in such application such information as the Secretary concerned may require.
(B) Effective date of resumed coverage.—Such person's participation in the Plan under this paragraph is effective beginning on the first day of the month after the month in which the Secretary concerned receives the application for resumption of participation in the Plan.
(C) Resumption of contributions.—When a person elects to participate in the Plan under this paragraph, the Secretary concerned shall begin making reductions in that person's retired pay, or require such person to make deposits in the Treasury under subsection (d), as appropriate, effective on the effective date of such participation under subparagraph (B).
(h) Increases in Reduction With Increases in Retired Pay.—
(1) General rule.—Whenever retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title (or any other provision of law), the amount of the reduction to be made under subsection (a) or (b) in the retired pay of any person shall be increased at the same time and by the same percentage as such retired pay is so increased.
(2) Coordination when payment of increase in retired pay is delayed by law.—
(A) In general.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the initial payment of an increase in retired pay under section 1401a of this title (or any other provision of law) to a person is for a month that begins later than the effective date of that increase by reason of the application of subsection (b)(2)(B) of such section (or section 631(b) of Public Law 104–106 (110 Stat. 364)), then the amount of the reduction in the person's retired pay shall be effective on the date of that initial payment of the increase in retired pay rather than the effective date of the increase in retired pay.
(B) Delay not to affect computation of annuity.—Subparagraph (A) may not be construed as delaying, for purposes of determining the amount of a monthly annuity under section 1451 of this title, the effective date of an increase in a base amount under subsection (h) of such section from the effective date of an increase in retired pay under section 1401a of this title to the date on which the initial payment of that increase in retired pay is made in accordance with subsection (b)(2)(B) of such section.
(i) Recomputation of Reduction Upon Recomputation of Retired Pay.—Whenever the retired pay of a person who first became a member of a uniformed service on or after August 1, 1986, and who is a participant in the Plan is recomputed under section 1410 of this title upon the person's becoming 62 years of age, the amount of the reduction in such retired pay under this section shall be recomputed (effective on the effective date of the recomputation of such retired pay under section 1410 of this title) so as to be the amount equal to the amount of such reduction that would be in effect on that date if increases in such retired pay under section 1401a(b) of this title, and increases in reductions in such retired pay under subsection (h), had been computed as provided in paragraph (2) of section 1401a(b) of this title (rather than under paragraph (3) of that section).
(j) Coverage Paid Up at 30 Years and Age 70.—Effective October 1, 2008, no reduction may be made under this section in the retired pay of a participant in the Plan for any month after the later of—
(1) the 360th month for which the participant's retired pay is reduced under this section; and
(2) the month during which the participant attains 70 years of age.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 710; amended Pub. L. 94–496, §1(4), (5), Oct. 14, 1976, 90 Stat. 2375; Pub. L. 95–397, title II, §205, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 847; Pub. L. 96–402, §4, Oct. 9, 1980, 94 Stat. 1706; Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(3), (5), July 10, 1981, 95 Stat. 137; Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §§714(a), 719(7), (8), 723(b)(2), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 672, 675-677; Pub. L. 99–348, title III, §301(a)(3), July 1, 1986, 100 Stat. 702; Pub. L. 99–661, div. A, title XIII, §1343(a)(8)(E), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3992; Pub. L. 100–224, §3(b), Dec. 30, 1987, 101 Stat. 1537; Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §§1402(a)–(c), 1407(a)(9), title XVI, §1621(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1577, 1578, 1589, 1602; Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(C)(ii), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1720; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, §637(a), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2790; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §§634, 635(a), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2572, 2579; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(a)(29), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1901; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VI, §641, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2045; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §643(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 663; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VI, §643(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2260; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VI, §641(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1782; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VI, §643(a), (b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2165, 2166; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VI, §622(b), title X, §1081(a)(26), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1428, 1595.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 631(b) of Public Law 104–106 (110 Stat. 364), referred to in subsec. (h)(2)(A), was set out as a note under section 1401a of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §631(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2549.
Amendments
2017—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §622(b)(1), inserted ", other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title," after "the retired pay" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §622(b)(2), inserted ", other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title," after "The retired pay".
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(a)(26), substituted "section 1450(a)(5)" for "section 1450(a)(4)" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 115–91, §622(b)(3)(A), inserted ", other than retired pay received as a lump sum under section 1415(b)(1)(A) of this title," after "The retired pay" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 115–91, §1081(a)(26), substituted "section 1450(a)(5)" for "section 1450(a)(4)".
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 115–91, §622(b)(3)(B), inserted "or 1415(b)(1)(B)" after "section 1409(b)(2)".
2016—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(b)(1)(A), inserted "or Not Sufficient" after "Not Paid" in heading.
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(b)(1)(B), inserted before period at end ", except to the extent that the required deduction is made pursuant to paragraph (2)".
Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(a)(2), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(a)(1), (b)(1)(C), redesignated par. (2) as (3) and substituted "Paragraphs (1) and (2) do not" for "Paragraph (1) does not".
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(b)(2), inserted "or combat-related special compensation" after "from retired pay".
Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §643(b)(3), inserted "or CRSC" after "retired pay" in heading and "or combat-related special compensation" after "from the retired pay" in text.
2013—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–239 inserted in heading "and FERS" after "CSRS" and inserted in text "or chapter 84 of such title" after "chapter 83 of title 5", "or 8416(a)" after "8339(j)", and "or 8442(a)" after "8341(b)".
2006—Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 109–364 added par. (5).
1999—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 106–65 substituted "Whenever the retired pay" for "When the retired pay".
1998—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 105–261 added subsec. (j).
1997—Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–85, §1073(a)(29)(A), substituted "provided" for "providing" in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–85, §1073(a)(29)(B), substituted "section 8339(j)" for "section 8339(i)" and "section 8341(b)" for "section 8331(b)".
1996—Pub. L. 104–201, §634, amended section generally, revising and restating provisions relating to reductions in retired pay.
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 104–201, §635(a), added par. (2).
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–337 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "The retired pay of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies who has a dependent child but does not have an eligible spouse or former spouse, or who has a spouse or former spouse but has elected to provide an annuity for dependent children only, shall, as long as he has an eligible dependent child, be reduced by an amount prescribed under regulations of the Secretary of Defense."
1990—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–510 made clarifying amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(9), see 1989 Amendment note below.
1989—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–189, §1402(a), inserted heading.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 101–189, §1402(a), added par. (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as follows: "Except as provided in subsection (b), the retired pay of a person to whom section 1448 of this title applies who has a spouse or former spouse, or who has a spouse or former spouse and a dependent child, and who has not elected to provide an annuity to a person designated by him under section 1450(a)(4) of this title, or who had elected to provide such an annuity to such a person but has changed his election in favor of his spouse under section 1450(f) of this title, shall be reduced each month—
"(A) by an amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $300 (as adjusted from time to time under paragraph (4)) of the base amount plus 10 percent of the remainder of the base amount, if the person is providing a standard annuity; or
"(B) by an amount prescribed under regulations of the Secretary of Defense, if the person is providing a reserve-component annuity."
Subsec. (a)(4)(A), (B). Pub. L. 101–189, §1402(c), substituted "amounts under paragraph (1)" for "amount under paragraph (1)(A)".
Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 101–189, §1402(b), added par. (5).
Subsec. (g)(1), (5). Pub. L. 101–189, §1621(a)(1), substituted "Department of Veterans Affairs" for "Veterans' Administration".
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 101–189, §1407(a)(9), as amended by Pub. L. 101–510, inserted "(or any other provision of law)" after "Whenever retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title" and substituted "such retired pay is so increased" for "such retired pay is increased under section 1401a of this title".
1987—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–224 added subsec. (i).
1986—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–348 inserted provision that computation of a member's retired pay for purposes of this subsection be made without regard to any reduction under section 1409(b)(2) of this title.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 99–661 struck out "and retainer" after "Whenever retired".
1985—Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(B), struck out "or retainer" after "retired" in section catchline.
Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 99–145, §714(a)(1), (2), designated existing first sentence of subsec. (a) as par. (1); redesignated cl. (1) as (A), inserting "(as adjusted from time to time under paragraph (4))" after "$300" and substituting "a standard annuity" for "an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(A) of this title"; and redesignated cl. (2) as (B), substituting "a reserve-component annuity" for "an annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B)".
Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Pub. L. 99–145, §723(b)(2)(1), inserted "or former spouse" after first two references to "spouse".
Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 99–145, §714(a)(3), designated existing second sentence of subsec. (a) as par. (2), and substituted "If there is a dependent child as well as a spouse or former spouse, the amount prescribed under paragraph (1)" for "As long as there is an eligible spouse and a dependent child, that amount".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 99–145, §714(a)(4), designated existing third sentence of subsec. (a) as par. (3), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "the first sentence of this subsection", and inserted "or former spouse" after "eligible spouse".
Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 99–145, §714(a)(5), added par. (4).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–145, §723(b)(2)(2), inserted "or former spouse" after "spouse" in two places.
Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(7), (8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay" in three places, and substituted "a standard annuity" for "the annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(A) of this title" in cl. (1), "a reserve-component annuity" for "the annuity by virtue of eligibility under section 1448(a)(1)(B) of this title" in cl. (2), and "this subsection" for "this section" in third sentence.
Subsecs. (d) to (h). Pub. L. 99–145, §719(8)(A), substituted "retired pay" for "retired or retainer pay" wherever appearing.
1981—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(3), substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission".
Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 97–22, §11(a)(5), substituted "this section" for "section 1452 of this title".
1980—Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 96–402, added subsecs. (g) and (h).
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–397, §205(a), substituted pars. (1) and (2) for "by an amount equal to 2½ percent of the first $300 of the base amount plus 10 percent of the remainder of the base amount" after "shall be reduced each month".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–397, §205(b), substituted pars. (1) and (2) for "by 10 percent plus 5 percent for each full 5 years the individual designated is younger than that person. However, the total reduction may not exceed 40 percent. The reduction in retired or retainer pay prescribed by this subsection shall continue during the lifetime of the person designated under section 1450(a)(4) of this title or until the person receiving retired or retainer pay changes his election under section 1450(f)", and inserted provision following par. (2) that the total reduction under clause (1) may not exceed 40 percent, and that the reduction in retired or retainer pay shall continue during the lifetime of the person designated under section 1450(a)(4) of this title or until the person changes his election under section 1450(f) of this title.
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–496, §1(4), (5)(A), substituted "Except as provided in subsection (b), the retired or retainer pay" for "The retired or retainer pay", "(a)(4)" for "(a)(3)", and inserted provision prohibiting a reduction in retired or retainer pay during any month in which there is no eligible spouse beneficiary.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–496, §1(5)(B), inserted "or who has a spouse but has elected to provide an annuity for dependent children only," after "spouse,".
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–496, §1(4), (5)(C), substituted "(a)(4)" for "(a)(3)", and inserted provision directing that reduction in retired or retainer pay continue during the lifetime of a beneficiary designated under section 1450(a)(4) of this title or until such person change his election pursuant to section 1450(f) of this title.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2013 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–239 applicable with respect to any participant electing an annuity for survivors under chapter 84 of Title 5, United States Code, on or after Jan. 2, 2013, see section 641(c) of Pub. L. 112–239, set out as a note under section 1450 of this title.
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 106–65 effective Oct. 1, 1999, see section 644 of Pub. L. 106–65, set out as a note under section 1401a of this title.
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §635(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2579, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to retired pay payable for months beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 23, 1996]."
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title VI, §637(b), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2790, provided that:
"(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), the amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] applies to any election for child-only coverage under a reserve-component annuity under the Survivor Benefit Plan, whether made before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1994].
"(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in a case of an election referred to in that paragraph that was made before the date of the enactment of this Act if the participant was informed, in writing, before the date of the enactment of this Act that no reduction in the participant's retired pay for child-only coverage would be made during a period when there was no eligible dependent child."
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(l)(4)(C), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1720, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective Nov. 29, 1989.
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §714(b), Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 673, provided that: "The amendments made by clause (5) of subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only with respect to persons who first participate in the Plan on or after the effective date of this title [see note below]."
Amendment by title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 effective Mar. 1, 1986, except as otherwise provided, with prohibition against accrual of benefits to any person by reason of the enactment of such title VII for any period before Mar. 1, 1986, see section 731 of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 96–402 effective Dec. 1, 1980, applicable to annuities payable for months beginning on or after such date, and prohibiting accrual of benefits for any period before Oct. 9, 1980, see section 7 of Pub. L. 96–402, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–397 effective Oct. 1, 1978, and applicable to annuities payable by virtue of amendment for months beginning on or after such date, see section 210 of Pub. L. 95–397, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Effective Date of 1976 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 94–496 effective Sept. 11, 1972, see section 3 of Pub. L. 94–496, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
Recomputation of SBP Premium for Current Participants
Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1402(d), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1578, provided that:
"(1) Recomputation.—The Secretary concerned shall recompute the SBP premium of persons described in paragraph (2). Any such recomputation shall take effect on March 1, 1990.
"(2) Persons covered.—A person referred to in paragraph (1) as described in this paragraph is a person who on March 1, 1990—
"(A) is entitled to retired pay;
"(B) is providing spouse coverage (as described in paragraph (5) of section 1452[(a)] of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b)); and
"(C) is subject to an SBP premium in excess of 6½ percent of the base amount of that person under the Survivor Benefit Plan.
"(3) Amount of recomputed premium.—The amount of an SBP premium recomputed under this subsection shall be 6½ percent of the base amount under the Survivor Benefit Plan of the person whose premium is recomputed.
"(4) SBP premium defined.—For purposes of this subsection, the term 'SBP premium' means a reduction in retired pay under section 1452 of title 10, United States Code."
§1453. Recovery of amounts erroneously paid
(a) Recovery.—In addition to any other method of recovery provided by law, the Secretary concerned may authorize the recovery of any amount erroneously paid to a person under this subchapter by deduction from later payments to that person.
(b) Authority To Waive Recovery.—Recovery of an amount erroneously paid to a person under this subchapter is not required if, in the judgment of the Secretary concerned—
(1) there has been no fault by the person to whom the amount was erroneously paid; and
(2) recovery of such amount would be contrary to the purposes of this subchapter or against equity and good conscience.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 710; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2577; Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §105(a), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3830.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 substituted "amounts" for "annuity" in section catchline and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "In addition to other methods of recovery provided by law, the Secretary concerned may authorize the recovery, by deduction from later payments to a person, of any amount erroneously paid to him under this subchapter. However, recovery is not required if, in the judgment of the Secretary concerned and the Comptroller General, there has been no fault by the person to whom the amount was erroneously paid and recovery would be contrary to the purposes of this subchapter or against equity and good conscience."
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–316 struck out "and the Comptroller General" after "judgment of the Secretary concerned" in introductory provisions.
§1454. Correction of administrative errors
(a) Authority.—The Secretary concerned may, under regulations prescribed under section 1455 of this title, correct or revoke any election under this subchapter when the Secretary considers it necessary to correct an administrative error.
(b) Finality.—Except when procured by fraud, a correction or revocation under this section is final and conclusive on all officers of the United States.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 711; amended Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1407(a)(10)(A), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1589; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2577.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "The Secretary concerned may, under regulations prescribed under section 1455 of this title, correct or revoke any election under this subchapter when he considers it necessary to correct an administrative error. Except when procured by fraud, a correction or revocation under this section is final and conclusive on all officers of the United States."
1989—Pub. L. 101–189 substituted "errors" for "deficiencies" in section catchline.
§1455. Regulations
(a) In General.—The President shall prescribe regulations to carry out this subchapter. Those regulations shall, so far as practicable, be uniform for the uniformed services.
(b) Notice of Elections.—Regulations prescribed under this section shall provide that before the date on which a member becomes entitled to retired pay—
(1) if the member is married, the member and the member's spouse shall be informed of the elections available under section 1448(a) of this title and the effects of such elections; and
(2) if the notification referred to in section 1448(a)(3)(E) of this title is required, any former spouse of the member shall be informed of the elections available and the effects of such elections.
(c) Procedure for Depositing Certain Receipts.—Regulations prescribed under this section shall establish procedures for depositing the amounts referred to in sections 1448(g), 1450(k)(2), and 1452(d) of this title.
(d) Payments to Guardians, Fiduciaries, and Special Needs Trusts.—
(1) In general.—Regulations prescribed under this section shall provide procedures for the payment of an annuity under this subchapter in the case of—
(A) a person for whom a guardian or other fiduciary has been appointed;
(B) a minor, mentally incompetent, or otherwise legally disabled person for whom a guardian or other fiduciary has not been appointed; and
(C) a dependent child incapable of self-support because of mental or physical incapacity for whom a supplemental or special needs trust has been established under subparagraph (A) or (C) of section 1917(d)(4) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396p(d)(4)).
(2) Authorized procedures.—The regulations under paragraph (1) may include provisions for the following:
(A) In the case of an annuitant referred to in paragraph (1)(A), payment of the annuity to the appointed guardian or other fiduciary.
(B) In the case of an annuitant referred to in paragraph (1)(B), payment of the annuity to any person who, in the judgment of the Secretary concerned, is responsible for the care of the annuitant.
(C) In the case of an annuitant referred to in paragraph (1)(C), payment of the annuity to the supplemental or special needs trust established for the annuitant.
(D) Subject to subparagraphs (E) and (F), a requirement for the payee of an annuity to spend or invest the amounts paid on behalf of the annuitant solely for benefit of the annuitant.
(E) Authority for the Secretary concerned to permit the payee to withhold from the annuity payment such amount, not in excess of 4 percent of the annuity, as the Secretary concerned considers a reasonable fee for the fiduciary services of the payee when a court appointment order provides for payment of such a fee to the payee for such services or the Secretary concerned determines that payment of a fee to such payee is necessary in order to obtain the fiduciary services of the payee.
(F) Authority for the Secretary concerned to require the payee to provide a surety bond in an amount sufficient to protect the interests of the annuitant and to pay for such bond out of the annuity.
(G) A requirement for the payee of an annuity to maintain and, upon request, to provide to the Secretary concerned an accounting of expenditures and investments of amounts paid to the payee.
(H) In the case of an annuitant referred to in paragraph (1)(B) or (1)(C)—
(i) procedures for determining incompetency and for selecting a payee to represent the annuitant for the purposes of this section, including provisions for notifying the annuitant of the actions being taken to make such a determination and to select a representative payee, an opportunity for the annuitant to review the evidence being considered, and an opportunity for the annuitant to submit additional evidence before the determination is made;
(ii) standards for determining incompetency, including standards for determining the sufficiency of medical evidence and other evidence; and
(iii) procedures for determining when annuity payments to a supplemental or special needs trust shall end based on the death or marriage of the dependent child for which the trust was established.
(I) Provisions for any other matter that the President considers appropriate in connection with the payment of an annuity in the case of a person referred to in paragraph (1).
(3) Legal effect of payment to guardian, fiduciary, or trust.—An annuity paid to a person on behalf of an annuitant in accordance with the regulations prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) discharges the obligation of the United States for payment to the annuitant of the amount of the annuity so paid.
(Added Pub. L. 92–425, §1(3), Sept. 21, 1972, 86 Stat. 711; amended Pub. L. 99–145, title VII, §724, Nov. 8, 1985, 99 Stat. 678; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §654(a), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1389; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title VI, §634, Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2577; Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VI, §624(b), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3404.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(1), substituted ", Fiduciaries, and Special Needs Trusts" for "and Fiduciaries" in heading.
Subsec. (d)(1)(C). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(2), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(3)(B), added subpar. (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (D).
Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(3)(A), (C), redesignated subpar. (C) as (D) and substituted "subparagraphs (E) and (F)" for "subparagraphs (D) and (E)".
Subsec. (d)(2)(E) to (G). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(3)(A), redesignated subpars. (D) to (F) as (E) to (G), respectively. Former subpar. (G) redesignated (H).
Subsec. (d)(2)(H). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(3)(A), (D), redesignated subpar. (G) as (H), inserted "or (1)(C)" after "(1)(B)" in introductory provisions, and added cl. (iii).
Subsec. (d)(2)(I). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(3)(A), redesignated subpar. (H) as (I).
Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 113–291, §624(b)(4), substituted ", fiduciary, or trust" for "or fiduciary" in heading.
1996—Pub. L. 104–201 amended section generally, revising and restating provisions relating to regulations to carry out this subchapter.
1991—Subsecs. (a) to (d). Pub. L. 102–190 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) to (d).
1985—Pars. (1), (2). Pub. L. 99–145 amended pars. (1) and (2) generally. Prior to amendment, pars. (1) and (2) read as follows:
"(1) provide that, when the notification referred to in section 1448(a) of this title is required, the member and his spouse shall, before the date the member becomes entitled to retired or retainer pay, be informed of the elections available and the effects of such elections; and
"(2) establish procedures for depositing the amounts referred to in section 1452(d) of this title."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1985 Amendment
Amendment by title VII of Pub. L. 99–145 effective Mar. 1, 1986, with prohibition against accrual of benefits to any person by reason of the enactment of such title VII for any period before Mar. 1, 1986, see section 731 of Pub. L. 99–145, set out as a note under section 1447 of this title.
[SUBCHAPTER III—REPEALED]
Section 1456, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1580, related to supplemental spouse coverage: establishment of plan; definitions.
Section 1457, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1580; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §653(b)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1388; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title X, §1070(e)(5), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 2859; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §644(b)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1960, related to supplemental spouse coverage: payment of annuity; amount.
Section 1458, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1581; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §653(c)(1), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1388; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VI, §645(b)(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1519; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(d)(10), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2061, related to supplemental spouse coverage: eligible participants; elections of coverage.
Section 1459, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1584, related to former spouse coverage: special rules.
Section 1460, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1584; amended Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title VI, §653(b)(2), Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1388; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title IX, §906(c)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 277, related to supplemental spouse coverage: reductions in retired pay.
Section 1460a, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1585; amended Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XIV, §1484(k)(5), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1719, related to incorporation of certain administrative provisions.
Section 1460b, added Pub. L. 101–189, div. A, title XIV, §1404(a)(1), Nov. 29, 1989, 103 Stat. 1585, related to regulations.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title VI, §644(b)(2), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1961, provided that the repeal of this subchapter by section 644(b)(2) is effective Apr. 1, 2008.