Q. I’m retiring this year. I am a GS-13 under FERS with 32 years of service. When I get an annuity for my TSP, if I die, will my wife continue getting the same monthly payments?
A. Payments will be made to your surviving spouse only if you elect this option at the time you purchase the annuity. A 100 percent survivor benefit is an option — if you’re willing to pay for it. There is no provision for specifying the timing of the monthly payments at the time of purchase. Once the annuity is purchased, however, you will deal directly with the insurance company, and they may (or may not) be willing to adjust the timing for you. Visit www.tsp.gov for more information about using your TSP money to buy a life annuity. You’ll find it as part of the “Withdrawals” content.
