5 CFR §838.221
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)A former spouse (personally or through a representative) must apply in writing to be eligible for a court-awarded portion of an employee annuity. No special form is required.
- (b)The application letter must be accompanied by—
- (1)A certified copy of the court order acceptable for processing that is directed at employee annuity;
- (2)A certification from the former spouse or the former spouse's representative that the court order is currently in force and has not been amended, superseded, or set aside;
- (3)Information sufficient for OPM to identify the employee or retiree, such as his or her full name, CSRS or FERS claim number, date of birth, and social security number;
- (4)The current mailing address of the former spouse; and
- (5)If the employee has not retired under CSRS or FERS or died, the mailing address of the employee.
- (c)
- (1)When court-ordered payments are subject to termination (under the terms of the court order) if the former spouse remarries, no payment will be made until the former spouse submits to OPM a statement in the form prescribed by OPM certifying—
- (2)OPM may subsequently require periodic recertification of the statements required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.