Definitions for "Joint Annuitant"
This is an individual chosen by the retiree at the time of retirement who will receive a monthly benefit after the retiree passes away. The monthly benefit will continue until the JA dies.
An individual who shares in your retirement benefits according to the retirement option you choose when your account is annuitized. If you are single, your joint annuitant may be anyone you choose. If you are married, your joint annuitant is usually your spouse; if you choose a joint annuitant other than your spouse, your spouse must provide notarized consent.
A type of beneficiary who is eligible to receive certain continuing benefits upon an FRS Pension Plan member’s death. If a member who is retiring or entering DROP chooses benefit payment option 3 or 4, his/her beneficiary must be a joint annuitant to receive continuing benefits after the member’s death. To qualify as a joint annuitant, the beneficiary must be: • The member’s spouse; or • The member’s natural or legally adopted child who is either under age 25 or physically or mentally incapable of self-support; or • The member’s parent or grandparent who was dependent upon the member for at least one-half of his/her financial support at the time of death; or • A person for whom the member is the legal guardian, and who was dependent upon the member for at least one-half of his/her financial support at the time of death. NOTE: Special provisions may apply if the member dies before retirement.