Annuity Terms and Definitions

COLA, CSRS
CSRS cost of living adjustments (COLA's) provide an increase that is equal to the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). CSRS cost-of-living-adjustments are provided to retirees at all ages

Annuity, Deferred
An annuity that begins more than 1 month after separation from employment at some future point when retirement age is reached. (Also called deferred benefits.)

Conversion
The exchange of group insurance for insurance under an individual policy purchased from a private insurance company approved by the Office of Personnel Management.

Annuity Starting Date
For most types of annuities, the first day of the month following either the date after the day you separate from service or the date after your last day in pay, whichever is earlier. If you were in pay status for three days or less in the month of your retirement, the annuity starting date is the date after either the day you separate from service or your last day in pay and in which you meet age and service requirements, whichever is earlier

Immediate annuity
An annuity that begins no later than one month after the date the insurance would otherwise stop An annuity under 5 CFR 842.204(a)(1) for which the starting date has been postponed under 5 CFR 842.204.

Annuity, Reduced
A retiree's basic annuity that is reduced because of retirement before a certain age (for reasons other than disability). Annuities are also reduced because of unpaid deposits or redeposits, or to provide a survivor annuity. (Also called reduced benefits.)

Automatic Cancellation of Waiver
The automatic entitlement to Basic insurance and ability to elect Optional insurance if you are reinstated after a break in service of at least 180 days.

Option B
Coverage, equal to up to 5 multiples of your annual basic rate of pay, that you can elect in addition to Basic insurance. Also called additional optional insurance.

Designation of Beneficiary
Notice, signed by you and witnessed by two persons, indicating the person(s) you want to receive your life insurance benefits. The form generally used for life insurance designations is the Designation of Beneficiary form (SF 2823).

OFEGLI
The Office of Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance, which makes payments to beneficiaries under the policy. OFEGLI is not a Federal agency. It is staffed by employees of the contracted life insurance carrier.