Problems in Implementation of the Survivor Benefit Plan (Stennis Letter)

GAO was asked to determine whether a service member was required to continue to contribute to the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), notwithstanding his waiver of retired pay and if so, whether his spouse would be entitled to receive both the survivor annuity under the Foreign Service system and the survivor annuity under the SBP upon his death.

GAO concluded that receipt of survivor benefits under the Foreign Service system would not preclude the receipt of an elected SBP annuity by the same survivor.