B-221545: Jun 3, 1986

NOTWITHSTANDING THAT THE VALIDITY OF THE POWER OF ATTORNEY MAY HAVE BEEN PRESERVED BY OPERATION OF A STATE STATUTE. THE SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN IS AN INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAM FOR THE DEPENDENTS OF DECEASED SERVICE MEMBERS. ACCOUNTING OFFICERS HAVE A DUTY TO OBTAIN ACQUITTANCE WHEN PAYMENTS ARE MADE UNDER FEDERAL LAW. IT IS A MATTER OF SERIOUS DOUBT THAT A GOOD ACQUITTANCE COULD BE ASSURED THROUGH...

B-221545: Jun 3, 1986

A Marine Corps disbursing officer requested a decision as to whether he should pay an agent of a mentally incompetent Survivor Benefit Plan annuitant. The annuitant appointed the agent under a power of attorney. The agent noted that the applicable state law allowed a power of attorney to remain effective in the event of the assignor's incapacitation. GAO held that: (1) plan annuities may only be p...