Sharon Alford

Houston, Texas

Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Counsultant for the year of 2024.

Sharon is a native Texan. She enlisted in the United States Navy immediately following high school and proudly served her country for five years as an Air Traffic Controller. While serving in the Navy, Sharon began her college education in Whidbey Island, Washington and continued her studies on nights and weekends while working and raising her children for the next 26 years. Her studies spanned over three different states and five different colleges but she finally received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in 2010.

Sharon Alford has been serving Federal Employees in the Houston area with their insurance needs since 2014. Once joining The Benefit Coordinators, she has expanded her areas of service to include the entire United States. As an independent contractor of Aflac®, she has also been instrumental in bringing these benefits under The Benefit Coordinators “Supplemental Programs.” With her life and health insurance license, she has been able to serve her clients with finding the “right fit” for them in their insurance needs. Her integrity, “customer-first” mentality, and superior customer service (at the sale and beyond) has gained her hundreds of loyal clients.

Sharon chose to enlarge her portfolio to include retirement financial needs after her father retired without any benefits outside of social security. Her father was under hospice care until he sadly passed in December 2019 and she served as his Power-of-Attorney, handling all his financial and medical affairs. She understands, firsthand, how NOT preparing for your retirement years can affect, not only you, but your loved ones, as well. Her experience over the years of caring for her father has deeply ingrained in her a passion for assisting, educating, and implementing retirement plans for her clients. Ms. Alford is a Federal Retirement Consultant℠ and is authorized by the Federation of Federal Employee Benefit Advocates to provide consultation to all federal employees.

Ms. Alford is licensed to serve the needs of federal employees throughout the United States and is available for formal classroom education and training for benefits, as well, as more private individual consultations.

Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac includes Aflac and/or Aflac New York.

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Schedule a Meeting with Sharon

SSA Death Benefits Guide for Federal and Postal Employees

Have you ever wondered what financial support is available to your family if you, as a federal or postal employee, were to pass away? Understanding SSA death benefits and Social Security survivor benefits ensures your loved ones are protected.

Reporting a Death to the SSA

When a federal or postal employee dies, notifying the Social Security office is essential. Funeral directors typically report the date of death if given the deceased’s Social Security number. Otherwise, a family member should contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). (ssa.gov)

Lump-Sum Death Benefit

The SSA provides a one-time $255 payment to eligible survivors, typically the spouse or child.

Social Security Survivor Benefits

Who Is Eligible for Survivor Benefits?

Survivor benefits provide monthly payments based on the deceased’s earnings. Eligible recipients include:

  • Spouse: Full benefits at full retirement age or reduced benefits starting at age 60.
  • Children: Unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if in school full-time) or disabled before age 22.
  • Dependent Parents: Age 62 or older, who depended on the deceased for at least half of their support.

How Benefits Are Calculated

The SSA calculates benefits based on the deceased’s earnings record, ensuring financial institutions process payments accurately.

Survivor Benefits for Federal Employees Under FERS

Basic Employee Death Benefit

Available to spouses if the employee had at least 18 months of creditable service. The benefit equals 50% of the final salary plus a lump sum. (opm.gov)

Monthly Annuity

If the deceased had at least 10 years of service, the surviving spouse may receive a monthly annuity.

Children’s Benefits

Unmarried dependent children may receive benefits until age 18 (or 22 if full-time students). Disabled children can receive benefits indefinitely.

Postal Employee Survivor Benefits

Postal employees are covered under FERS and receive the same survivor benefits as other federal employees. The U.S. Postal Service offers guidance on available benefits.

Medicare and Health Benefits for Survivors

Surviving family members may continue health insurance under the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. If the deceased was Medicare-eligible, surviving spouses may qualify for continued Medicare coverage.

Applying for Survivor Benefits

Required Documents

Gather necessary documents, including:

  • Death certificate
  • Social Security numbers
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax returns

Steps to Apply

  1. Notify the Employer: Contact the employing agency for guidance.
  2. Contact the SSA: Apply for benefits by calling the SSA or visiting an office.
  3. Complete Necessary Forms: Such as SSA-8 (Application for Lump-Sum Death Payment).

Additional Considerations

Life Insurance Benefits

Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) benefits can be claimed by contacting the Office of Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

Beneficiaries should contact the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to claim funds.

Fairness Act and Other Legal Considerations

The Fairness Act ensures federal survivor benefits are distributed equitably among eligible dependents.

Conclusion

Understanding SSA death benefits and survivor programs can be overwhelming. By staying informed, you can ensure your family’s financial security. Contact The Benefit Coordinators to help you to begin the claims process and secure the benefits your loved ones deserve.