What is the Alternative Form of Annuity?
Eligible civil service employees who elect the Alternative Form of Annuity (AFA) when they retire will receive, instead of the annuity otherwise payable, a reduced annuity including a survivor annuity option, plus a lump-sum payment equal to all of their retirement contributions. The only employees who may elect the AFA are those who are eligible for a nondisability annuity and who have a life-threatening or other critical medical condition. An employee who is married at the time of retirement may not elect the AFA unless the employee’s spouse consents to the election. For a complete list of qualifying medical conditions and other details on the AFA, please review Chapter 53 of OPM’s CSRS and FERS Handbook.
