SF 3102 Form – If you’re a current or former federal employee covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) or Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), the SF 3102 form is one of the most important documents you’ll ever complete. This OPM standard form lets you designate exactly who receives any lump-sum retirement benefits payable after your death. Filing (or updating) your SF-3102 ensures your loved ones receive these benefits quickly and according to your wishes instead of the default order of precedence set by law.
In this comprehensive guide tailored for U.S. federal employees and retirees, we cover everything you need to know about the SF 3102 in 2026: what it does, who needs it, how to fill it out correctly, where to submit it, and common pitfalls to avoid. All information is based on the official October 2022 revision from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which remains the current version.
What Is the SF 3102 Form?
The SF 3102 — officially titled Designation of Beneficiary, Civil Service and Federal Employees Retirement Systems — is the OPM form used to name beneficiaries for any lump-sum benefit payable under FERS (or CSRS) upon your death.
This includes:
- Unrefunded retirement contributions plus interest
- Any lump-sum death benefits (including prior CSRS contributions for FERS employees)
Important: The SF 3102 does not affect survivor annuity benefits, which are governed by separate rules. It also does not apply to:
- Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) → Use SF 2823
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) → Use TSP-3
- Unpaid compensation → Use SF 1152
The current version (revised October 2022) combines and supersedes earlier versions of both SF 3102 (FERS) and SF 2808 (CSRS).
Who Needs to File an SF 3102?
You should complete or update an SF 3102 if you are:
- A current FERS or CSRS employee
- A FERS or CSRS retiree or annuitant
- A former federal employee eligible for future retirement benefits
Federal agencies strongly recommend every employee and retiree review their beneficiary designations regularly — especially after life events like marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or death of a loved one.
Why the SF 3102 Matters for Federal Employees?
Without a valid SF 3102 on file, OPM will distribute any lump-sum benefits according to the legal order of precedence:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (or descendants)
- Parents
- Executor/administrator of your estate
- Next of kin under the laws of the state where you lived
Filing the SF 3102 gives you full control and can prevent family disputes or delays in payment.
How to Fill Out the SF 3102 Form: Step-by-Step Instructions?
- Download the official form — Get the latest fillable PDF directly from OPM: SF 3102 (Revised October 2022).
- Complete Part A (Identification) — Provide your full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and indicate whether you are an employee, retiree, or former employee.
- Designate Beneficiaries (Part B) — List each beneficiary’s full name, address (including ZIP code), relationship to you, and the exact share (must total 100%). Use percentages or fractions — never dollar amounts.
Pro tip: The form includes examples on the reverse side. Common designations include naming your spouse 100%, or splitting 50/50 between children. - Date and Sign — Use the date you complete the form.
- Witnesses (Part C) — Two adult witnesses must sign in your presence. Witnesses cannot be named as beneficiaries. Provide their addresses.
- Agency Certification — Your agency (if applicable) will review and certify the form.
Critical rules:
- Use black or dark blue ink (wet signatures required — no electronic signatures).
- No erasures, strikeouts, or correction fluid.
- The form completely cancels any prior FERS or CSRS beneficiary designations.
Where and How to Submit Your SF 3102?
Filing location depends on your status:
| Your Status | Where to Send SF 3102 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current FERS employee | Your agency HR / Official Personnel Folder (eOPF) | Agency keeps original; forwards to OPM later |
| Current CSRS employee | OPM, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017 (both copies) | OPM validates and returns a copy |
| FERS/CSRS Retiree | OPM, P.O. Box 45, Boyers, PA 16017 | Must be received before your death |
| Former employee | Same as retiree address | — |
Deadline: The completed form must be received by the proper office before your death to be valid.
Many agencies now allow you to check your eOPF (https://eopf.opm.gov) to confirm your current SF 3102 is on file.
When Should You Update Your SF 3102?
Update immediately after:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth or adoption of a child
- Death of a beneficiary
- Any major life change
Even if nothing has changed, OPM and agency HR offices recommend reviewing your designations every 2–3 years.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Naming a witness as a beneficiary
- Shares that don’t add up to exactly 100%
- Using white-out or making alterations
- Forgetting to have two witnesses sign
- Sending the form to the wrong address
- Assuming your spouse automatically gets everything (without filing the form)
SF 3102 vs. Other Federal Beneficiary Forms
Don’t confuse the SF 3102 with:
- SF 2823 → FEGLI life insurance
- TSP-3 → Thrift Savings Plan
- SF 1152 → Unpaid compensation of deceased employee
You may need all four forms to cover every benefit fully.
Frequently Asked Questions About SF 3102
- Q: Does filing SF 3102 affect my survivor annuity?
A: No. It only covers lump-sum payments. - Q: What if my beneficiary’s address changes?
A: The form still remains valid, but it’s smart to keep contact information current. - Q: Can I name a trust or charity?
A: Yes — consult the form instructions or your HR/benefits specialist for proper wording. - Q: Is there a fee to file?
A: No — it’s free.
Protect Your Federal Retirement Benefits Today
Don’t leave your family’s financial security to chance. Download the official SF 3102 from OPM.gov, complete it carefully with two witnesses, and submit it according to your employment status.
Federal employees and retirees across the United States rely on this simple but powerful form to ensure their retirement contributions go exactly where they want. Review yours today — it only takes a few minutes and can save your loved ones months of uncertainty later.
Official Resource: U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Standard Forms
Last updated April 2026. Always verify the latest form and instructions directly on OPM.gov, as federal procedures can change.