§ 843.406 Proof of dependency

5 CFR 843.406(a)(a) A child is considered to have been dependent on the deceased employee or retiree if he or she is—

5 CFR 843.406(a)(1)(1) A legitimate child; or

5 CFR 843.406(a)(2)(2) An adopted child; or

5 CFR 843.406(a)(3)(3) A stepchild or recognized natural child who lived with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship at the time of the employee's or retirees death; or

5 CFR 843.406(a)(4)(4) A recognized natural child for whom a judicial determination of support was obtained; or

5 CFR 843.406(a)(5)(5) A recognized natural child to whose support the employee or retiree made regular and substantial contributions.

5 CFR 843.406(b)(b) The following are examples of proofs of regular and substantial support. More than one of the following proofs may be required to show support of a natural child who did not live with the employee or retiree in a regular parent-child relationship and for whom a judicial determination of support was not obtained.

5 CFR 843.406(b)(1)(1) Evidence of eligibility as a dependent child for benefits under other State or Federal programs;

5 CFR 843.406(b)(2)(2) Proof of inclusion of the child as a dependent on the decedent's income tax returns for the years immediately before the employee's or retiree's death;

5 CFR 843.406(b)(3)(3) Cancelled checks, money orders, or receipts for periodic payments received from the employee or retiree for or on behalf of the child;

5 CFR 843.406(b)(4)(4) Evidence of goods or services that show regular contributions of considerable value;

5 CFR 843.406(b)(5)(5) Proof of coverage of the child as a family member under the employee's or retiree's Federal Employees Health Benefits enrollment; and

5 CFR 843.406(b)(6)(6) Other proof of a similar nature that OPM may find to be sufficient to demonstrate support or parentage.

5 CFR 843.406(c)(c) Survivor benefits may be denied—

5 CFR 843.406(c)(1)(1) If evidence shows that the deceased employee or retiree did not recognize the claimant as his or her own despite a willingness to support the child; or

5 CFR 843.406(c)(2)(2) If evidence casts doubt upon the parentage of the claimant, despite the deceased employee's or retiree's recognition and support of the child.