Code of Federal Regulations Title 5. Administrative Personnel § 5.831.671 Proof of eligibility for a child's annuity

(i) A child adopted by the employee or retiree before the death of the employee or retiree;  or

(ii) A child who lived with the employee or retiree and for whom a petition for adoption was filed by the employee or retiree and who is adopted by the current spouse of the employee or retiree after the death of the employee or retiree.

(i) The petition for adoption filed by the employee or retiree (clearly showing the date filed);  and

(ii) The judicial decree of adoption.

(i) A legitimate child;  or

(ii) An adopted child;  or

(iii) 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 retiree's death;  or

(iv) A recognized natural child for whom a judicial determination of support was obtained;  or

(v) A recognized natural child to whose support the employee or retiree made regular and substantial contributions.

(i) Evidence of eligibility as a dependent child for benefits under other State or Federal programs;

(ii) 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;

(iii) Cancelled checks, money orders, or receipts for periodic payments received from the employee or retiree for or on behalf of the child;

(iv) Evidence of goods or services that shows regular contributions of considerable value;

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

(vi) Other proof of a similar nature that OPM may find to be sufficient to demonstrate support or parentage.

(i) 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

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