Code of Federal Regulations Title 5. Administrative Personnel § 5.843.103 Application required

(a) No person is entitled to benefits under this part unless an application on behalf of that person is filed with OPM no later than 30 years after the death of the employee, separated employee, or retiree on whose service the benefit is based.

(b) Applications for benefits under this part must be filed on the form provided by OPM for that purpose.