What Happens if You do Not Have a Beneficiary Form on File?
Many people, over time, forget about updating their important beneficiary forms. Everyone should visit your postal records and verify that your beneficiary forms are up to date. If not, we suggest that you submit you do so as soon as possible.
If you do not have a valid beneficiary form on file, benefits will be paid in the order of precedence as noted on the beneficiary form—check each form for the exact wording that would apply. For example, this is the order of precedence from the TSP-3, Thrift Savings Plan Designation of Beneficiary:
1. To your widow or widower.
2. If none, to your child or children equally, and descendants of deceased children by representation.
3. If none, to your parents equally or to the surviving parent.
4. If none, to the appointed executor or administrator of your estate.
5. If none, to your next of kin who is entitled to your estate under the laws of the state in which you resided at the time of your death.
Source: liteblue.usps.gov
