Benefits Available in the Event of a Divorce

Beginning on January 1, 1985, Federal law provides that in the event of a divorce, a former spouse may have a right to receive some portion of a Participant's benefit directly from NEAP. In connection with a divorce or property settlement agreement, a court may direct that a portion of a Participant's benefit be paid to a former spouse. Such payment cannot be made to a spouse before the Participant is eligible for a benefit.

NEAP will recognize such a court order and make direct payments to a former spouse only if there is a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) as required by Federal law. You will need to provide NEAP with a complete copy of any and all signed divorce decrees and QDROs.

NEAP has written procedures for notifying you of our receipt of a court order affecting your benefit and for determining if the court order is an acceptable QDRO. NEAP also has model QDRO provisions to assist you in obtaining an acceptable QDRO. These may be obtained by clicking here.