The Special Agents Mutual Benefit Association (SAMBA) Employee Benevolent Fund (EBF) provides an immediate lump-sum death benefit payment to the beneficiaries of a participating CBP employee. The benefit is usually paid within 24 to 48 hours after notification of the employee’s death.
Beneficiaries can use this benefit to help with expenses while other benefits—that often take much longer to pay out—are being finalized. For example, after notification of an employee’s death:
- Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance is typically paid within 4 to 6 weeks;
- Unpaid CBP compensation is typically paid within 4 to 6 weeks;
- Federal Employees Retirement System is typically paid within 6 to 8 weeks; and
- Thrift Saving Plan is typically paid within 3 to 6 months.
All newly hired permanent full-time and part-time active employees have 60 days to enroll in the SAMBA EBF. The SAMBA EBF sponsors an open season every two to three years for employees who did not previously enroll.
