In this subpart—

Election means an election of FERS coverage during the 1998 open enrollment period.

Former spouse consent requirement means the condition that must be satisfied under section 301(d) of the FERS Act for an employee with a former spouse to be eligible to elect FERS coverage.

Qualifying court order means a court order acceptable for processing as defined in § 838.103 of this chapter or a qualifying court order as defined in § 838.1003 of this chapter subject to the following conditions:

1. (1) If OPM has not received (as explained in § 838.131 of this chapter) a copy of the court order and identifying information required under § 838.221(b)(3), § 838.421(b)(3), § 838.721(b)(1)(iii), or § 838.1005(b)(3) of this chapter prior to the date on which the employing office receives the election to be covered by FERS, the court order is not a qualifying court order.
2. (2) If the former spouse loses entitlement to all CSRS benefits under the court order, the court order ceases to be a qualifying court order.

Social security coverage means coverage under the Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance program under the Social Security Act.

1998 open enrollment period means July 1, 1998, through December 31, 1998.