If you die with money in your account and your beneficiary is your spouse, an account will be established in your spouse's name.

(1) The distribution options will be provided to your spouse when DCP is notified of your death. Your spouse may choose any method of distribution (annuity, periodic payments, or lump sum) that provides at least the required minimum distribution each calendar year until your account is exhausted.

(a) The department must receive your spouse's election at least thirty days before distribution is to begin.

(b) Receiving more than the required minimum distribution during one calendar year does not excuse your spouse from taking the required minimum in any calendar year to which the required minimum applies.

(2) Required minimum distribution.

(a) First required distribution if you die before your "required beginning date" (see WAC 415-501-485 (1)(b)). Beginning in the later of:

(i) The calendar year following the calendar year of your death; or

(ii) The calendar year you would have attained age seventy-two, your spouse must receive the required minimum distribution. This distribution must be taken by December 31st of the applicable calendar year. (Prior to January 2020, the age for required minimum distributions was seventy and one-half.)

(b) First required distribution if you die after your "required beginning date" (see WAC 415-501-485 (1)(b)), your spouse must receive the required minimum distribution during the calendar year following the year of your death. The distribution must be taken by December 31st of the applicable calendar year.

(c) Your spouse must receive the required minimum distribution during each subsequent calendar year until the account is exhausted.

(d) The required minimum distribution in each of the relevant calendar years is based on life expectancies set forth in the treasury regulations.

(3) If your spouse dies before the entire account is exhausted, the remainder of the account will be paid according to the beneficiary election(s) on file (see WAC 415-501-480). If there is no beneficiary election on file, the remaining balance will be paid to their estate.