a. Adopted Child: An adopted child is a legal heir in every state and, therefore, is entitled to payment of unpaid pay and allowances, if otherwise proper. If the deceased retiree's child is adopted by others, the child is a beneficiary only in those states where an adopted child inherits from its natural father;
b. Stepchild: A stepchild is not an eligible beneficiary, unless adopted by the deceased retiree; and
c. Illegitimate Child: An illegitimate child may not be paid unpaid pay and allowances of a deceased retiree, unless that child is recognized for inheritance purposes under the laws of the jurisdiction involved.