A spouse annuity or divorced spouse annuity which is unpaid at the death of the spouse or divorced spouse is paid in the following order and amounts:

(a) The employee receives the full amount.

(b) If the employee died before negotiating the check in payment of the unpaid annuities, the unpaid spouse annuity or divorced spouse annuity is paid in the same order and amounts as described in § 234.31 (b) through (f).