1000R info

[user17702573530]

I am entering a 1099R from a federal civil service retirement annuity.  Turbotax is asking for annuity start date. 

How do I find this date and what format does it go in?  

It also asks for plan cost.  Is this the "total employee contribution" from box 9b of the 1099R?

Finally, it asks for "Death benefit exclusion"  What is this and where do I find it?  Is it required?

the help boxes with the question marks contain zero information about what these items are and how to find them.