Current as of 2 July 2007
A Survivor’s Guide to Benefits
TAKING CARE OF OUR OWN
CONTENTSH A Survivor’s Guide to Benefits
I. A Message from the Department of Defense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
II. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
III. Your Casualty Assistance Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
IV. Funeral and/or Memorial Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
V. Money Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
VI. Additional Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
VII. Important Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
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I. A MESSAGE FROM ThE DEpARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Dear Family Member,
WheneveranindividualmakesthedecisiontojointheArmedServicesoftheUnitedStates,heorsheispromisingtoputthemselvesbetweenthepeopleoftheUnitedStates,andthosewhowouldharmus.Sometimesthispromisecoststhesebravemenandwomentheirlives.Tohonorthispromiseandsacrifice,theDepartmentofDefenseiscommittedtodoingallthatwecantosupportourdeceasedServicemembers’survivingfamilies.
Weknowthatthiscanbeapainfulandconfusingtime.Tryingtomakedecisionsforyourdeceasedlovedoneaswellastryingtoaddressyourconcernsforthefuturecanbeoverwhelming.Tohelpyounavigatethroughyourbenefitsandentitlements,yourMilitaryServicehasassignedyouacasualtyassistanceofficer.
Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerisadedicatedprofessional.Inmanycases,heorsheisalsoamemberofthemilitary.Ineverycase,however,yourcasualtyassistanceofficeriscommittedtohelpingyouasheorshewouldliketoseehisorherownfamilycaredforinsimilarcircumstances.During this time your casualty assistance officer’s duty to you will take precedence over all other assignments.Heorshewillassistyouwithimmediateneeds,funeralarrangements,andensureyoureceivethebenefitsandprivilegestowhichyouareentitledandwhichyoudeserve.
Thisguideprovidesanintroductiontothemostimportantissuesthatlovedonesfaceduringthisdifficulttime.Pleasereadit,andshareitwithyourfamily.Butbeassured,ourassistancetoyouisnotlimitedtothesubjectscoveredhere.Ifyouneedadditionalhelp,pleaseaskanditwillbeprovidedwheneverpossible.Yourfirstpointofcontactisyourcasualtyassistanceofficer.However,ifyouarenolongerincontactwithyourcasualtyassistanceofficer,theHeadorChiefofyourService’scasualtyofficeisavailabletoassistyou.
Inclosing,allofusattheDepartmentofDefenseofferourdeepestsympathytoyouandyourfamilyaswellasourheartfeltrespectforyourlovedonewhoseserviceandsacrificemakesourlivesasfreeAmericanspossible.
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II. INTRODUCTION
Thisguideisintendedtoaidyouasyouworkthroughthedifficultyandpainoflosingalovedonewhowasservinginthemilitary.
TheDepartmentofDefensetakesseriouslyitsobligationtoourServicemembersandtheirfamilies.Thedaysaheadwillbedifficult.WhilewecannotlessenyourlosswearecommittedtodoingeverythingpossibletohelpandguideyouasyoudealwiththedetailsanddecisionsthatsurroundthedeathofanactivedutyServicemember.EveryServicemember’sfamilyhascertainbenefits,privileges,andentitle-ments.Thisguideprovidesabriefoverviewtoincludehowtoaccessthem.Pleasebearinmindthatthosebenefits,privileges,andentitlementswhicharementionedmaynotbeapplicabletoeveryone.
ThisguidewasdesignedtogiveyouaclearideaofhowtheDepartmentofDefensewillassistyoufromyourfirstmeetingwithyourcasualtyassistanceofficer.Itcoverstheplanninganddetailsofthefuneralormemorialservice,andendswhenallapplicationsforbenefitsandentitlementshavebeenprocessed.
III. YOUR CASUAlTY ASSISTANCE OFFICER
Weunderstandthatyouandyourfamilymayfacetoughdecisionsconcerningyourdeceasedlovedoneinadditiontoyourconcernsforthefutureofyourfamily.Tomakesureyoureceivethehighestlevelofsupport,youhavebeenassignedacasualtyassistanceofficer.Thisisthepersontowhomyoushouldaddressyourquestions,asheorshewillbeyourprimaryconnectiontotheDepartmentofDefense.
ThedifferentbranchesofServicehavedifferenttitlesforthisperson.Inthisbookletwewillusethetermcasualtyassistanceofficer.
Atdifferenttimesinyourlovedone’smilitarycareerheorshehasbeengiventheopportunitytomakechoiceswithregardtonotificationofnext-of-kin,paymentofdeathgratuity,unpaidpayandallowances,anddispositionofremainsintheeventtheybecomeacasualty.TheDepartmentofDefenseForm93(RecordofEmergencyData)providesthisinformation.TheDepartmentofDefenseisboundbylawtofollowyourlovedone’sinstructionswithregardtothesebenefitsandentitlements.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillassistyouinseeingthattheseinstructionsarecarriedout.
The Military Services have different titles for their casualty assistance officers:
ArmyCasualtyAssistanceOfficer(CAO)
Marine CorpsCasualtyAssistanceCallsOfficer(CACO)
NavyCasualtyAssistanceCallsOfficer(CACO)
Air ForceCasualtyAssistanceRepresentative(CAR)
Coast GuardCasualtyAssistanceCallsOfficer(CACO)
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Youmaywonderhowlongyourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillassistyou.Thiswilldependonyourcircumstances.However,yourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillcontinuetoassistyouuntilallbenefitsandentitlementsforwhichyouareeligiblehavebeenprocessed.Afterwards,yourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillremainavailabletohelpwithyourconcerns.Whenfamilymembersarespreadoverseveralcitiesorstates,theremaybeseveralcasualtyassistanceofficersinvolved.
Meeting Your Casualty Assistance Officer
Shortlyafteryouhavebeennotifiedofyourlovedone’sdeathyouwillreceiveaphonecallfromyourcasualtyassistanceofficertoarrangeavisit.Heorshewillaskifyouhaveanyimmediateproblems,confirmyourmailingaddress,andarrangetomeetwithyouattheearliesttimeandplaceconvenienttoyou.Itisimportantthatyoumeetwithyourcasualtyassistanceofficerassoonaspossible,usuallywithintwenty-fourhoursofhisorhercall.Thefirstvisitwillbebrief,probablylessthananhour.Themainpur-poseofthisfirstvisitistoexchangeinformation.Insomecasesyourcasualtyassistanceofficermayasktomeetwithyouinprivate.Itmayfeellikeatremendousamountofinformationtodealwith,comingsoquicklyafterlearningofthedeathofyourlovedone.Youmaywantassistancefromacounselor,adoctor,orevenamemberofyourchurch.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficercanhelpyouconnectwiththesesup-portproviders.Ofcourseyoumayhaveotherfamilymemberspresentifyoudesire.
Youwillbeaskedtoprovideanaddresswhereyoumaybereachedforthenextforty-fivedays.Ifthisisnotthesameasyourcurrentmailingaddress,youshouldprovidebothyourcurrentandfutureaddresses.Theseaddresseswillbeusedtoprovideyouwithinformationfromyourcasualtyassistanceofficer,theDepartmentofDefense,andotherconcernedparties.Please,letyourcasualtyassistanceofficerknowimmediatelyifthisinformationchanges.
Verifying Family Information
YourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillalsoneedtoverifytheaccuracyofthefamilyinformationinDepart-mentofDefenserecords.Itishisorherjobtoconfirmthestatusofallknownfamilymembers,includ-ingthemaritalstatusofthedeceasedServicemember,anypreviousmarriages,divorcedecrees,andchildcustodyorders.CasualtyassistanceofficerswillnotrequestsensitivepersonaldatasuchasSocial
Securitynumbers,birthdates,orbankinginformationoverthephone.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficermayaskforcopiesofimportantdocuments.Withoutthesedocumentsbenefitsmaybedelayedordenied.
ItisespeciallyimportanttoidentifyalltheServicemember’schildren.OccasionallyaServicememberhasnotidentifiedallchildrenontheRecordofEmergencyData.Please,don’tbeoffendedifyourcasualtyassistanceofficerasksyouwhetheralovedonewasmarriedbeforeandifthereareanychildrenfromthatorotherrelationships.Also,heorshewillwanttoknowifthedeceasedServicememberwasknownbyanameotherthanthegivenname,suchasanickname,middlename,ormaidenname.
NEXT- OF -KIN
ThepersonmostcloselyrelatedtotheServicememberisconsideredPrimaryNext-of-Kin(PNOK).FederalstatutesprovidecertainbenefitstoaServicemember’srelativesand,insomecases,tonon-familymembers.Somebenefitsarebaseduponaperson’srelationshiptotheServicememberandtheroleheorsheplayedintheServicemember’slife.OtherbenefitsarebasedonchoicesmadebytheServicemember.
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BecauseoffederallawandindividualServicememberelections,itispossiblethatthePrimaryNext-of-Kin(PNOK),thePersonEligibletoReceivePersonalEffects(PERE),andthePersonAuthorizedtoDirectDispositionofRemains(PADD)arethesameperson.Itisequallypossiblethattheycouldbethreedifferentpeople;therefore,eachdesignationwillbefullyexplainedtoyou.
Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillscheduleafollow-upvisitsoonaftertheinitialvisit.Therewillbeasmanyfollow-upvisitsasnecessary.DependingonyourService,youmayalsomeetwithamortuaryaffairsofficer.Duringthesemeetingsyouwilldiscusspaymentofthedeathgratuity,preparationforthefuneral,anyhonorsduetoyourlovedone,andanyquestionsyoumayhave.
Responding to the Media
Newspapers,radio,andtelevisionoftenreportonlocalServicememberswhohavegiventheirlivesinserviceforourcountry.Itisyourchoicewhetheryouwishtospeaktothemediadirectly,ormaintainyourprivacyandhavethemilitarysupportyouinyourdealingswiththemedia.Ifyouwouldlikeassis-tance,yourcasualtyassistanceofficercanhelpbyputtingyouintouchwithapublicaffairsofficerwhoisaccustomedtodealingwiththemedia.Youwillbeabletodiscusswhateverinformationyouwouldliketoshareandhowyouwouldliketoshareit.
Asamatterofpolicy,theDepartmentofDefense,whichincludestheMilitaryServices,willnotreleaseanycasualtyinformationtothemediaorthegeneralpublicuntiltwenty-fourhoursafterthenext-of-kinhasbeennotified.
Authorization for Disclosure of Information
TheDepartmentofDefensereceivesmanyrequestsfromprivateindividuals,organizations,federalandstateelectedmembersofgovernment,andotherreputablesourcesaskingforfamilymembercontactinformationinordertooffercondolences,gifts,monetaryassistance,orscholarshipstofamiliesofde-ceasedServicemembers.U.S.privacylawsbarthegovernmentfromreleasingyourprivateinformationtothirdpartieswithoutyourwrittenconsent.IndividualServicepoliciesdifferonhowtoaddressthis
issue.YourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillexplaintheprocessesinplaceforyourparticularService,andyourdecisionwillbehonored.Whiletheremaybemanyofferstoprovidecondolencesandgifts,eachorganizationhasitsowncriteria,andreceiptofsuchgiftsoroffersisnotautomatic.
Remember…
EvenifnewissuesemergemonthsafteraServicemember’sdeath,yourServicecasualtyassistanceofficeremainsaresource.YoushouldfeelfreetocallyourServicecasualtyassistanceofficewithanyconcernsyoumayhave.
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IV. FUNERAl AND/OR MEMORIAl SERVICE
Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerispreparedtodiscussyouroptionsforafuneralaswellasburialofyourlovedone.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillalsohelpyouunderstandthegovernmententitlementsandreimbursementforthecostsassociatedwiththeseservices.
DecisionsrelatingtofuneralsandburialsaretheresponsibilityofthePersonAuthorizedtoDirectDispositionofRemains(PADD).WhenaServicememberdieswhileonactivedutyoractivedutyfortraining,
theDepartmentofDefensewillassumeresponsibilityforthepreparation,casketing,andtransportationoftheremainstothedestinationchosenbythePADD.However,ifyouwish,youcanengageafuneraldirectortoperformtheseservicesandmakeprivatearrangements.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillbeabletoassistyouwithyourdecision.
Transporting Your loved One
TherearetwotypesofescortsauthorizedtoaccompanytheremainsofactivedutyServicemembers:amilitarymemberselectedbythedeceasedmember’scommand,oracloserelativeofthedeceased.Afamilyescortrequiresofficialapproval.Obtainingthisapprovalcanbealengthyprocess,whichmaycauseadelayinmovingtheremains.
IftheServicememberdiedoverseasandburialwillbeintheUnitedStates,theremainswillbere-turnedtotheUnitedStatesassoonaspossible,usuallywithinafewdaysdependingonthecircumstanc-esandlocationofloss.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillbegiventhedateandtimetheremainsarescheduledtoarriveattheirfinaldestination.Weatherconditionsandflightcancellationscanalterschedules.Forthisreason,youshoulddelaychoosingadateforthefuneraluntiltheremainsofyourlovedonehavearrived.Thiswillavoidtheneedtochangethedateofthefuneral,whichmightaddconfusionandstresstothisalreadystrenuoustime.
Seeing Your loved One
Youmaybewonderingifyouwillbeabletoseeyourlovedone.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillbeabletodiscussthiswithyou.Alicensedmorticianwillmakearecommendationconcerningtheviewingofremains.Ifseeingyourlovedoneislikelytocauseadditionalstress,youmayhaveyourfamilydoctorviewtheremainsfirstandthenadviseyouwhetherviewingtheremainsisinyourbestinterest.
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Burial location
ThePADD,whoisdesignatedbytheServicemember,willdeterminewheretheburialwilltakeplace.Ifadesignationisnotrecorded,thePADDisdeterminedbytheServiceinaccordancewithexistinglawsandregulations.TheMilitaryServicewillprovideallnecessaryassistancetosatisfythePADD’sdecisiononburiallocationtoincludeburialinanational,state,private,orpubliccemetery.AllactivedutyServicemembersareeligibleforburialinArlingtonNationalCemeteryoranynationalcemeterythathasavailablespace.InformationonburialinanationalcemeteryisavailablefromanylocalofficeoftheDepartmentofVeteransAffairs(VA).Spousesandchildrenunder18yearsoldmaybeburiedwiththeirlovedonesinVAnationalcemeteries.YourfuneraldirectorwillassistyouwithburialarrangementsforanycemeteryintheNationalCemeterySystem,toincludeArlingtonNationalCemetery.
Transportation of Family
ThegovernmentwillprovidetransportationtotheburialsiteformembersoftheServicemember’simmediatefamily.Iffamilymembersprefertomaketheirownarrangementstheymaybereimburseduptothegovernmentrate.Certainfamilymemberscanbeauthorizedtoreceivetravelandperdiemexpensestoattendthefuneral.Werecommendthatfamilymembersnotmakeanytravelplansuntiltheyhavespokenwiththeircasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficer.TraveltotheServicemember’sunitmemorialserviceisnotcovered.Thisserviceisprimarilyforthemembersofyourlovedone’sunit.
Military honors
YourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillbeabletodiscusswithyouanymilitaryhonorsduetoyourServicemember.Ifyouchooseamilitaryfuneral,thecasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillhelpplanthefuneralservice.Thiscouldincludecoordinatingwithmilitaryorcivilianclergy,arrangingforthefuneralhonorsdetail,obtainingintermentflag(s)andpresentingtheflags,andotherawards.Suchhonorsmightincludeposthumouscitizenship,promotions,awards,ormedals.Duringthefuneralhonorsceremony,thespouseoftheServicememberwillreceiveaflag,aswillthemember’sparents.Divorcedparentswilleachreceiveaflag.
private Arrangements
Ifyouchoosetomakeprivatearrangementsyoumaybereimbursedfornormalexpenses.Themaxi-mumreimbursableamountdependsontheconditionsselectedforburial.Forexample,whentheServicearrangesforpreparationandcasket(selectedbythefamily)andremainsareconsigneddirectlyforburial
inagovernmentcemetery,themaximumreimbursableamountis$850;however,ifthefamilychoosestoarrangeforpreparation,casketing,transportation,andburialinaprivatecemetery,thenthemaximumreimbursableamountis$7,700.Beforemakinganyfinancialcommit-ments,itisrecommendedthatyouverifywithyourcasu-altyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficeriftheexpenseisreimbursable.Wewantyoutobeabletomakeinformed
Gold Star Lapel Button
TheGoldStarLapelButtonisauthorizedbyCongressforthefamilyofeligibledeceasedServicemembers.Thesewillbepresentedtothespouse,parents,siblings,andchildrenofthedeceasedpriortothefuneralorintermentservice.
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decisionsandnotexperienceadditionalanguishbecauseofanymisunderstandings.Yourcasualtyas-sistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillassistthepersonfilingtheclaimandensureallrequiredreceiptsandothersupportingdocumentsareattached.
Regardlessofwhetherthefamilychoosesmilitaryorprivatearrangements,yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillassistyouandyourfuneraldirectorincoordinatingintermentactivities.Thismayincludetransportingfamilymembers,arranginglodging,andconfirmingdeparturearrangements.
ShouldthePADDchoosetohavetheremainsburiedoverseas,theService’smortuaryaffairsofficewillarrangefortransportationtotheplaceoffinalburial.Specificinformationaboutburialhonorscanbefoundat:http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil.
Return of personal Effects
ThepromptdeliveryofthedeceasedServicemember’spersonalbelongingsisanimportantfunctionofyourlovedone’scommandingofficer.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficerwillprovidespecificinformationconcerningthereturnofyourlovedone’spersonaleffects.Wheneverpossibleheorshewillbepresenttohelpwhenthepropertyisdelivered.
legal Assistance
YourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillscheduleanappointmentwithaDepartmentofDefenselegalassistanceofficerandwillattendthemeetingwithyou.Thelegalassistanceofficerwillguideyouonlegalissuesthatcanhaveaprofoundeffectonthebenefitsandentitlementsyoureceive.ItisimportanttoreviewtheServicemember’swillandanyestateplanningdocumentsbeforeapplyingforinsuranceorothermonetarybenefits.Thesedocumentscouldhaveamajorimpactontheresultsofthesefilings.
Investigative Reports
Yourcasualtyassistanceofficercanhelpyouobtaincopiesofofficialorinvestigativereports.RequestsforanyreportshouldincludeacopyoftheReportofCasualtyForm(DDform1300)aswellasyourcopyofagovernmentissuedphotoIDcardorstateissueddriver’slicense.
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V. MONEY MATTERS
Therearemanyagencieswithasincereinterestinhelpingyouandyourfamilyasyoumovethroughthischallengingtime.AssurvivingfamilyofadeceasedServicemember,youmaybeeligibleforanarrayofbenefitsandentitlements.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerisyourguidethroughthissometimesoverwhelmingprocess.Heorshewillassistyoushouldyouneedadditionalinformationorhelpfillingoutanynecessaryforms.
Department of Defense Benefits
Death Gratuity
ThedeathgratuityisalumpsumpaymentmadebytheDepartmentofDefensetothesurvivorsofaservicememberwhodiesonactiveduty,activedutyfortraining,inactivedutyfortraining,orwithin120daysafterreleasefromactivedutyifthedeathisduetoaservicerelateddisability.
Thepurposeofthispaymentistoassistthesurvivorsinmeetingimmediatelivingexpenses.Bylawonlycertainpeopleareeligibletoreceivedeathgratuitypaymentsandanorderofprecedencehasbeenestablishedasfollows:
•survivingspouse •children(inequalshareswithoutregardtoageormaritalstatusifthereisnosurvivingspouse) •parents,peopleactingasparents,brothers,orsisters(ifdesignatedbytheServicemember)
DuringtheperiodbeginningonMay25, 2007,andendingonSeptember30, 2007,aServicemembermaydesignateanotherpersontoreceivenotmorethanfiftypercentofthedeathgratuitypayableuponthedeathofthemember.Thedesignatedamountmustbespecifiedinincrementsoftenpercent.Thebalanceoftheamountofthedeathgratuityshallbepaidtoorforthelivingsurvivorsofthememberinaccordancewithexistinglawandregulation.
Thedeathgratuitywillnormallybepaidwithinseventy-twohourstotheeligiblebeneficiary.Depend-inguponyourService,youmayelecttoreceivethemoneyviaelectronicfundtransferorbycheck.Ifyoupreferacheck,itwillbedeliveredbyyourcasualtyassistanceofficerortheServicecasualtyoffice.
Disbursement of Pay and Allowances
AnypayorallowancesduetotheServicememberatthetimeofdeathwillbepaidtothedesignatedbeneficiaryoralegalrepresentative.Normally,payandallowancesduetothedeceasedServicememberwillbelimitedtomoneyearnedduringthemonthofdeathorsincethelastpayday.Ser-vicemembershavetherighttonameanypersonasbeneficiaryformoneyremainingdueattimeofdeath.IntheabsenceoftheServicemember’s
Casualty Assistance
Casualtyassistanceisanopen-endedprocess.Simplybecauseyoumaynolongerhavedirectcontactwithyourcasualtyassistanceofficerdoesnotmeanthatassistanceisnolongeravailable.Afteryoudeterminethatdirectassistanceisnolongernecessaryandyounolongerhavecontactwithyourcasualtyassistanceofficer,thecasualtyheadquartersofficeforyourMilitaryServicebecomesyourprimarylinkforassistance.Pleaseusethisvaluableresourceforanyadditionalassistanceyoumayneed.
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writteninstructions,moneyduewillbepaidtosurvivorsintheorderlistedbelow:
•spouse •childreninequalshares •parents •dulyappointedlegalrepresentativeoftheestate
Thisistaxableincome.TheDefenseFinanceandAccountingCenterwillautomaticallyforwardnecessaryclaimformstothebeneficiaries.
Burial Benefits
TheDepartmentofDefensewillcarefor,transport,andintertheremainsofyourlovedone.Thesurvivingspouse,thedependentchildren,andtheparentsofboththeServicememberandsurvivingspouseareauthorizedtoreceivetravelentitlements.Ifthespouse,children,orparentschoosenottotraveltothefuneral,thePersonAuthorizedtoDirectDispositionofRemains(PADD)plustwocloserelativesmayusethisbenefit.
Travelentitlementincludesroundtriptransportationandtwodaysperdiemuponarrivalattheintermentsite.Itisadvisabletodelaymakinganytravelplansuntilafterspeakingwithyourcasualtyassistanceofficerormortuaryofficer.Thiswillensurethattransportationandarrivaltimesarecoordi-natedformaximumsupportandthatnounauthorizedexpensesareincurredwiththeexpectationofreimbursement.
Survivor Benefits Plan
SurvivingspousesofServicememberswhodieonactivedutyareentitledtoSurvivorBenefitPlan(SBP)payments.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillscheduleameetingwitharetirementservicesofficerwhoisanexperiencedcounselorandcanprovideinformationaboutsurvivorbenefitsandhelpyouwiththeapplications.SBPpaymentsareequalto55percentofwhatamember’sretirementpaywouldhavebeenhadheorshebeenretiredat100percentdisability.YourSBPannuitywillbereducedbytheamountofpaymentsprovidedundertheDependencyandIndemnityCompensationprogram(seeDICbelow).Spousesmaychoose“childonly”SBPbenefits.Thisoptionishelpfulwhenthespouse’sDICisgreaterthantheamountofSBP.SBPpaymentsaresubjecttofederalincometaxes,althoughDICpaymentsarenot.Ifthespouseremarriesbeforeage55,SBPpaymentscease;butiftheremarriageendspaymentscanbereinstated.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Thiscompensationwillprobablybethemostimportantpartofyourlong-rangefinancialplanning.ItispaidtoeligiblesurvivorsofactivedutyServicemembersandsurvivorsofthoseveteranswhosedeathsaredeterminedbytheVAtobeservicerelated.Itisaflatmonthlypayment,independentofthepaygradeoftheveteran.The2007spouseDICmonthlyrateis$1,067.Thispaymentisadjustedannuallyforcostoflivingincreasesandisnon-taxable.
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ItisimportanttorememberthatDICbenefitswillnotbepaidunlessyouapplyforthem.YourcasualtyassistanceofficercanarrangeforyoutomeetwiththelocalVAofficetofileyourapplication.Certaindocumentsmustbesubmittedwiththeapplication.SurvivorsofactivedutyServicememberswillneed:
•completedVAForm21-534a •DDForm1300,ReportofCasualty
Thisbenefitispayableforthelifeofthespouse,providedthespousedoesnotremarrybeforetheageof57.However,shouldaremarriageend,DICbenefitscanbereinstated.Incomefromothersourcesdoesnotaffecteligibility.TheonlyrequirementsareproofofrelationshiptothedeceasedServicememberandthattheServicemember’sdeathwasservice-connected.
Therateofcompensationincreasesforaspousewithoneormorechildrenwiththedeceasedveteran.The2007monthlybenefitforeachchildis$265.Childrenareeligibleforthiscompensationunderthefollowingconditions:
•untiltheymarryorturn 18(or19ifstillinsecondaryschool) •iftheyarebetweentheagesof18and23andareattendingaVAapprovedinstitutionof
higherlearning •forlife,iftheyaredisabled
Ifthereisnosurvivingspouse,DICwillbepaidinequalsharestothechildrenofthedeceasedveteran.Thetotalmonthlybenefitwillbeslightlydifferent,asshownonthetable.FormoreinformationcontactyourlocalVAoffice,accesstheVAwebsiteathttp://www.va.gov,orcall1-800-827-1000.
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Unlessyourlovedoneelectednottobecovered,heorshehasalifeinsurancepolicysponsoredbytheVA.AsofSeptember1, 2005,themaximumamountofSGLIis$400,000.Servicemembershavetheoptionofelectingfullcoverage,reducedcoverageinincrementsof$50,000,ornocoverage.PaymentismadebySGLIinapproximatelyforty-fivedaystothebeneficiary(ies)specifiedbytheServicemember.Ifyourlovedonedidnotselectabeneficiary,thelawrequirestheinsurancebepaidinthefollowingorderofprecedence:
1) spouse 2)childreninequalshares 3)parent(s)inequalshares 4)adulyappointedexecutororadministratoroftheestate 5)thenext-of-kinentitledtopaymentunderthelawofthe
Servicemember’sstateofresidence
IfyouareanSGLIbeneficiary,yourcasualtyassistanceofficerwillassistyouwithcompletingthenecessaryclaimsforms.Ifyouarenotthebeneficiary,privacylawsforbidthegovernmentfromdivulgingthenameofthebeneficiarytoyou.
Surviving Children
Entitlement
lump amount
Rate for one
Numberofchildren
Totalpayable
Eachchildshare
1 $ �52 $ �52.00
2 $ 6�9 $ 32�.50
3 $ ��6 $ 2�2.00
� $ 1 ,00� $ 252.00
5 $ 1 ,1�0 $ 23�.00
6 $ 1,332 $ 222.00
� $ 1,�9� $ 213.�2
� $ 1,656 $ 20�.00
9 $ 1,�1� $ 202.00
DIC for Surviving Children In
the Absence of a Surviving Spouse
Payment & Eligibility
AnyquestionsyoumayhaveconcerningpaymentofSGLIoreligibilityforFSGLIshouldbeaddressedto:
OfficeofServicemembers’GroupLifeInsurance290WestMountPleasantAvenueLivingston,NJ07039
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Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI)
ForfamilymemberswithFSGLIatthetimeoftheServicemember’sdeath,coveragewillcontinueforaperiodof120daysatnocost.SpouseswhoareinsuredundertheFSGLIprogramhavetheoptiontoconvertspousalcoveragetoanindividualpolicyofinsurancewithin120daysfromthedateoftheServicemember’sdeath.Coverageforchildrencannotbeconverted.
Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services (BFCS)
ThisfinancialcounselingbenefitisofferedtobeneficiariesofSGLI,Veterans’GroupLifeInsurance(VGLI),orFSGLIpolicies.Thiscost-freeserviceisofferedbyFinancialPoint.Includedisoneyearaccesstotheirtollfreefinancialplanninghelplineandafinancialplanningresourcekit.FinancialPointcanbereachedat1-888-243-7351 [email protected].
VA Home Loans
SurvivingspouseswhohavenotremarriedareeligibleforVAhomeloanswhichmayofferbettermortgageratesortermsthantraditionalhomeloans.
Transition Assistance
Tohelpeaseyourtransition,amonthlypaymentof$250willbepaidtosurvivingspouseswithminorchildrenforthefirsttwoyearsofDICentitlementoruntilthelastminorchildisremovedfromDICbenefitsshouldthathappenbeforethetwoyearsofeligibilityareover.
Montgomery GI Bill/Veterans Educational Assistance Program (MGIB/VEAP)
IfyourlovedoneparticipatedinMGIB/VEAP,theVAwillpayarefundequaltotheamountcontributedunderChapterThirtyorChapterThirty-Two,lessanybenefitspaid,unlessthedeathwasaresultofwillfulmisconduct.TherefundwillbepaidtothebeneficiaryofSGLIproceeds.Incasesinvolvingmultiplebeneficiaries,eachbeneficiarymustsubmitaseparaterefundrequest.
Survivor and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
SurvivingspousesareeligibleforeducationalbenefitsforuptotwentyyearsafterthedateoftheServicemember’sdeath.Childrenarenormallyeligibletousetheireducationalbenefitsbetweentheagesof18and26.Thisbenefitmaybeusedtopursueanassociate,bachelors,orgraduatedegree;coursesleadingtocertification,technical,orvocationalschool;andapprenticeshipsandvariousothereducationalprograms.Childrenovertheageof14withphysicalormentaldisabilitiesmayreceivebenefitsforspecialrestorativetrainingtolessenorovercomeimpairment.
Bereavement Counseling
TheVAOfficeofReadjustmentCounselingService(RCS)offersbereavementcounselingtofamiliesofServicememberswhodieonactiveduty.TheseservicesareavailabletoyouthroughofficesatthecommunitybasedVetCentersthroughouttheUnitedStates,Guam,PuertoRico,andVirginIslands.Formoreinformationcall202-273-9116oremailvet.center@HQ.med.va.gov.
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Assistance from the Social Security Administration
MonthlySocialSecuritypaymentsarepaidtoaspouseoradivorcedspousewithchildrenofthedeceasedServicememberundertheageof16,ordisabledchildrenintheircarewhomeettheeligibilityrequirements.Monthlypaymentsarealsopaidtochildrenundertheageof 18or19iftheyarefull-timestudents,orolderchildrenwhoweredisabledbeforetheageof18.TheamountpaidwillbedeterminedbytheSocialSecurityAdministration.
Upto$255inSocialSecurityBenefitsmaybepaidtothesurvivingspouselivingwiththememberatthetimeofdeath.ThefactthataServicememberwastemporarilyawayfromhomeonamilitaryassignmentwillnotprecludeafindingoflivingtogether.Ifthereisnosurvivingspouse,thesumispaidtotheoldestchildwhoiseligibleforSocialSecuritybenefitsforthemonthofdeath.Noothersurvivorsareentitledtothisbenefit.YoushouldmakeyourclaimthroughthenearestSocialSecurityOffice.YourcasualtyassistanceofficermaycontacttheSocialSecurityAdministrationExpeditedClaimUnit(tel.1-866-777-7887)onyourbehalfinorderforbenefitstobeginwithintwenty-fourhours.Supportingdocumentationwillbenecessarywithinsixtydaysorbenefitswillstop.Formoreinformation,gotohttp://www.ssa.gov.
Ongoing Military Benefits
Healthcare, Commissary, and Exchange
ThedeathofyourlovedonedoesnotendyourrightstocertainServicebenefitsandprivilegesyoufor-merlyreceived.ForexampleyoumaybeeligibletocontinuetoreceivehealthcareatmedicalfacilitiesunderTRICAREattheactivedutyrateforthreeyears,andafterwardsattheretireefamilymemberrate.Youarealsoeligibletoshopattheexchangeandcommissaryindefinitelyunlessyouremarry.ChildrenofthedeceasedServicemembermayusetheseprivilegesuntiltheyare18,or23ifenrolledincollege.YoumayalsousethebasetheaterandsomeotherMoral,Welfare,andRecreation(MWR)facilities.
Housing and Allowances
Ifyouarelivingingovernmenthousingasanauthorizeddependent,youareeligibletocontinuelivingingovernmenthousingforayearfromthedateofyourlovedone’sdeath.Ifyouleavegovernmenthousingbeforethe365thdayfromyourlovedone’sdeath,youwillbereimbursedfortheunuseddaysatthecurrentrateofBasicAllowanceforHousing(BAH)foryourlovedone’spaygrade.Ifyoudesiretoremaininquarterspastthe365thday,awrittenrequestmustbesubmittedtotheBaseCommanderviatheappropriatehousingoffice.Ifapproved,rentalchargesatthecurrentratemaybeapplied.Ifyouarenotresidingingovernmenthousing,youwillbeprovidedalumpsumpaymentof365daysBAHattheServicemember’scurrentrate.Ifyouareinleasedgovernmenthousing,the365dayrulestillapplies.Ifyouareasurvivingspouseandalsoamemberoftheuniformedservices,youarealsoeligibleforthe
housingallowanceasanauthorizeddependent.
Youarealsoauthorizedonerelocationmoveatgovernmentexpense.ThemovementofhouseholdgoodsmustbecompletedwithinthreeyearsfollowingthedeathoftheServicemember.Arequestmaybemadeforanextensionifnecessary.Pleasecontactthetransportationofficeratthenearestinstallation.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficecanalsohelpyouwiththisrequest.
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Legal Assistance
Shouldyouneedlegaladviceonbenefitsandentitlements,insurance,taxation,orothermatters,militarylegalassistancecanbeprovided.Legalservicesareavailableonallmilitaryinstallationsandyourcasualtyassistanceofficercanhelparrangeforanofficevisitoraphoneconversationwithalegalexpertifyouarenotnearaninstallation.
ID Card
Inordertousetheservicesyouareentitledto,youmustidentifyyourselfasthedependentofadeceasedServicemember.TheIDcardyouusedwhenyoursponsorwasaliveisnolongervalid.YouwillneedtoapplyforanewIDcard.Thecasualtyassistanceofficecanhelpyouwiththis.
Posthumous Citizenship
ThisisanhonorarystatuscommemoratingthebraveryandsacrificeofthesedeceasedServicemembers.ItdoesnotconveyanybenefitsundertheImmigrationandNationalityActtoanyrelativeofthedeceasedServicemember.
ArequestforthegrantingofposthumouscitizenshiptoaServicemembermaybefiledonbehalfoftheServicememberonlybythenext-of-kinorbyarepresentative(asdefinedbytheAttorneyGeneral).Iftheapplicationisapproved,aCertificateofCitizenship(N-645)willbeissuedinthenameofyourlovedonewithcitizenshipasofthedateofhisorherdeath.
TheBureauofCitizenshipandImmigrationServices(BCIS)hasatollfreenumberavailableforautomatedinformationandliveassistanceconcerningimmigrationserviceandbenefitswithintheU.S.,PuertoRico,Guam,andtheU.S.VirginIslands.IfoutsidetheseareaspleasecontacttheclosestU.S.EmbassyorConsulate.Thetollfreenumberis1-800-375-5283.
Income Taxes
Assistancewithfilingincometaxesisavailableatmostmilitaryinstallationsduringtaxseason.Thisserviceisfreeofcharge.
ForinformationandguidanceconcerningyourincometaxstatusasasurvivorofaServicemember,youcancontactthenearestofficeoftheInternalRevenueService(IRS).Forincometaxpurposes,socialsecuritybenefits,thedeathgratuitypayment,burialbenefits,VApensionandcompensationpayment,property,andthefaceamountofalllifeinsurancepoliciesareexcludedfromgrossincome.
Combat Zone Forgiveness
IfamemberoftheU.S.ArmedForcesdieswhileinactiveserviceinacombatzoneorfrominjuryordiseasereceivedinacombatzone,thedecedent’sincometaxliabilityisforgivenforthetaxyearinwhichthedeathoccurredandforanearliertaxyearendingonorafterthefirstdaythememberservedinacombatzoneinactiveservice.Forgiventaxistaxthatdoesnothavetobepaid.Anyforgiventaxliabilitythathasalreadybeenpaidwillberefunded,andanytaxliabilityatthedateofdeathwillbeforgiven.
Inaddition,anyunpaidtaxesforprioryearswillbeforgivenandanyprioryeartaxespaidafterthedateofdeathwillberefunded.ThisprovisionalsoappliestomembersoftheArmedForcesservingout-sidethecombatzoneiftheservicewasindirectsupportofmilitaryoperationsinthezone,andqualifiedthememberformilitarypayfordutysubjecttohostilefireorimminentdanger.
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VI. ADDITIONAl RESOURCES
Military OneSource
Tel. 1-800-342-9647 http://www.militaryonesource.com
MilitaryOneSourceunderstandstheneedsofmilitaryfamilymemberswhohavelostalovedone.Survivingspouses,parents,andchildrencanturntoMilitaryOneSourceforinformation,resources,andcounselingsupportduringtheirtimeofneed.Helpisavailabletwenty-fourhoursaday,sevendaysaweekbytelephoneorInternet.Servicesinclude: •face-to-facecounselinginthelocalcommunityatnocost •immediatesupportforthosewithemotionalwell-beingissues •referralstoappropriateServicebranchagencies,aidagencies,charitableorganizations,
supportgroups,andotherresources •educationalmaterialsrelatedtobenefits,grief,andotherrelatedissues •translationservicesformorethan 150languages
Additionalcontactinformation:
FromOverseasTel.1-800-3429-6477Youmustuseanaccesscodebeforedialingthetollfreenumber.AccesscodescanbefoundontheMilitaryOneSourcewebsiteat“ContactUs.”
Fromoverseas,deployed,orinremoteareasonly,youmaycallcollectatTel.484-530-5908.
EnEspanolTel.1-877-888-0727 / TTY/TDD Tel. 1-800-346-9188
Survivor Benefits
States
Somestatesprovidebenefitsandsupporttosurvivors,especiallytosurvivorsofNationalGuardorReservememberskilledonactiveduty.Amountsandbenefitsmayvary.
Army Survivor Benefits
ArmyCasualtyTel. 1-800-626-3317http://www.armycasualty.army.mil
Navy Survivor Benefits
NavyCasualtyTel. 1-800-368-3202http://www.lifelines.navy.mil
Marine Corps Survivor Benefits
MarineCorpsCasualtyTel. 1-800-847-1597http://www.manpower.usmc.mil
Air Force Survivor Benefits
AirForceCasualtyTel. 1-800-433-0048http://ask.afpc.randoph.af.mil
Coast Guard Survivor Benefits
http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/psc/sbp_rcsbp.shtm
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Arlington National Cemetery
Tel. 703-607-8585http://arlingtoncemetery.org
IfyouwishtohaveyourlovedoneburiedorinterredatArlingtonNationalCemeteryyoushouldaskyourlocalfuneralhometotelephonetheintermentofficeandarrangefortheintermentservice.Thisshouldbedonewhileyouare,oryourrepresentativeis,inthefuneralhome.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
Tel. 1-800-321-1080 http://www.dod.mil/dfas/
DFASprovidesprofessionalfinanceandaccountingservicesformembersoftheUniformedService’sandtheirdependents.Hereyouwillfindawealthofinformationaboutmilitarypayandbenefits.LookunderRetiredPayforinformationonSurvivorBenefits.
Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA)
AwealthofinformationconcerningcompensationandbenefitsforfamiliesofdeceasedServicemembersisavailablefromtheVA.
Veterans Benefits Administration
Tel.1-800-827-1000TDD1-800-829-4833http://www.va.govFinancialPoint:1-888-243-7351MontgomeryGIBill/VEAPRefund:1-888-442-4551Survivor’sBenefits:1-800-827-1000http://www.vba.va.gov/survivors/index.htm
Veterans health Administration
Tel.1-877-222-8387http://www1.va.gov/health/BereavementCounseling:[email protected]
National Cemetery Administration
Tel.1-800-827-1000 http://www.cem.va.govMemorialProgramsService: 1-800-697-6947PresidentialMemorialCertificate Program:202-565-4259HeadStonesandMarkers:1-800-697-6947
Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC)
Tel. 1-888-237-2872http://www.afsc-usa.com
OnbehalfoftheServiceReliefSocieties,theAFSCprovideseligiblefamilymemberswithlifetimebenefitandentitlementinformationandassistanceatnocost.Theirservicesincludeananalysisofavailablebenefits,anannualbenefitupdate,notificationconcerningchangestobenefitsorentitlements,insurancecounseling,andothergeneralassistance.
Military Funeral honors
http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil
Familiesofeligibleveteransmayrequestfuneralhonorsthroughtheirfuneraldirector.ThefuneraldirectormustcontacttheappropriateMilitaryServicetoarrangeforthefuneralhonorsdetail.
National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS)
Tel.1-800-842-3451http://www.naus.org
NAUSistheonlymilitaryaffiliatedassociationwhosemembershipisopentotheentiremilitary/veteranfamily—Army,Navy,AirForce,MarineCorps,CoastGuard,UnitedStatesPublicHealthService,NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration,andtheNationalGuardandReserve.NAUSservesallranksandgradesandrepresentsabroadspectrumofinterestsandisaffiliatedwiththeNationalSocietyofMilitaryWidows(seebelow),supportingtheinterestsandneedsofspousesandsurvivors.
National Military Family Association (NMFA)
Tel.1-800-260-0218 http://www.nmfa.org
ThegoaloftheNMFAistoeducatemilitaryfamiliesabouttherights,benefits,andservicesavailabletothem,andtopromoteandprotecttheinterestsofmilitaryfamiliesbyinfluencingthedevelopmentandimplementationoflegislationandpoliciesaffectingthem.
National Society of Military Widows (NSMW)
Tel. 1-800-842-3451, extension 3009http://militarywidows.org
NSMWisanon-profitorganizationthatservestheinterestsofwomenwhosehusbandsdiedwhileonactivemilitaryduty,service-connectedillness,orduringdisabilityorregularretirementfromtheArmedForces.
Office of Servicemembers’ Group life Insurance (SGlI)
Tel. 1-800-419-1473http://www.insurance.va.gov
SGLIaisaprogramoflowcostgrouplifeinsuranceavailabletoallmembersoftheUniformedServices.ServicemembersareautomaticallyinsuredunderSGLIunlesstheServicememberchoosestoreducetheamount,orcancelitentirely.
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Social Security Administration
Tel. 1-800-772-1213ExpeditedClaimUnit,Tel. 1-866-777-7887http://www.ssa.gov
SocialSecuritybenefitsmaybeavailabletothespouseorchildrenofdeceasedServicemembers.Yourcasualtyassistanceofficercanhelpyouwiththis.
TRICARE
General number: 1-888-363-5433North region: 1-877-874-2273West region: 1-888-874-9378South region: 1-800-444-5445http://www.tricare.osd.mil
TounderstandyourhealthcarebenefitsyoumayaskyourcasualtyassistanceofficerorcontactTRICAREformoreinformation.
Gold Star Wives of America, Inc.
Tel. 1-888-751-6350http://www.goldstarwives.org
GoldStarWivesisacongressionallycharterednon-profitserviceorganization.Thisgroupisuniqueinthatitistheonlyorganizationcapableofprovidingservicestoactivedutyandservice-connectedmilitarywidowsandwidowers.
Gold Star Mothers, Inc.
Tel. 1-202-265-0991http://www.goldstarmoms.com
GoldStarMothersisacongressionallychartednon-profitorganization.Thisisanorganizationofmotherswhohavelostasonordaughterintheserviceofourcountry.
Tragedy Assistance program for Survivors (TApS)
Tel. 1-800-959-TAPS (8277)http://www.taps.org
ThecoreofTAPSismadeupofpeoplelikeyou,whohavelostalovedonewhowasservingintheArmedForces.Theyoffergriefcounselingreferral,caseworkerassistance,andcrisisinformation.
America Supports You
http://www.americasupportsyou.com
AmericaSupportsYouisanationwideprogramlaunchedbytheDepartmentofDefensetorecognizecitizens’supportforourmilitarymenandwomenandcommunicatethatsupporttomembersofourArmedForcesathomeandabroad.Thissitealsoprovidesfamilymemberswithusefulinformationonsupportandassistancefrommanydifferentsources,communitybasedorganizations,andongoingeventsineachstate.
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Service Specific Information
Thisguideismeanttoprovideallfamilymembers,regardlessofService,thesamebasicinformationonassistance,benefits,andentitlements.However,theremaybeadditionalbenefitsandresourcesthatareServicespecific.Therefore,eachMilitaryService,atitsoption,mayincludeadditionalinformationorresourcesattheendofthisGuidethatonlyapplytofamilymembersfromtheirService.AfewexampleswouldbeascholarshipprogramthatpertainsonlytosurvivingArmyfamiliesorafoundationthatonlysupportsNavyfamilies.
I. lIST OF IMpORTANT DOCUMENTS
•civiliandeathcertificates(canbepurchasedthroughfuneralhome;12copiesrecommended)
•marriagecertificate
•divorcedecree
•immigrationdocuments
•naturalizationpapers
•adoptionandorcustodydocuments
•DDform214(CertificateofReleaseorDischargefromActiveDuty)
•socialsecuritynumber/cardforallfamilymembers
•willsanddeedsoftrust
•insurancepolicies(life,home,vehicles,etc.)
•incometaxrecords(pastthreeyears)
•documentsreferringtobankaccounts,loans,securities,etc.
•referencestosafedepositboxes
•referencestooutstandingdebt
•vehicletitleandregistration
Placelocalcontactinformationhere