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 orviaemailatFCS@financialpoint.com.

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:202-273-9116vet.center@HQ.med.va.gov

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