Survivor Check-list
____ Notify the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Center, U.S. Coast Guard Human Resources Service and Information Center, or U.S. Public Health Service by telephone of the death of the service member. This call generates the RSFPP/SBP/RCSBP/SSBP annuity application process and application for residual retired pay.
Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force: Tel: 1-800-638-8744 - Fax 1-800-469-6559
U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA: Tel: 1-800-772-8724* -- E-mail: hrsicras@hrsic.uscg.mil
(* Press 2 when the automated answering service starts)
USPHS: 1-800-638-8744 – Compensation Branch
____ For survivors of Reservists who are not yet receiving military retired pay because the reservist hasn’t reached age 60 but is enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan Program, please notify the following:
Army - U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Command - 1-800-318-5298; Comm: (314) 592-0553
Marine Corps - 1-800-336-4649; Comm: (703) 614-1958
Navy - 1-800-535-2699; 1-866-250-4778, Fax: (504) 678-5893
Air Force - 1-800-525-0102, Ext. 71228; Comm: (303) 676-6576; Fax: (303) 676-6255
Coast Guard - 1-800-772-8724; Comm: (785) 339-3415; E-mail hrsic-ras@hrsic.uscg.mil
____ If a Civil Service or Federal Employee Retirement System (CSRS or FERS) retiree, notify the Office of Personnel Management at (724) 794-2005 (Civil Service SBP, Casualty and Federal Group life Insurance inquiries), or call toll-free 1-888-767-6738.
____ If you live in close proximity to a military installation and want assistance with military administrative matters, call the Casualty Assistance Officer. (This service may not be available at all locations.) Also, contact the Retirement Service Office, or Retired Affairs Office if one is near your place of residence. These offices can offer invaluable information and assistance.
____ If the deceased also was retired from employment in the private sector and a retirement plan was involved, notify that employer or pension plan administrator.
____ Contact your lawyer, trust administrator, or the executor of the estate.
____ Notify the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (Social Security survivor benefits and death benefit).
____ Notify any bank and stock brokerage that has an individual or joint account in the name of the deceased. Have account numbers available, if known.
____ Notify all life insurance companies. Have policy numbers available, if known.
____ If the death possibly could have been due to military service-connected causes, contact the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office by call 1-800-827-1000.
This call could initiate application for potential VA benefits, i.e., burial benefits, application for headstone, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Some surviving spouses will qualify for these benefits; many will not.
“MOAA’s Help Your Survivors–NOW!” booklet addresses in depth the qualifying criteria for VA death and related benefits. It’s better to be on the safe side and call anyway. Let the VA decide your eligibility for those benefits. You have nothing to lose. You may want to seek the help of a Veterans Service Office (VSO) in preparing claims with the VA, Call MOAA at 1-800-234-6624, for the name of a VSO in your state.
____ If the deceased was CSRS or FERS retiree and participated in the Thrift Savings Plan, contact the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board at (504) 255-600 – must have touch tone phone.
____ If the deceased was participant in any of the VA insurance programs (SGLI, VGLI, NSLI, USGLI, etc.), call 1-800-669-8477 and report the death. Have the policy numbers available, if possible.
____ Some associations offer spouse assistance to their members and will notify many of the places listed on this checklist. Examples include:
Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association: 1-800-336-4538 or (703) 522-3060
Navy Mutual Aid Association: 1-800-628-6011 or (703) 614-1638.
It’s your choice when to contact the following locations or offices.
Items on this list are not as time sensitive as those on the above lists.
____ Credit card companies or other charge accounts. Have account numbers available, if possible.
____ Accountant/CPA or tax preparer.
____ Other insurance companies (health, property, mortgage, Medigap, MOAA Mediplus, etc.). Have policy number on hand if known.
____ Department of Motor Vehicles.
____ City, County, and State property offices.
____ Any fraternal or professional organizations such as MOAA, AARP, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or Veterans of Foreign Wars. To identify a VSO in your area, access the following organizations on the internet:
American Legion: http://www.legion.org/service.htm
Disabled American Veterans: http://206.246.115.210/NVS/sor.htm
Veterans of Foreign Wars: http://www.davmail.org/directories/nsodir.asp
or you can call MOAA at 1-800-234-6622.
____ Locations where stocks, bonds and securities are held.
____ Nearest military installation personnel office. (Renew family member ID cards.)
____ Automobile leasing agent.