Apply for Arrears of Annuity
Arrears of Annuity (AOA) is any pay due the SBP beneficiary (or annuitant) but unpaid at the time of their death. Because annuitants do not keep a designated beneficiary on file, Arrears of Annuity will be distributed in accordance with the federally-mandated Order of Precedence.
Annuitant pay stops on the last day of the month prior to the annuitant's death. Therefore, DFAS automatically recoups all pay deposited after the date of death from the annuitant's checking account. Any remaining amount owed will be calculated and paid after a complete audit of the account.
Prompt reporting of the annuitant's death can help avoid delay in the final settlement of the annuity. All outstanding checks or direct deposits must be returned to DFAS before a settlement of arrears of annuity may be made.
How to Apply for Arrears of Annuity
Once the annuitant's death has been appropriately reported to DFAS, send DFAS the following documents to apply for any Arrears of Annuity benefits that may be due to you.
- SF1174 claim form for each beneficiary
- A copy of the annuitant's Death Certificate that specifies the cause of death
Return forms to:
DFAS U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1300
FAX: 800-982-8459
Once the above forms are completed and returned, the account will be audited and if applicable AOA will be paid based on the legal Order of Precedence.
Page updated March 1, 2018