Keeping Your Records Updated

    In order to prevent unfortunate situations, it is imperative that an updated beneficiary form is on file with DFAS. Too often we hear from surviving spouses claiming they did not receive the retired pay for the portion of the last month in which their retiree spouse was alive. This occurs due to the fact that the money went to someone else whom the member had named as beneficiary at retirement. Avoid situations such as the one previously mentioned by updating your records.  The designation of beneficiary form can be accessed at http://www.dfas.mil/retiredpay/beneficiarycard.html

      In the event of the death of a retired member or annuitant, DFAS should be contacted as soon as possible.  A photocopy of the certificate of death will be required; however, it is not needed for the initial notification of death to be made.

    To make it easier for your family members in the event of your death, you may want to prepare a file of information for their use.  Include in this file any insurance information, allotments, account numbers and agencies with telephone numbers to contact.  Please make sure your spouse knows what benefits to expect or not to expect. 

     REMINDER:   Please keep your records updated in the event of life changes, such as: 

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Death of spouse, beneficiary