Director’s Message

Greetings from Cleveland and welcome to sixth edition of our semi-annual Survivor SBP Newsletter.

This newsletter focuses on news of special interest to survivors to keep you informed on what’s happening with the Survivor Benefit Plan.

We shared in the last newsletter the big changes for some of our SBP annuitants in 2023.

You may have seen these changes if you are a surviving spouse and you receive Dependent and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) from the Department of Veterans Affairs or if you requested the SBP Optional Annuity for Dependent Children because your military loved one was a service member who died on active duty or inactive duty in the line of duty after October 7, 2001. Please be sure to read the articles about these changes.

Also in the news, School Certification season is here again. Check out the article to find out the steps you need to take to ensure the continued eligibility of a child annuitant after age 18 and attending school full-time.

We also have an article for those child annuitants turning 18 who need to set up their own direct deposit. By following the steps we outline, these child annuitants, once they are 18, can receive their annuity directly via direct deposit with no interruption.

We will continue to share news of interest to survivors in our quarterly DFAS Retiree Newsletter, and twice a year we also provide this focused newsletter especially for you.
    
Please share this information with your community of survivors.
    
Remember, our website puts a lot of helpful information at your fingertips. Check it out: https://www.dfas.mil/rapay.  Look for “Survivors and Beneficiaries” in the menu for links of special interest to survivors.
   
We honor the service and sacrifices made by you, your family, and your loved one. We are proud to serve those who have served, and we wish you and your family a safe and happy spring and summer season.
 

Page Updated Apr 29 2023