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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What Happens When You Die

It is extremely important for someone to notify DFAS as soon as possible after you die.  Late notification of your death could result in burdensome consequences for your survivors, including delays in finalizing your account, paying your Arrears of Pay (AOP) and establishing a Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity. 

Because your entitlement to retired pay ends on the date of your death, delayed reporting also could result in an overpayment that would be collected from your bank, your estate or one of your survivors, if that survivor receives any of your retired pay funds.

Instructions for Your Beneficiary

Please read our instructions for reporting the death of a military retiree. Print them out and give a copy to your SBP beneficiary.

Once your death has been reported, your beneficiary will receive a Verification for Survivor Annuity form (DD 2656-7) at the address we have on record. A downloadable version of the form and a helpful form wizard are available on our Forms page. Your beneficiary must complete the form and return it to us. When we receive the completed form, we will begin the SBP annuity.

Please review our Applying for SBP instructions, print them out and give a copy to your SBP beneficiary.

More information for your SBP beneficiary and other loved ones is available on our Survivors and Beneficiaries pages.
 

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Page last updated February 14, 2023