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Report a SBP Annuitant's Death


Eligibility for Survivor Benefit Plan annuity pay ends with the death of the annuitant. 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 (AOA) may be made. Please note that AOA payments are not common since annuitant pay stops on the last day of the month prior to the annuitant’s death.

Please follow the steps below to report the death of an annuitant:

Step 1 - Please call 800-321-1080 to report the death of the annuitant.
 
When you call, please provide your name, address, and other contact information to the representative. DFAS may contact you again in the event we need to follow up with you.

Step 2 – Please send a copy of the annuitant’s death certificate showing cause of death to:
 
DFAS U.S. Military Annuitant Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1300

OR

FAX: 800-982-8459
 
Please ensure the retiree’s name and Social Security Number are also written at the top of the death certificate to ensure proper routing.
 
Following a complete audit of the annuitant’s account, DFAS will determine if any amount is owed. Any Arrears of Annuity (AOA) will be distributed in accordance with federally-mandated Order of Precedence following our receipt of the proper SF1174 claim form for any eligible beneficiary/beneficiaries.
 
While AOA payments are uncommon, DFAS will mail the required paperwork to claim the AOA if applicable.
 
The paperwork will be sent to the annuitant’s representative or last known beneficiary/beneficiaries, if known. Otherwise, we will mail the paperwork to the last known address.
 
The paperwork will include an SF1174 to claim the AOA. For additional assistance on  applying for the AOA, please see the Apply for Arrears of Annuity webpage.
 
DFAS also recommends that you notify other agencies that may be providing payments or benefits, such as:

Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213.
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System at 800-538-9552.
Department of Veterans Affairs at 800-827-1000 
 

Related Link:

Apply for Arrears of Annuity


 

Page Updated Oct 31 2023