DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter
The DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter is published twice a year (spring and fall) and focuses on news of special interest to survivors to keep you informed on what’s happening with the Survivor Benefit Plan.
Survivor SBP Newsletter - Spring 2025
Click here to download a PDF of the Spring 2025 newsletter
Directors Message
Welcome to the 2025 Spring SBP Survivor Newsletter
Active Duty/Line of Duty Spotlight: What You Need to Know When the SBP Annuitant is a Minor Child
If you are the parent or guardian of a minor child who is receiving Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments, these are the basics you need to know.
Active Duty/Line of Duty Spotlight - From Our Partners: Join Us for the Defense Department’s Survivor Symposium on June 27, 2025
This virtual event focuses on educating surviving family members of service members who died while on active duty about their survivor benefits, entitlements and available resources — as well as addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
Active Duty/Line of Duty Spotlight - From Our Partners: From Our Partners: Military In Lasting Tribute
Honor the legacy of your loved one who died while serving honorably on active duty by adding their name to the Military In Lasting Tribute online memorial.
New Resource Available: askDFAS Tips Video
DFAS Retired & Annuitant (R&A) Pay is proud to announce that we have a new askDFAS Tips video available for you on the DFAS YouTube channel
New SBP Annuitant Communications You May See
Based on feedback from your fellow annuitants, we are starting two new pieces of regular communication to assist annuitants with their annual eligibility.
myPay: How to Get Started or Reactivate Your Account
myPay is an online tool for managing your SBP annuitant pay account.
Annual School Certification Time is Here
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) child annuitants between the ages of 18 and 22, attending school full-time, will soon start receiving their annual school certification packets.
How to Get the Most Out of Your SBP Annuitant Account Statement
The Annuitant Account Statement (AAS) is an important tool DFAS uses to communicate with annuitants.
Did You Know?
We recognize the laws and regulations governing military annuity pay are complex and can be difficult to understand. In each issue of the DFAS Survivor SBP Newsletter, we will share a few helpful tips for survivors.
2025 Pay Calendar
To help you plan for 2025, see the calendar of the days you should expect to receive your annuitant pay.
Click here to download a PDF of the Spring 2025 newsletter
Download a PDF of the Spring 2025 newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose “Save Link As” to save to your computer or device).
Survivor SBP Newsletter - Fall 2024
Click here to download a PDF of the Fall 2024 newsletter
Director's Message
Welcome to the October 2024 edition of the Survivor SBP Newsletter.
Active Duty/Line of Duty Spotlight: Can You Help Us Spread the Word About the SBP Optional Child Annuity Changes?
There are still a number of families where the member died on active duty or inactive duty, in the line of duty after October 7, 2001, the surviving spouse requested the Optional Child Annuity, and we have not received documentation about the eligibility of the surviving spouse.
Active Duty/Line of Duty Spotlight: MilTax Free Software for Survivors
MilTax e-filing software is free for service members, eligible family members and survivors, and veterans up to 365 days from their separation or retirement date.
The askDFAS Refresh is Here: Come, Take it for a Spin!
Have you had a chance to visit and take the new askDFAS for a spin? If not, don’t delay!
Prepare Your Loved Ones: How to Report the Death of a SBP Annuitant
We are communicating this information so you can share with your loved ones.
Be Proactive with Your Taxes
Tax season is just around the corner and DFAS wants to help you be ready.
Activating and Maintaining Your Account on myPay
myPay is an online tool for getting your tax documents, as well as managing your annuitant pay account year-round.
What Information Does DFAS Need To Be Updated On?
It is very important for SBP Annuitants to update contact information with DFAS, DEERS, and the VA.
Who Pays SBP and Who Pays DIC?
When you are receiving direct deposit payments to your bank account, it can be difficult to figure out which agency is paying which deposit.
Click here for a PDF of the Fall 2024 Survivor SBP Newsletter
Download a PDF of the Fall 2024 newsletter to read, print or share (right click and choose “Save Link As” to save to your computer or device).
Page Updated Apr 30 2025