I am a survivor spouse of a retired service member. Is there any military life insurance for the survivor spouse?

2023-11-14T13:18:04-05:00

I am a survivor spouse of a retired service member. I would like to know is there any military life insurance available for the survivors spouse?

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2023 1:50 PM

2023-11-14T13:50:37-05:00

LaShannon Sanders I am sorry for your loss. I recommend that you contact a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) to find out what benefits that you are entitled to (link below). I have also attached a link to Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers. At the front of this guide is a list of phone numbers which includes phone numbers for Life Insurance.

https://www.va.gov/disability/get-help-filing-claim/

https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2023_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf

Get help from an accredited representative | Veterans Affairs

If you need help filing a claim or appeal, you may want to work with an accredited attorney, a claims agent, or a Veterans Service Officer (VSO). We trust these professionals because they’re trained and certified in the VA claims and appeals processes. They can help you with VA-related needs. VSOs work on behalf of Veterans and service members—as well as their dependents and survivors. Find out more about accredited representatives and how...

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 14 at 2023 2:17 PM

2023-11-14T14:17:20-05:00

Do benefit programs exist for surviving spouse? Yes. However, there are a number of factors that could modify what I say below (for example, you weren't married when they retired, etc.).

The items I describe below SHOULD have kicked in automatically when the government was notified of your spouse's passing. If this didn't happen by the funeral director (99% of the time, they take care of it) or someone else, then it is imperative that you do the notification to DFAS* as the retired pay eligibility stops with the passing of the retiree and you may be left in a long financial void after the government recoups any payments that continued.

The main program for retired veterans is the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) which will continue a portion (up to 55%) of a deceased retired service member's retirement pay as a monthly benefit to the designated beneficiary. The election is automatic for the SM's spouse and children unless changed at retirement, and he couldn't have reduced it for you unless you gave your written consent.

When a service member is discharged they also have the option to convert the SGLI coverage they had when they were actively serving. Some do, some don't - it's a personal choice. Again, upon notification, this should have been an automatic payment.

Finally, you never mentioned "disabled", so I'm making an assumption that they were not a retired disabled veteran. If your spouse did have a service-connected disability, then there MAY be programs you're eligible for depending on a number of factors, but that's a different discussion and will greatly vary based on your personal situation as well as that of your spouse.
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* Report a Retiree's Death - https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors/retiree-death/

Defense Finance and Accounting Service > RetiredMilitary > survivors > Retiree Death

The official website of the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS)

Response by LaShannon Sanders made Nov 14 at 2023 5:42 PM

2023-11-14T17:42:36-05:00

Thank you for your comments. Just a little back ground.
He was a disabled retired vet, we were married after he retired. I already receive the survivors benefits and have been put into DFAS system. His SGLI went to his ex wife and children, as it was not changed when we married or before he passed. I was just wondering was there any military life insurance programs out there available for me to enroll into. Again Thanks.