TIP:
Families should prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the veteran's military information including discharge papers (DD-214 form), and by contacting the cemetery where burial is desired.

Upon the death of a uniformed service retiree, the next of kin should call the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), Cleveland Center. DFAS will close the retiree's pay account and send a survivor benefits package. Typically, forms will be included that instruct the next of kin on how to recoup the retiree's unpaid pay. You must fill these out promptly and return them with a copy of the death certificate.

Survivors should report retiree deaths to the DFAS Cleveland Center's casualty office at 1-800-269-5170. Faxes can be sent to the office at 1-800-469-6559.

Retiree Casualty DOs:

  • Have retiree's full name.
  • Have retiree's Social Security Number.
  • Have retiree's date of death.
  • Have beneficiary name and relationship to deceased.
  • Retiree's current address.
  • Notify Social Security Administration.
    • Return and cancel any payments received after the date of death.
    • Have a list of benefits to which beneficiaries are entitled.
  • Notify the Local County Veteran's Service Office and request their assistance.

Retiree Casualty DON'Ts:

  • Don't use any retired payments received after date of retiree's death.
  • Don't return any retired payments that have been directly deposited to a bank account; DFAS will automatically reclaim the money that needs to be returned when you notify DFAS of the retiree's death.
  • Don't use any VA or Social Security payments issued after the date of death. A beneficiary can be required to pay any money back that was used after the date of death.