Survivor Benefits Archive

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Survivor Benefit Plan Social Security Offset

Military.com

Your surviving spouse's SBP annuity is reduced when he or she reaches age 62 and become eligible for Social Security. This is called the Social Security offset. In the past the offset reduced the SBP annuity to 35 percent of the base amount. This offset created a need for members to purchase a Supplemental Survivor Benefit Plan (SSBP) policy. Fortunately the National Defense Authorization Act of 2005 established a phase out of the offset b... more

SBP Open Season FAQs

Military.com

Congress has set a one-year open enrollment period (October 2005 to September 30, 2006) to allow retirees to enroll in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or increase their participation. Congress set the open season after eliminating the SBP social security offset that reduced SBP coverage from 55% of the base amount elected to 35% of the base amount at age 62. The new plan provides 55% benefit regardless of the age of the annuitant. If you consi... more

Veteran's Death Pension

Military.com

The VA Death Pension is a benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans. The following is a summary of the pension: Eligibility The 2009-2011 Payment Amount The Application Process VA Death Pension Eligibility: You may be eligible if: the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions, AND he or she served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war t... more

Gold Star Lapel Button

Military.com

If you have a family member who lost their life while in combat you may be entitled to the "Gold Star Lapel Button". Public Law 534 - 89th Congress, directs the design and distribution of a lapel button, to the known as the "Gold Star Lapel Button," to identify widows, parents and next of kin of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who lost their lives: During World War I, April 6, 1917 to March 3, 1921; During World W... more

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation

Military.com

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of certain deceased veterans. The following is a summary of this important benefit: Eligible Survivors 2012 Monthly Rates 2012 Additional Allowances The Application Process Eligible Survivors: DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of the following: Military service member who died while on active duty, OR Ve... more