Survivor Benefits Still Misunderstood

Week of September 15, 2008

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) participation for new retirees has risen only modestly. The sign-up rates raise concerns that too many careerists, particularly Sailors and Marines, are not briefed well on the bargain SBP represents for protecting spouses, dependent children or even ex-spouses from financial hardship after retirees die. Brad Snyder, president emeritus of the Armed Forces Services Corp. believes SBP cannot be matched by alternatives being pitched to retiring careerists by insurance companies and investment firms. For more information, visit the article on the Military.com website.