Survivor Check-list

____    Notify the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Center, U.S. Coast Guard Human Resources Service and Information Center, or U.S. Public Health Service by telephone of the death of the service member. This call generates the RSFPP/SBP/RCSBP/SSBP annuity application process and application for residual retired pay.

            Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force: Tel: 1-800-638-8744 - Fax 1-800-469-6559

            U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA: Tel: 1-800-772-8724* -- E-mail: hrsicras@hrsic.uscg.mil

            (* Press 2 when the automated answering service starts)

            USPHS: 1-800-638-8744 – Compensation Branch

____    For survivors of Reservists who are not yet receiving military retired pay because the reservist hasn’t reached age 60 but is enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan Program, please notify the following:

            Army - U.S. Army Reserve Personnel Command - 1-800-318-5298; Comm: (314) 592-0553

            Marine Corps - 1-800-336-4649; Comm: (703) 614-1958

            Navy - 1-800-535-2699; 1-866-250-4778, Fax: (504) 678-5893

            Air Force - 1-800-525-0102, Ext. 71228; Comm: (303) 676-6576; Fax: (303) 676-6255

            Coast Guard - 1-800-772-8724; Comm: (785) 339-3415; E-mail hrsic-ras@hrsic.uscg.mil

____    If a Civil Service or Federal Employee Retirement System (CSRS or FERS) retiree, notify the Office of Personnel Management at (724) 794-2005 (Civil Service SBP, Casualty and Federal Group life Insurance inquiries), or call toll-free 1-888-767-6738.

____    If you live in close proximity to a military installation and want assistance with military administrative matters, call the Casualty Assistance Officer. (This service may not be available at all locations.) Also, contact the Retirement Service Office, or Retired Affairs Office if one is near your place of residence. These offices can offer invaluable information and assistance.

____    If the deceased also was retired from employment in the private sector and a retirement plan was involved, notify that employer or pension plan administrator.

____    Contact your lawyer, trust administrator, or the executor of the estate.

____    Notify the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (Social Security survivor benefits and death benefit).

____    Notify any bank and stock brokerage that has an individual or joint account in the name of the deceased. Have account numbers available, if known.

____    Notify all life insurance companies. Have policy numbers available, if known.

____    If the death possibly could have been due to military service-connected causes, contact the nearest Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office by call 1-800-827-1000.

            This call could initiate application for potential VA benefits, i.e., burial benefits, application for headstone, and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Some surviving spouses will qualify for these benefits; many will not.

                  “MOAA’s Help Your Survivors–NOW!” booklet addresses in depth the qualifying criteria for VA death and related benefits. It’s better to be on the safe side and call anyway. Let the VA decide your eligibility for those benefits. You have nothing to lose. You may want to seek the help of a Veterans Service Office (VSO) in preparing claims with the VA, Call MOAA at 1-800-234-6624, for the name of a VSO in your state.

____    If the deceased was CSRS or FERS retiree and participated in the Thrift Savings Plan, contact the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board at (504) 255-600 – must have touch tone phone.

____    If the deceased was participant in any of the VA insurance programs (SGLI, VGLI, NSLI, USGLI, etc.), call 1-800-669-8477 and report the death. Have the policy numbers available, if possible.

____    Some associations offer spouse assistance to their members and will notify many of the places listed on this checklist. Examples include:

            Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association: 1-800-336-4538 or (703) 522-3060

            Navy Mutual Aid Association: 1-800-628-6011 or (703) 614-1638.

It’s your choice when to contact the following locations or offices.

Items on this list are not as time sensitive as those on the above lists.

____    Credit card companies or other charge accounts. Have account numbers available, if possible.

____    Accountant/CPA or tax preparer.

____    Other insurance companies (health, property, mortgage, Medigap, MOAA Mediplus, etc.). Have policy number on hand if known.

____    Department of Motor Vehicles.

____    City, County, and State property offices.

____    Any fraternal or professional organizations such as MOAA, AARP, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, or Veterans of Foreign Wars. To identify a VSO in your area, access the following organizations on the internet:

            American Legion: http://www.legion.org/service.htm

            Disabled American Veterans: http://206.246.115.210/NVS/sor.htm

Veterans of Foreign Wars: http://www.davmail.org/directories/nsodir.asp

            or you can call MOAA at 1-800-234-6622.

____    Locations where stocks, bonds and securities are held.

____    Nearest military installation personnel office. (Renew family member ID cards.)

____    Automobile leasing agent.