MOAA Advocacy: Take Action!
View the Flordia Department of Veterans Affairs Benefit Guide for 2022
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Military Retiree
Survivor Checklist
The
following checklist should be reviewed by military retirees and their
beneficiaries on an annual basis. This checklist is designed to equip you and
your loved ones with knowledge and information that may prove helpful. While it
may be impossible to truly prepare for the overwhelming emotions and dilemmas
that arise with the loss of a loved one, it does help when most of the below
issues have been put into place.
__ Create a military file that includes your Form 214 retirement
orders, separation papers, medical records, etc. Make sure your spouse
knows the location and telephone number of the nearest military installation.
__ Create a military retired pay file that includes the pertinent
information for DFAS
(This file
should also include the number of any VA claim still pending and the address of
the VA office being used; a list of deductions currently being made from
benefits; and the name, relationship and address of the person you have made
the beneficiary of any unpaid retired pay at the time of death.)
Create
an annuities file. This
file should have information about the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Reserve
Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) or the Retired ServicemanA?s Family
Protection Plan (RSFPP), Civil Service annuity, etc. Additional information
regarding SBP annuity claims can be obtained from the DFAS-Cleveland office at
1-800-321-1080.
__ Create a personal document file that has copies of marriage
certificates, divorce decrees, adoptions and naturalization papers.
__ Create an income
tax file. Include
copies of your state and federal income tax returns.
__ Create a property
tax file. Include
copies of tax bills, deeds and any other related information.
__ Create an
insurance policy file. Include
life, property, accident, liability and hospitalization policies.
__ In a secure location, maintain a list of all bank accounts (joint or individual). Include
the location of all deposit boxes, savings bonds, stocks, bonds and any
securities owned.
__ In a secure location, maintain a list of all charge accounts and credit
cards. Include
account numbers and mailing addresses.
__ Maintain a list of
all associations and organizations of which you are a member. Some
of them could be helpful to your spouse.
__ Maintain a list of
all friends and business associates who may be helpful. Include
name, address and phone number.
__ Spend time with
your spouse discussing your plans with respect to the type and
place of your funeral service. You should decide which cemetery, whether
ground burial, or cremation, etc. If your spouse knows your desires, it
will resolve some of the questions that might arise at a later date.
__ Visit a local funeral home and pre-arrange your
services.Many states will allow you to pre-pay for services.
__ Investigate the
decisions that
you and your family have agreed upon.
Many
states have specific laws and guidelines regulating cremation and burials at
sea. Some states require a letter of authority signed by the deceased in order
to authorize a cremation. Know the laws in your specific area and how they may
affect your decisions. Information regarding Burials at Sea can be obtained by
phoning the Office of Medical and Dental Affairs-Mortuary Affairs Division at
(888) 647-6676 (option 4).
__
Once your decisions have been made and youA?re comfortable with them, have a will drawn up outlining all your wishes.
__ Insure that your will and all other official documents are maintained in a secure
location known
by your loved ones. This includes all of your DD214s or Retirement Orders.
__ When all the decision-making and documenting is completed, sit back and continue to enjoy life.
Who
should be notified in the event of my death?
1.
Defense Finance and Accounting Service A? (800) 321-1080 or
(216) 522-5955/(800) 269-5170
2.
Social Security Administration (for death benefits) - (800) 772-1213
3.
Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) A? (800) 827-1000
4.
Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) (for Federal Employees) - (724) 794-8690
5. Any
fraternal group that you have membership with: e.g., MOAA, FRA, NCOA,
VFW, AL, TREA
6.
Any previous employers that provide pension or benefits.
7.
Burial at Sea information A? (888) 647-6676
(option 4)
When
all the decision-making and documenting is completed, sit back and continue to enjoy life.
Contact
information for all retiree services:
Contact
information for all retiree Services:
Defense
Finance and Accounting Service
U S Military Retirement Pay
Post Office Box 7130
London, KY 40742 7130
(800) 321-1080 or (216)
522-5955/(800) 269-5170 (for deceased members)
|
Department
of Navy
NPC PERS-675R
Retired Activities Section
5720
Integrity Drive
Millington, TN 38055-6640
(866) 827-5672
|
U.S. Army
Office of the Deputy Chief of
Staff, G-1
DAPE-HRPD-RSO ( Retirement
Services Office )
200
Stovall St.
Alexandria, VA 22332-0470
(703) 325-9158
|
U.S. Air Force
AFPC/DPPRT
550 C Street W, Ste 3
Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4713
(210) 565-4663
|
U.S. Marine Corps
Headquarters, USMC
Manpower and Reserve Affairs
(MMSR-6)
3280
Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5103
(800) 336-4649 Option #0
|
U.S. Coast Guard
Commanding Officer (RAS)
U. S. Coast Guard
Personnel Service Center
444
SE Quincy St
Topeka KS 66683-3591
(800) 772-8724
|
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