Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
Death notification, 3 survivor benefits, and required documents
OverviewWhen someone dies
DFAS Customer Care Center (Retired and Annuitant Pay)
Phone1-317-212-0551
Toll-Free1-800-321-1080
Mailing Address
DFAS U.S. Military Retired Pay 8899 E 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) / Annuity Pay
Phone1-317-212-0551
Toll-Free1-800-321-1080
Fax1-800-982-8459
Mailing Address
DFAS U.S. Military Annuity Pay 8899 E 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46249-1300
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Death Notification (askDFAS Online Form or Phone)
Phone1-317-212-0551
Toll-Free1-800-321-1080
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursPhone: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET; Online form: available 24/7
Verified Apr 2026
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service handles military retired pay, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities, and arrears of pay for deceased military retirees and active duty service members. When a military retiree dies, DFAS must be notified to stop retired pay and begin processing survivor benefits.
Death notification
When a military retiree dies, the surviving spouse or family member should notify DFAS as soon as possible. The quickest method is the online askDFAS Notification of Death form, available 24/7 at https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/Quick-Tools-for-Retirees-SBP-Annuitants-Survivors/ under "To Report the Death of a Retiree." You can also call DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 or 1-317-212-0551 during business hours. A retiree's entitlement to retired pay ends on the date of death, and DFAS will stop making monthly payments once notified. If DFAS is not notified promptly, overpayments deposited after the date of death must be reclaimed from the bank in full. For active duty deaths, the Casualty Assistance Officer handles the notification. DFAS does not automatically receive death reports from Social Security or the VA.
Deadline: As soon as possible; retired pay received after death must be returned
Survivor benefits
The DFAS offers 3 benefits for surviving family members.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Annuity
Monthly annuity paid to the surviving spouse or eligible dependent children of a military retiree who enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan. SBP pays 55% of the retiree's selected base amount. SBP is automatic at retirement unless the spouse consents in writing to reduced or no coverage.
Amount: 55% of the retiree's SBP base amount
Arrears of Pay
Any retired pay earned but not yet paid at the time of death is paid to the surviving spouse or designated beneficiary. This includes the final partial month of retired pay from the 1st of the month through the date of death.
Amount: Prorated retired pay from the 1st of the month through date of death
Unpaid Retired Pay Balance
If the retiree was owed any back pay, bonuses, or travel reimbursements at the time of death, DFAS pays the balance to eligible survivors or the estate.
Amount: Varies based on amounts owed
When someone dies
Notifying the DFAS after a death
6-step process, 8 required documents, and 3 survivor benefits.
View details →Frequently asked questions
Yes. Public Law 116-92, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, enacted a phased elimination of the SBP-DIC offset. As of January 1, 2023, the offset has been fully eliminated. Surviving spouses who qualify for both SBP and DIC now receive the full amount of each benefit without any reduction.
If the retiree declined SBP coverage at retirement (with the spouse's written consent), the surviving spouse does not receive an SBP annuity. However, the surviving spouse may still be eligible for arrears of pay and any unpaid balances owed to the retiree.
DFAS Customer Care Center (Retired and Annuitant Pay)
Phone1-317-212-0551
Toll-Free1-800-321-1080
Mailing Address
DFAS U.S. Military Retired Pay 8899 E 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) / Annuity Pay
Phone1-317-212-0551
Toll-Free1-800-321-1080
Fax1-800-982-8459
Mailing Address
DFAS U.S. Military Annuity Pay 8899 E 56th Street Indianapolis, IN 46249-1300
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET
Death Notification (askDFAS Online Form or Phone)
Phone1-317-212-0551
Toll-Free1-800-321-1080
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursPhone: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET; Online form: available 24/7
Verified Apr 2026