Notifying the DFAS when someone dies

Call DFAS Retired and Annuitant Pay at 1-800-321-1080 to report the death. Have the retiree's Social Security number and date of death available. DFAS will stop retired pay and begin processing survivor claims.

The Survivor Benefit Plan is a Department of Defense program that provides monthly income to eligible survivors of military retirees. SBP pays 55% of the retiree's selected base amount. Enrollment is automatic at retirement unless the spouse consents to reduced or no coverage.

Yes. Any retired pay received after the date of death must be returned to DFAS. If payments were made by direct deposit, contact the bank to return the funds. DFAS will send a debt notification letter for any overpayments.

Under the Survivor Benefit Plan-Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Offset, SBP payments are offset dollar-for-dollar by the amount of DIC received. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY2020 began a phased elimination of this offset, which is scheduled to be fully eliminated. Contact DFAS for current offset calculations.

Arrears of pay is the retired pay earned from the first day of the month through the date of death. Unlike active pay, retired pay is paid in arrears. DFAS processes arrears of pay automatically after the death is reported and claim forms are submitted.

SBP annuity claims typically take 30 to 90 days to process after DFAS receives all required documentation. DFAS may make retroactive payments from the date of death once the claim is approved.

Mail completed claim forms and supporting documents to: DFAS, U.S. Military Retired Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46249-1300. Include a certified copy of the death certificate with all submissions.