U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHS Corps)

Death Gratuity

A one-time, lump-sum, tax-free payment to assist survivors of an officer who dies on active duty (or within 120 days of separation from active duty) in the period immediately following the officer's death, before other benefits become available. Authorized by 42 U.S.C. 213a(a)(6) and 10 U.S.C. Chapter 75. The CCHQ Financial Services Branch (FSB) processes and disperses the death gratuity within 72 hours of receipt of a completed DD-397 and the death certificate.

Amount: $100,000

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Annuity

A monthly annuity for surviving spouses (and eligible children) of PHS officers who die on active duty with at least 20 years of creditable service, or of retired officers who elected SBP participation. SBP is administered for PHS Corps by the U.S. Coast Guard's Pay and Personnel Center (PPC). The annuity is 55 percent of the calculated retired base pay (taxable income); for officers eligible to retire after October 1, 1985, the annuity reduces to 35 percent when the surviving spouse reaches age 62. SBP annuities are reduced dollar-for-dollar by any VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments.

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)

Active-duty PHS officers are automatically insured under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program for the current maximum of $500,000 (raised from $400,000 effective 1 March 2023 by P.L. 117-209), unless the officer elected a lesser amount or declined coverage. SGLI is administered by the VA through the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI), Prudential. Upon retirement, SGLI continues automatically for 120 days, then may be converted to Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI).

Amount: Up to $500,000 (current maximum, effective 1 March 2023); officers may elect lesser amounts in $50,000 increments

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

A tax-free monthly annuity paid by the Department of Veterans Affairs to eligible surviving spouses and children when a PHS officer dies on active duty, dies of a service-connected condition, or (for retired officers) the cause of death is attributable to a service-connected injury or disease, or the officer had a 100 percent disability rating for the last 10 years. Rates are based on the officer's rank at time of death. DIC is payable regardless of other income. By law, SBP annuities are reduced dollar-for-dollar by DIC.

TRICARE Survivor Coverage

Surviving dependents of a deceased active-duty or retired PHS officer continue to be eligible for health care under the Uniformed Services health benefits program, including direct care at Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and civilian care under TRICARE. Per CCI 383.01, surviving spouses receive continuous TRICARE coverage for up to 3 years at the active-duty family member rate; children remain covered until age 21 (or 23 if a full-time student). Coverage ends when a survivor becomes eligible for Medicare Part A. All dependents must be enrolled in DEERS, and survivors of active-duty officers must report the death to TRICARE's pharmacy contractor (Express Scripts as of 2021) at 1-877-363-1303.

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) Continuation

For an active-duty officer's survivors, the CCHQ Financial Services Branch processes up to 365 days of Basic Allowance for Housing payments following the officer's death. If dependents were residing in Government quarters on the date of death and vacate the quarters before 365 days elapse, FSB pays BAH for the remainder of the 365-day period. Authority: 37 U.S.C. 403.

Amount: Up to 365 days of BAH at the officer's rate

Burial Allowance and Funeral Honors

When a PHS officer dies on active duty, the Commissioned Corps pays for usual and customary burial services up to the current maximum allowance prescribed by DoD Instruction 1344.08 ("Interment Allowances for Deceased Military Personnel"). Allowable items include preparation of remains (including cremation), casket or urn, funeral director services, limousine for the immediate family, hearse, cemetery equipment fees, and related interment expenses. Because PHS does not have an enlisted contingent, funeral military honors are typically provided by the U.S. Coast Guard or another uniformed service upon the family's request. Burial in a National Cemetery (other than Arlington) is generally available to active-duty officers; headstones and markers are provided by the VA at no cost.

Unpaid Pay, Allowances, and Unused Leave

Monthly active-duty (or retired) pay stops upon the officer's death. The estate is entitled to all unpaid pay through the date of death plus a lump-sum payment for any unused annual leave. If survivors receive a paycheck or automated payment that includes any period after the date of death, they must return it to CCHQ so a corrected payment can be issued.

Travel and Transportation of Household Goods

Surviving dependents of an active-duty officer are entitled to Government-funded travel to the member's Home of Record (or to a Home of Selection within 3 years, extendable to 6 years through the Secretarial Process). The Commissioned Corps will pay for shipment of household goods (HHG) and one privately-owned motor vehicle (POV) to the survivors' new Home of Selection within one year of death (extensions available if the estate is in litigation). Non-temporary storage is available for up to one year.