Notifying the USCG Casualty when someone dies
Family member is responsible for notifying the USCG Casualty
OverviewWhen someone dies
Office of Casualty Matters (PSC-PSD-FS)
Phone571-266-2375
Mailing Address
Commander, CG Personnel Service Center, ATTN: Casualty Chief, PSC-PSD-FS-Casualty, US Coast Guard Stop 7200, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20593-7200
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursOffice phone 202-795-6637; 24/7 duty cell 571-266-2375 (Casualty Matters Chief)
Pay and Personnel Center, Retiree and Annuitant Services (PPC-RAS)
Phone1-866-772-8724
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time
PPC RAS Decedent Affairs (retiree / annuitant / former-spouse deaths)
Phone1-866-772-8724
Timeline
Death Gratuity: typically paid within 72 hours of CACO submission of DD Form 397. SGLI: paid by the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance after VA receives SGLV 8283 (usually within several weeks). PPC RAS retiree/annuitant case processing: generally within 30 days of complete documentation. SBP annuity start-up and VA DIC: typically several months to first payment as VA verifies eligibility.
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time
Verified Jul 2026
When someone dies, the U.S. Coast Guard Casualty Assistance Program (USCG Casualty) must be notified. The family member is responsible for notifying the USCG Casualty.
Notification deadline: Active-duty/reservist: CACO contact is initiated by the Coast Guard within hours of confirmed death; family has no notification obligation. Retiree/annuitant: report to PPC RAS as soon as possible to avoid continued pay deposits that must later be returned..
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the USCG Casualty and applying for survivor benefits:
1
For an active-duty or duty-status reservist death, expect a uniformed Coast Guard CACO at the door:
- •The Coast Guard initiates notification through the chain of command — the family does not call to report the death
- •A Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) and a second person (often a chaplain) make the notification in person
- •The CACO remains assigned to the family as the single point of contact for benefits
- •For confirmation of an active-duty casualty or to reach the Casualty Matters duty officer, call 571-266-2375 (24/7)
2
For a Coast Guard retiree, annuitant, or former spouse receiving pay, report the death to PPC Retiree and Annuitant Services:
- •Email ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil or call 1-866-772-8724 (Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central)
- •Provide the deceased's full name, Employee ID or SSN, date of death, location, and type of burial
- •Provide your name, relationship, phone, email, and mailing address
- •Email the certified death certificate to ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil once received
- •PPC RAS generally processes the case within 30 days of receiving complete documentation
3
Work with the assigned CACO on the four phases of casualty assistance:
- •Phase A — initial notification and immediate needs (within hours of notification)
- •Phase B — funeral arrangements, return of remains, Military Funeral Honors, and disposition of personal effects
- •Phase C — benefit claims (Death Gratuity via DD Form 397, SGLI via SGLV 8283, unpaid pay and allowances, SBP set-up, VA DIC)
- •Phase D — long-term follow-up, transition to Gold Star Program if applicable
4
Apply for Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) through the CACO using VA Form SGLV 8283. The beneficiary listed on the member's SGLV 8286 receives the payment.
5
File VA Form 21P-534a (active-duty death) or VA Form 21P-534EZ (after-service death) for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. The CACO and the VA work this in parallel with the Death Gratuity.
6
For burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral director coordinates with the National Cemetery Scheduling Office; the family does not need to file a separate eligibility application before the funeral.
7
Coordinate Coast Guard Military Funeral Honors through the funeral director using the USCG Request for Military Funeral Honors Form and the veteran's DD-214. Urgent requests (24-72 hour notice) call the Casualty Matters Chief at 571-266-2375.
8
Contact Coast Guard Mutual Assistance at 800-881-2462 if interest-free funeral or emergency travel assistance is needed while statutory benefits process.
Required Documents
- Certified copies of the death certificate (multiple — used by PPC RAS, SGLI, DIC, SBP, and the funeral home)
- Deceased member's full legal name, Employee ID or Social Security number, and date of birth
- Deceased member's DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) for VA burial and honors
- DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) — used by the CACO to identify the Death Gratuity beneficiary
- SGLV 8286 (SGLI Election and Certificate) on file — identifies the SGLI beneficiary
- DD Form 397 (Claim Certification and Voucher for Death Gratuity Payment) — completed by the CACO
- VA Form SGLV 8283 (Claim for Death Benefits) — for SGLI
- VA Form 21P-534a (active-duty death) or 21P-534EZ (after-service death) — for DIC
- DD Form 2656-7 — for SBP annuity claim by survivor
- Marriage certificate (for spouse claims) and birth certificates (for dependent children)
- Banking information for direct deposit of Death Gratuity, SBP, and DIC payments
Timeline
Death Gratuity: typically paid within 72 hours of CACO submission of DD Form 397. SGLI: paid by the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance after VA receives SGLV 8283 (usually within several weeks). PPC RAS retiree/annuitant case processing: generally within 30 days of complete documentation. SBP annuity start-up and VA DIC: typically several months to first payment as VA verifies eligibility.
Survivor benefits
Death Gratuity
A lump-sum, tax-exempt payment for the eligible beneficiary of a Coast Guard member who dies on active duty, on active or inactive duty for training, or within 120 days of release from active duty when the death is service-connected. The Coast Guard uses the same statutory program as the DOD branches. Beneficiaries are designated on DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data); if no designation exists, a statutory next-of-kin hierarchy applies. Payment is typically issued within 72 hours of receipt of DD Form 397.
Eligibility: Beneficiaries designated on DD Form 93, or the statutory next-of-kin hierarchy if none designated
Amount: $100,000 (tax-exempt, lump sum)
How to apply: The assigned CACO initiates the claim using DD Form 397 (Claim Certification and Voucher for Death Gratuity Payment); no separate family application is needed
Learn more →Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI)
Low-cost term life insurance administered by the VA for all uniformed services, including the Coast Guard. Maximum coverage is $500,000 in $50,000 increments; coverage is automatic at the maximum amount for new members unless the member elects to reduce or decline it. The CACO helps the beneficiary file VA Form SGLV 8283 (Claim for Death Benefits) for the lump sum or 36-month installment payout. Family SGLI (FSGLI) provides up to $100,000 of coverage on the member's spouse — this spouse coverage is premium-based and cannot exceed the member's own SGLI amount — and $10,000 of coverage on each dependent child at no cost.
Eligibility: Beneficiary designated by the service member on SGLV 8286 (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance Election and Certificate)
Amount: Up to $500,000 (SGLI); FSGLI spouse up to $100,000 (premium-based) and each dependent child $10,000 (child coverage at no cost)
How to apply: CACO assists beneficiary in filing VA Form SGLV 8283 with the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (OSGLI)
Learn more →Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
A monthly annuity paid to the surviving spouse (or eligible children) of a Coast Guard retiree, or of an active-duty member who dies in the line of duty. Active-duty deaths in the line of duty produce automatic SBP coverage for the spouse with no premium. Retired members elect SBP coverage at retirement on DD Form 2656 (Data for Payment of Retired Personnel); reducing or declining coverage requires a notarized spouse signature. SBP is administered by the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center, Retiree and Annuitant Services (PPC-RAS), not by DFAS.
Eligibility: Surviving spouse and/or eligible dependent children of a Coast Guard retiree who elected SBP, or of an active-duty member who died in the line of duty
Amount: Up to 55% of the member's retired pay base (subject to SBP offset and election rules)
How to apply: Notify PPC-RAS at 1-866-772-8724 or ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil; PPC-RAS coordinates SBP annuity start-up with the survivor
Learn more →Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
A tax-free monthly VA benefit paid to eligible surviving spouses, children, and parents of service members and veterans whose death was service-connected. DIC is administered by the VA; the CACO and PPC RAS coordinate the application with the survivor. DIC eligibility applies equally to Coast Guard families.
Eligibility: Surviving spouse who lived with the veteran continuously, unmarried children under 18 (or under 23 if in school), and dependent parents of a service member who died on active duty or of a veteran whose death was service-connected
How to apply: File VA Form 21P-534a (active-duty deaths) or VA Form 21P-534EZ (after-service deaths) with the VA; the CACO assists
Learn more →Burial Benefits and Military Funeral Honors
Coast Guard veterans (including reservists with qualifying service, NOAA Corps, and Public Health Service members) are eligible for VA burial benefits: burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a burial flag. Military Funeral Honors for Coast Guard veterans are coordinated through regional Coast Guard MFH coordinators and may include a two-person uniformed detail, the playing of Taps, and the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag. WWII Merchant Mariners receive MFH from the Navy under their wartime Naval Orders. Urgent MFH requests (24-72 hour lead time) go to the Casualty Matters Chief duty phone at 571-266-2375.
Eligibility: Coast Guard veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, plus NOAA Corps and Public Health Service members; WWII Merchant Mariners eligible for Navy-provided honors
How to apply: Funeral director submits the USCG Request for Military Funeral Honors Form and the veteran's DD-214; urgent requests call 571-266-2375
Learn more →Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) — Bereavement Aid
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is the Coast Guard's nonprofit mutual aid society. For surviving spouses and dependents, CGMA offers an interest-free Funeral Expenses Loan to bridge funeral costs while statutory benefits process, an Emergency Travel Loan to cover travel when a family member is critically ill or has died, and a Stillborn Funeral Grant of up to $1,500. CGMA is independent of the federal Casualty Assistance Program but works alongside it.
Eligibility: Active-duty, reserve, and retired Coast Guard members and their surviving spouses and dependents; also NOAA Corps and PHS members assigned to the Coast Guard
Amount: Funeral Expenses Loan and Emergency Travel Loan are interest-free; Stillborn Funeral Grant up to $1,500
How to apply: Contact a local CGMA Representative; central office at 800-881-2462 or CGMA@mycgma.org
Learn more →Gold Star Program
Long-term recognition and support for the immediate families of Coast Guard members who died on active duty in the line of duty. Includes a Gold Star Lapel Button for eligible primary next of kin and continued access to Coast Guard support services beyond the initial CACO assignment.
Eligibility: Primary next of kin (widow/widower, parents, and children) of a Coast Guard member who died in the line of duty
How to apply: Coordinated through the CACO and the Office of Casualty Matters
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
No. The Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security and runs its casualty assistance separately. The Office of Casualty Matters under PSC-PSD-FS coordinates Coast Guard cases. The benefits themselves — Death Gratuity, SGLI, DIC, Survivor Benefit Plan, and VA burial benefits — are administered through the same federal programs as the DOD branches.
A uniformed Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO), assigned by the Office of Casualty Matters through the member's unit chain of command, performs the notification in person. The CACO is paired with a second person (preferably a military chaplain) and never makes the notification alone. The family does not need to initiate this — the Coast Guard begins the process as soon as the death is confirmed.
Contact the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center, Retiree and Annuitant Services (PPC-RAS) by email at ppc-dg-customercare@uscg.mil or by phone at 1-866-772-8724, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central. Provide the deceased's Employee ID or Social Security number, full name, date and location of death, type of burial, and your contact information. Email a certified death certificate as soon as you have one.
The Death Gratuity is a $100,000 tax-exempt lump sum, the same amount paid for the DOD branches. It goes to the beneficiary the member designated on DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) in 10% increments. If no designation exists, a statutory next-of-kin hierarchy applies. The assigned CACO submits DD Form 397 and the payment is typically issued within 72 hours.
Up to $500,000 in $50,000 increments. Coverage is automatic at the maximum amount unless the member elects to reduce or decline it on SGLV 8286. SGLI is administered by the VA and pays the beneficiary listed on the member's most recent SGLV 8286. The CACO helps the beneficiary file VA Form SGLV 8283 to claim the payment.
Yes. When a Coast Guard member dies on active duty in the line of duty, the surviving spouse receives automatic SBP coverage at no cost. When a Coast Guard retiree dies, the surviving spouse receives an SBP annuity if the member elected SBP at retirement on DD Form 2656. SBP is administered by the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center, Retiree and Annuitant Services (PPC-RAS) — not by DFAS as in the DOD branches.
Yes. Coast Guard veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, on the same terms as DOD veterans. NOAA Corps and Public Health Service members are also eligible.
CGMA is the Coast Guard's independent nonprofit mutual aid society. For surviving spouses and dependents, CGMA offers an interest-free Funeral Expenses Loan to bridge funeral costs, an interest-free Emergency Travel Loan when a family member dies or is critically ill, and a Stillborn Funeral Grant of up to $1,500. Reach CGMA at 800-881-2462 or CGMA@mycgma.org. CGMA works alongside — not as part of — the federal Casualty Assistance Program.
A Coast Guard CACO is typically full-time on the case for about two weeks after notification, then routinely involved for the next two months as benefits are filed. The CACO remains the family's point of contact until all entitlements are flowing and outstanding questions are resolved. Long-term recognition for line-of-duty deaths continues through the Coast Guard Gold Star Program.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 7 benefits through the USCG Casualty. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the USCG Casualty. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
Office of Casualty Matters (PSC-PSD-FS)
Phone571-266-2375
Mailing Address
Commander, CG Personnel Service Center, ATTN: Casualty Chief, PSC-PSD-FS-Casualty, US Coast Guard Stop 7200, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20593-7200
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursOffice phone 202-795-6637; 24/7 duty cell 571-266-2375 (Casualty Matters Chief)
Pay and Personnel Center, Retiree and Annuitant Services (PPC-RAS)
Phone1-866-772-8724
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time
PPC RAS Decedent Affairs (retiree / annuitant / former-spouse deaths)
Phone1-866-772-8724
Timeline
Death Gratuity: typically paid within 72 hours of CACO submission of DD Form 397. SGLI: paid by the Office of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance after VA receives SGLV 8283 (usually within several weeks). PPC RAS retiree/annuitant case processing: generally within 30 days of complete documentation. SBP annuity start-up and VA DIC: typically several months to first payment as VA verifies eligibility.
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time
Verified Jul 2026