Analysis of Survivor Benefit Plan - Acceptance and Comparison with Private Sector

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA230133 | Open PDF

Abstract:

The Survivor Benefit Plan is a voluntary program to provide financial support for a surviving spouse or children of a retired military member. The SBP provides cost of living increases and income tax exclusion. However, the participation rate has never reached the original goal of 85 percent, especially for the lower enlisted pay grades. Primary reasons for the lower participation rate include 1 lack of understanding by the member, 2 perceived high cost, 3 Social Security offset, 4 the need for additional training for SBP counsellors, 5 outdated materials, and 6 no cash surrender value in the case of divorce or when the spouse dies. This study identifies SBP options available outside the military program that should be considered for inclusion in the military plan, and other recommendations, that if adopted, could improve the program. Keywords Department of Defense, Insurance, Social Security, RetirementPersonnel, Theses.

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Collection: TR
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