Military Death Benefits: Status and Proposals

Department of Defense DoD benefits for survivors of deceased members of the armed forces vary significantly in purpose and structure. Benefits such as the death gratuity provide immediate cash payments to assist these survivors in meeting their financial needs during the period immediately following a members death. Similarly, the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance SGLI provides the life insurance policy value in a lump sum payment following the service members death. Other benefits such as the Veterans Administration Dependency and Indemnity Compensation DIC and the Survivor Benefit Plan SBP, are designed to provide long-term monthly income. Additional death benefits provided by the DOD for survivors and dependents include housing assistance, health care, commissary and exchange benefits, educational assistance, and burial, funeral, and related benefits. Survivors may also receive death benefits from Social Security.