Category:
SBP Annuitant - Ask A Question

Subcategory:
General / Form / Document - Questions

Created:
2025-05-08

Modified:
2025-05-08

Annuitant coverage if spouse passes without electing SBP coverage

Question

My spouse told me in the event of death the military would take care of me. Now that my spouse has passed away, I've discovered that my spouse did not elect Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage for me and you've stopped my spouse's retired pay. Is there anything that can be done?

Answer

We are sorry for your loss. A Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity requires that the member made a valid election to cover you as the spouse. If the retiree did not elect SBP spouse coverage when he or she first became eligible, you are not entitled to receive an annuity.   If the member retired on or after March 1, 1986, the spouse was required to sign the DD 2656 to concur with election to decline SBP.  Spouse SBP concurrence is required only when the member is married and elects either (a) child only SBP coverage, (b) does not elect full spouse SBP coverage; or (c) declines SBP coverage. Spouse concurrence is required, and the spouse's signature MUST be notarized.

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