Ask Retired Pay -- Online Customer Service

I understand that if my spouse dies, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) premiums are suspended. What are my options if I remarry?

If your Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage is suspended due to the death of your spouse and you remarry, you have two options. 

Option 1: Resume coverage. Your new spouse automatically becomes the eligible spouse beneficiary on the first anniversary of the marriage. You should provide DFAS with the name, social security number, date of birth and marriage certificate for your new spouse as soon as possible, to update your records and properly deduct SBP costs. 

Option 2: Terminate coverage. You may elect not to resume spouse coverage. If you elect not to resume SBP participation for your new spouse, your new spouse is notified and any SBP coverage is terminated. An election to terminate spouse coverage must be made within one year of remarriage and is irrevocable. If your original SBP participation is for spouse and child, and you elect to terminate spouse coverage upon remarriage, your children continue to be covered. 

Notice of remarriage as well as an election to terminate spouse coverage may be submitted on DD Form 2656-6 to DFAS. Forms and additional instructions can be found on our Forms Library webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/raforms