Category:
Retired Pay

Subcategory:
Survivor Benefit Plan

Created:
2011-03-01

Modified:
2011-03-01

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 SBP coverage for me and you've stopped my spouse's retired pay. Is there anything that can be done?

Answer

If the retiree did not elect SBP spouse coverage when he or she first became eligible, you are not entitled to receive an annuity now.  If the retired member retired before March 1, 1986 and was married upon retirement, the military service should have notified you if SBP was not elected. If the retired member retired March 1, 1986 or later, you must have signed a written statement concurring in the retiree's election of anything less than maximum spouse SBP coverage.

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