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

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(2) perceived high cost, (3) Social Security offset, (4) the need for additional training for SBP counsellors, (5) outdated materials, and (6) no cash surrender value in the case of divorce or when the spouse dies.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, Retirement(Personnel), Theses.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA230133

Entities

People

  • Daniel J. Kohn
  • John R. Adams
  • Susan K. Nielsen

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Department Of Defense
  • Employment
  • Enlisted Personnel
  • Expert Systems
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Military Reserves
  • North America
  • Personnel Management
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Military Mobilization and Reserve Forces Studies.
  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.
  • Systems Analysis and Design