Military Death Benefits: Status and Proposals

Abstract

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 member's death. Similarly, the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides the life insurance policy value in a lump sum payment following the servicemember's death. Other benefits such as the Veterans Affairs 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.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 26, 2008
Accession Number
ADA480757

Entities

People

  • David F. Burrelli
  • Jennifer R. Corwell

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Active Duty
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of Veterans Affairs
  • Families (Human)
  • Government Employees
  • Governments
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Law
  • Military Medicine
  • Military Personnel
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Training
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Rehabilitation and Prosthetic Care for Military Service Members and Veterans with Limb Loss or Disability.