Military retired pay stops upon death of the retiree!

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) allows a retiree to ensure, after death, a continuous lifetime annuity for their dependents. The annuity which is based on a percentage of retired pay is called SBP and is paid to an eligible beneficiary. It pays the eligible survivors a cost of living adjusted monthly income. The maximum SBP annuity for a spouse is based on 55 percent of the member’s retired pay.

Casualty assistance representatives (CAR) serve in the role of SBP counselors and educate retiring service members and spouses, as applicable, on the benefits of SBP, and assist active duty members with mandatory benefits’ election prior to separating from the military. Note: Failure to attend a 1-on-1 SBP briefing and make a valid SBP election prior to retiring will result in an automatic election and deduction of premiums for the retired member’s pay.

In preparation for retirement, all retiring service members can visit the MyAirForceBenefits website to calculate their estimated retired pay and SBP cost/annuity amount, view personalized retirement reports, as well as perform “what-if” exercises to see how their benefits might change.

The Casualty Assistance Office is located in the Military Personnel Flight (MPF), Bldg 210, Room 170. The Casualty & Survivor Benefits Office is providing assistance to active duty members, retirees and their families by appointment only. To schedule a Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) appointment or for general SBP-related questions, please send an email to Eglin.CasualtyOffice@us.af.mil or call 882.4028.

(In case of an emergency or for after-hours assistance, please call the Eglin Command Post at 850.883.4020.)