What Benefits Does a Military Spouse Get After Death?
Losing a loved one is never easy, and for military spouses, the grief is compounded by the unique challenges that come with being part of the military community. However, the military has various benefits in place to support surviving spouses, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and resources to navigate this difficult time. In this article, we will explore the benefits that a military spouse receives after the death of their service member.
Eligibility for Benefits
To be eligible for military survivor benefits, the service member must have died while on active duty or have retired from the military. Additionally, the surviving spouse must have been married to the service member at the time of their death or for at least one year prior to the service member’s retirement.
Immediate Needs
In the immediate aftermath of a service member’s death, the military provides essential support to help families cope with the loss. Some of these benefits include:
- Emergency Leave: The military provides immediate leave to allow family members to attend to personal matters and make funeral arrangements.
- Travel Allowance: The military reimburses travel expenses for family members to attend the service member’s funeral and burial.
- Burial Honors: The military provides burial honors, including a military funeral, to honor the service member’s service.
Financial Benefits
Financial assistance is a critical component of military survivor benefits. Some of the key financial benefits include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): DIC is a tax-free benefit paid to surviving spouses of service members who died while on active duty or as a result of their service-connected injuries or diseases. The monthly benefit is currently $1,357.41.
- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): The SBP is a life insurance program that provides a monthly annuity to eligible surviving spouses. The monthly benefit is based on the service member’s retired pay.
- Base Allowance for Housing (BAH): Surviving spouses may be eligible for BAH, which is a tax-free benefit that helps offset housing costs.
Healthcare Benefits
Military spouses are entitled to healthcare benefits through the Military Health System (MHS). Some of the key healthcare benefits include:
- TRICARE: TRICARE is a health insurance program that provides medical coverage to military personnel, retirees, and their families. Surviving spouses are eligible for TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select.
- Champus: CHAMPUS (Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services) is a health insurance program that provides medical coverage to civilian family members of military personnel, including surviving spouses.
- Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits: Surviving spouses may be eligible for VA benefits, including healthcare services and prescriptions.
Education and Training Benefits
Military spouses can access education and training benefits to help them achieve their career goals. Some of the key benefits include:
- Survivor Educational Assistance (SEA): SEA is a program that provides education and training benefits to surviving spouses of service members who died while on active duty or as a result of their service-connected injuries or diseases.
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP): VEAP is a program that provides education benefits to eligible surviving spouses of service members who contributed to the program during their service.
- Military Tuition Assistance: Many military branches offer tuition assistance programs that provide financial support for education and training.
Support Services
In addition to financial and healthcare benefits, military spouses can access a range of support services to help them cope with their loss. Some of these services include:
- Military OneSource: Military OneSource is a free confidential support service that provides counseling, financial planning, and other support services to military personnel and their families.
- Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS): FOCUS is a program that provides counseling and support services to military families dealing with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): The WWP is a non-profit organization that provides support services to injured service members and their families, including surviving spouses.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one is never easy, but the military has various benefits in place to support surviving spouses and help them navigate this difficult time. From immediate needs to financial and healthcare benefits, education and training benefits, and support services, the military provides a comprehensive range of benefits to help surviving spouses cope with their loss and rebuild their lives. By understanding these benefits, surviving spouses can receive the support they need to move forward and honor the service and sacrifice of their loved one.
Benefits Overview
Benefit | Eligibility | Description |
---|---|---|
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) | Service member died while on active duty or as a result of service-connected injuries or diseases | Tax-free benefit paid to surviving spouses |
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) | Service member was eligible for SBP at the time of their death | Life insurance program providing a monthly annuity to eligible surviving spouses |
Base Allowance for Housing (BAH) | Service member was receiving BAH at the time of their death | Tax-free benefit to help offset housing costs |
TRICARE | Service member was eligible for TRICARE at the time of their death | Health insurance program providing medical coverage to military personnel, retirees, and their families |
CHAMPUS | Service member was eligible for CHAMPUS at the time of their death | Health insurance program providing medical coverage to civilian family members of military personnel |
Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits | Service member served in the military and was discharged under honorable conditions | Health benefits, prescriptions, and other support services |
Survivor Educational Assistance (SEA) | Service member died while on active duty or as a result of service-connected injuries or diseases | Education and training benefits for surviving spouses |
Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) | Service member contributed to VEAP during their service | Education benefits for eligible surviving spouses |
Note: This article provides a general overview of benefits available to military spouses who have lost their service member. Eligibility and availability of benefits may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended that surviving spouses consult with their local Military Personnel Office or a Military Benefits Advisor for more information on the benefits they may be eligible for.