Upon the death of a uniformed service retiree, the next of kin should call the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).   Number listed below.

DFAS will close the retiree's pay account and send a survivor benefit package.   Forms will be included that instruct the next of kin on how to recoup the retiree's unpaid pay and how to initiate Survivor Benefit Program payments if applicable.   You must fill out these forms promptly and return them with a CERTIFIED COPY OF THE DEATH CERTIFICATE.   Survivors should report retiree deaths to the DFAS Cleveland Center' casualty office as follows:

Casualty Office - 1 - 800 - 269-5170 Faxes to - 1 - 800 - 469-6559


Provide the following information in your notification:

Retiree's full name -
First________________Middle______________Last______________
Retiree's Social Security Number ___________________
Retiree's Date of Death ____________________
Beneficiary name ____________________
Relationship to deceased________________

Retiree's current address -
Street__________________________
City _____________________State_____Zip_____________


Additional Actions to take:
NOTIFY Social Security Administration and apply for $255.00 death benefit.
Return and cancel any pension payments received after the date of death.

However, do not RETURN any retired payments that have been directly deposited to a bank account;   DFAS will automatically reclaim the money that needs to be returned when you notify DFAS of the retiree's death.

Obtain a list of benefits applicable to the retiree's beneficiaries that they are entitled to.

Notify the Local County Veteran's Service Office or Veteran's Administration Regional Office and REQUEST their assistance for obtaining burial benefits.

Apply for a NEW ID CARD FOR THE SPOUSE.


DO NOT USE ANY retirement, VA or Social Security payments issued after the date of death.   A beneficiary can be required to pay any money back that was used after the date of death.

Source:
Victor Haas,
Chapter 556, Air Force Sergeants Association