Process approved retirements (to include FMCR, Disability and Reserve w/Pay) to ensure acceptance at DFAS and the proper issuance of Retired pay.
We manage approved retirements—including FMCR, Disability, and Reserve with Pay—ensuring seamless coordination with DFAS so that your retired pay is issued accurately and on time.
We provide assistance with secondary dependency applications, supporting cases that involve wards, parents, and incapacitated adult children.
We carefully review cases and determine eligibility for 20/20/20 and 20/20/15 Former Spouse benefits.
We oversee the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) program, process requests for SBP administrative corrections, and represent the community as an active member of the DoD SBP Advisory Group.
We implement and process any changes directed by the Board for Correction of Naval Records.
Provide information and assistance to the Retired community, SBP Annuitants and Survivors.
Program Management for the Survivor Benefit Plan program and member of DOD SBP Advisory Group.
We coordinate closely with MSCs, the HQMC Casualty Branch, Casualty Assistance Call Officers, and DFAS to finalize Line of Duty Determinations for all active duty, non-hostile deaths.
We are dedicated to offering guidance, information, and support to our Retired community, SBP Annuitants, and Survivors.
We publish the Semper Fidelis Newsletter, to keep Retired Marines informed, engaged, and connected.
steps to take when an annuitant dies
ELIGIBILITY FOR SURVIVOR BENEFIT PLAN ANNUITY PAY ENDS WITH THE DEATH OF THE ANNUITANT (BENEFICIARY)
Prompt reporting of a deceased military annuitant’s death can help avoid delays and prevent possible financial hardship for surviving family members or executors. Surviving family members or executors will be required to return any unearned payments of the decedent’s annuity pay if payments are erroneously received after the date of death.
Burial Benefits Note: While the VA does not provide direct burial benefits for annuitants, the annuitant may be eligible for burial in a military cemetery based on the sponsor's military service.
Recommended Contacts for Stopping Payments
Possible sources of annuitant payments may include:
Action Plan: Steps to Report the Death of an Annuitant
- VA: 1-800-827-1000 Click here to navigate to milConnect
- Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 Click here to navigate to VA.gov
- Office of Personal Management (OPM): 1-888-767-6738 Click here to navigate to opm.gov
- Step 1: Notify DFAS
Call DFAS at 1-800-321-1080 to report the death and stop annuity payments. Alternatively, you can use the online askDFAS "Report the Death of a SBP Annuitant" tool at dfas.mil for 24/7 reporting.
Step 2: Submit the Death Certificate
Mail or fax a copy of the annuitant’s death certificate (showing the cause and/or manner of death) to:
DFAS - U.S. Miliary Annuitant Pay
8899 E. 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1300
Fax: 1-800-982-8459
Note: Please write the deceased annuitant's Social Security Number and the deceased sponsor's Social Security Number on the top of the death certificate copy before sending.
Step 3: Inform Financial Institutions
Inform any financial institutions receiving direct deposits about the death of the annuitant. Provide a copy of the death certificate once it becomes available.
Step 4: Contact Additional Agencies
Social Security Administration:
1-800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov < Click here
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System: < Click here
1-800-538-9552
Department of Veterans Affairs:
1-800-827-1000 (annuitants in receipt of Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) www.va.gov < Click here
If you believe you are the victim of an error or injustice which affects your military record, you may apply for a Correction of Military Records by completing and submitting a DD Form 149, Application for Correction of Military Record. Examples of corrections include upgraded discharge, promotions, retired pay, household goods, pay date change, bonus, and MGIB programs. DFAS pays military members when the Board for Corrections of Naval Records (BCNR) rule in their favor. If you receive a decision from the BCNR and you do not agree with it, write the Board and explain your reasoning. Reference the appropriate address on page 2 of the DD Form 149. If you would like to check the status of your request, contact the BCNR directly at (703) 604 - 6884 (Navy/Marine Corps). If you believe DFAS paid you incorrectly for your Correction of Record, provide documentation with a handwritten signature explaining why you are protesting the amount to:
Dept. 3330, Attn: COR/Claims
8899 East 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-3300
DFAS Inquiry Line: (317) 212-6167
(Hours: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, EST)
What to Do When a Retired Marine Dies
DFAS Checklist
What You Need to Know
We are sorry for your loss, and we are here to help you. While this is a challenging time, it’s important to report the death of a military retiree promptly. Please use one of the options below to report the death of a retiree.
Information about claiming a retiree’s final pay and claiming Survivor Benefit Plan payments (if the retiree was enrolled) is also included in this checklist. Additional information is available on the DFAS Report a Retiree’s Death webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/retdeath. < Click here
Please note: The Arrears of Pay (AOP) beneficiary and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) beneficiary are designated by the retiree. They can be the same but are not always the same. Separate claims must be made for AOP and SBP.
How to Report a Retiree’s Death
Prompt reporting of a death is important to avoid overpayment. Retired pay ends on the date of death of the retiree.
You can report a retiree’s death using our online form, by calling our Customer Care Center, or via fax or mail. Filling out the online askDFAS Notification of Death form is the quickest and most convenient option. It’s available 24/7.
- To use the online askDFAS Notification of Death form, visit our Quick Tools webpage: https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/Quick-Tools-for-Retirees-SBP-Annuitants-Survivors/, then click on "To Report the Death of a Retiree."
- To contact our Customer Care Center, call toll-free: 1-800-321-1080 or 1-317-212-0551 (during business hours M-F, Eastern Time).
- Fax: 1-800-469-6559 OR Mail to: Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retired Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis IN 46249-1200
What Happens When DFAS Receives Notification of Death
Upon notification of death, DFAS will send a condolence letter with instructions for claiming the retiree's final pay. If the retiree is enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), they will also send the forms to claim SBP annuity payments.
DFAS will stop monthly payments upon notification of death to prevent overpayment. Because retired pay ends on the date of death, if a payment was made after the date of the retiree’s death, DFAS is required to notify the bank to reclaim the entire payment. Once the paperwork to claim a retiree’s pay is received, DFAS can calculate and pay the retiree’s final pro-rated payment to the entitled Arrears of Pay (AOP) beneficiary.
Supporting Documents Required
We are required to have a copy of the retiree’s Certificate of Death that states the cause or manner of death prior to making payments. If you have not yet provided this specific type of death certificate, please include a copy of it with your documents.
Reminders
Is your form signed and dated by you (and by witnesses for the AOP SF 1174)?
- Did you include supporting documents? Is the retiree’s name and Social Security Number on each document?
What You Need to Do: Claim a Retiree’s Final Pay
When the death of a retiree is reported, DFAS mails a condolence letter to the individual(s) listed on the retiree’s account as the Arrears of Pay (AOP) beneficiary. If there is no beneficiary listed on the retiree’s account, the letter will be sent to the retiree’s legal representative, if known, or to the retiree’s last known address. The condolence letter is generally sent within a week of the report of death.
The mailing will include the (AOP) claim form—SF 1174 Claim for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Member of the Uniformed Service.
- Complete and submit the SF 1174 form, along with the retiree’s death certificate indicating the cause and/or manner of death. This death certificate is required to calculate and pay the retiree’s final pay. Please note that SF 1174 must be signed by two witnesses in addition to the claimant.
- Direct Deposit: Include a completed Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059) with your SF 1174 to have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account. Please avoid using a joint account that was shared with a deceased retiree for this deposit. Banks return those payments to DFAS.
- Upload: Upload a PDF of your completed, signed, and witnessed SF 1174 form and supporting documents via the convenient askDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil: https://www.dfas.mil/askdfas. Please make sure the retiree’s name and Social Security Number are on each document you upload.
- Mail AOP claims to:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay 8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200
- Fax AOP claims to: 1-800-469-6559
You can download forms from the Forms Library webpage at https://www.dfas.mil/raforms and submit them without waiting for the mail. Please see the How to Claim AOP Using the SF 1174 webpage at https://www.dfas.mil/retireeaop for how-to information and helpful tools, including a Form Wizard that guides you through completing the form correctly.
What You Need to Do: The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
- Complete and submit: If the retiree was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP), promptly complete and submit the DD 2656-7 Verification for Survivor Annuity and supporting documents.
- Upload: Upload a PDF of your completed and signed DD 2656-7 form and supporting documents via the convenient askDFAS online upload tool: https://www.dfas.mil/askdfas. Please make sure the retiree’s name and Social Security Number are on each document you upload.
- Mail SBP claims to:
Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Annuity Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1300
Fax SBP claims to: 1-800-982-8459
You can download forms from the Forms Library webpage at https://www.dfas.mil/raforms and submit them without waiting for the mail. Please see the Start an SBP Annuity webpage at https://www.dfas.mil/startsbp for how-to information and a helpful Form Wizard.
The Retiree’s Final Tax Document (1099-R)
The retiree’s final tax document (IRS 1099-R) is typically issued at the same time as the Arrears of Pay payment to the AOP beneficiary.
If a retiree’s legal representative who is not the AOP beneficiary needs a copy of the 1099-R, they should send a signed and dated letter that includes:
- The retiree’s full name
- Social Security Number
- The 1099-R request
- The full name and relationship of the requestor
- A copy of the retiree’s Certificate of Death (if not already on file)
The Certificate of Death is required in order for the 1099-R to be issued.
INCAPACITATED CHILD (21 YEARS OR OVER)
Our application process is two parts: Medical and Financial.
Part One: The medical documentation that you provide is forwarded to The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) for their review and determination.
Part Two: The sponsor must be providing over 50% support for the incapacitated child.
You must be approved for both the medical AND financial parts of the process for your child to be eligible for benefits.
The physician's statement must contain:
1. A recent (4 months or less) medical or psychiatric evaluation.
2. A complete detailed medical summary of illness, to include the date and child's age of onset of incapacity, a diagnosis and current treatment being
rendered and prognosis for recovery as well as the ability to become self-supporting.
3. Include DSM-V diagnosis on all functioning, vocational rehabilitation assessments and progress notes for employability and self-support. In all
cases of mental limitations, an IQ test must be included as part of the evaluation.
A summary of medical records is preferred and must be detailed enough for the reviewers at BUMED to trace the condition from date of onset.
Please complete the attached DD Form 137 and send it back with the supporting documentation identified on Page 3 of the form for an Incapacitated Adult Child to SMB_MANPOWER_MMSR6@USMC.MIL
or mail it to the address shown below. If you email the documentation, please break it up and send in 2 or 3 smaller emails instead of 1 large email, and please call for verification of receipt.
Please note Page 7 of the DD Form 137 states: * The authorizing agency reserves the right to request supporting documentation of claimed amounts.
DD Form 137
Incapacitated Child Checklist for members
HIPAA Release Form
HIPAA Cheat Sheet
Create an SSA Online Account
SSI Webpage
WARD OF THE COURT (UNDER 21 YEARS OLD)
Please complete the attached DD Form 137 and send it back with the supporting documentation identified on Pages 3-4 of the form for a Ward of the Court SMB.MANPOWER.MMSR6@USMC.MIL or mail it to the address shown below.
If you email the documentation, please break it up and send in 2 or 3 smaller emails instead of 1 large email, and please call for verification of receipt.
Please note Page 7 of the DD Form 137 states: * The authorizing agency reserves the right to request supporting documentation of claimed amounts.
DD Form 137
Word of the Court Checklist for members
PARENT/PARENT-IN-LAW/STEPPARENT
Please complete the attached DD Form 137 and send it back with the supporting documentation identified on Pages 3-4 of the form for a Parent/Parent-In-Law/Stepparent SMB.MANPOWER.MMSR6@USMC.MIL or mail it to the address shown below.
If you email the documentation, please break it up and send in 2 or 3 smaller emails instead of 1 large email, and please call for verification of receipt.
Please note Page 7 of the DD Form 137 states: * The authorizing agency reserves the right to request supporting documentation of claimed amounts.
DD Form 137
Parent/Parent-In-Law/Stepparent Checklist for members
Create an SSA Online Account
SSI Webpage
FORMER SPOUSE
The first step will be to apply for Former Spouse (20/20/20 or 20/20/15) benefits. If approved, you will be put into DEERS under your own ID and sponsorship. This will be effective the day after your divorce is final.
Please complete and return the attached Former Spouse statement. Attached is the checklist so you know what other documents MMSR-6 require.
To qualify for 20/20/20 status, all the following MUST be true:
1. You must have been married to the Marine for at least 20 years,
2. The Marine MUST have completed at least 20 years of active-duty service, AND
3. There MUST be at least 20 years of overlap of marriage and active duty.
In other words, the Marine wore both the uniform and a wedding ring for a 20-year period. If the overlap is less than 20 years but more than 15 years, then the former spouse is 20-20-15 and entitled to medical (only) for one year from the date of divorce.
Once approved by this office, we will notify the HQMC DEERS Project Office here on Quantico. They will enter you in DEERS as your own sponsor and we will send you a letter notifying you of your approval and provide additional instructions for you.
At that point you will be able to make an appointment for a new Former Spouse ID card. There is no requirement for your ex-spouse to sign anything or accompany you to the ID card center. After obtaining the new ID, you can then enroll in Tricare as a Former Spouse. Your eligibility date will be the day after your divorce.
Due to the size of some divorce decrees, I recommend you send two or three separate emails and label them one of three; two of three; three of three so we can identify any email not received. Additionally, I recommend you call (or email) to confirm receipt of your emails. You can email everything to the organizational mailbox identified in the checklist. Smb_manpower_mmsr6@usmc.mil.
Once you’ve submitted the required documents, it does take about 2-3 weeks for the review and DEERS action to be complete, so there may be a short period that you’re technically w/o coverage and any treatment/prescriptions that occur in the interim may result in a cost to you. Your Tricare coverage will be back dated to the day after your divorce, so you can file a claim for reimbursement for any expenses you incurred because of that gap.
Former Spouse Statement
Former Spouse Checklist for members
Mailing Address
Manpower Personnel Management
Separations & Retirement (MMSR-6)
3280 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-5103
Phone:
(703)784-9310
(703)784-9311
1 (800) 336-4649
Fax (703) 432-9439
MMSR-6 Section Mailboxes:
smb_manpower_mmsr6@usmc.mil