My active-duty retired LT Col military husband died 5 years ago. The air force casualty helped with administrative actions, but never mentioned how i should apply for the survivor benefit program (SBP). I didn't know it existed. I called DFAS, and they told me to write a letter. Really!? Write a letter, is this normal? This is starting to be a big run around. I was married to the service for 25 years, but i was not in it. Please save the "should haves" Don't you think top down congressional is warranted at this point?
My AD AF husband died 5 years ago, who should have told me about the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) Should I file a congressional?
byu/True-Yogurtcloset316 inMilitaryFinance
Posted by True-Yogurtcloset316
2 Comments
Not really. I honestly think that writing a letter stating that you were unaware of the benefit and would like to know request it. Provide the documents they request. After that your congressperson will be the next avenue.
It’s not going to be fast no matter what route you pursue. That’s certain. Be patient.
I’m sorry for your loss. Can you clarify? Was your husband active duty or retired at the time he passed? Is your goal to get SBP payments started, to try to get back pay, or something else?
If he was retired, had enrolled in the SBP, and you were listed as the beneficiary, DFAS should have mailed the form DD2656-7 to you to fill out.