__ Create a military file that includes your retirement orders, separation papers, medical records, etc. Make sure your spouse knows the location and telephone number of the nearest military installation.
__ Create a military retired pay file that includes the pertinent information for DFAS
(This file should also include the number of any VA claim still pending and the address of the VA office being used; a list of deductions currently being made from benefits; and the name, relationship and address of the person you have made the beneficiary of any unpaid retired pay at the time of death.)
__ Create an annuities file. This
file should have information about the Survivor Benefit
Plan (SBP), Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)
or the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP),
Civil Service annuity, etc. Additional information
regarding SBP annuity claims can be obtained from the
DFAS-Cleveland office at 1-800-321-1080.
__ Create a personal document file that
has copies of marriage certificates, divorce decrees,
adoptions and naturalization papers.
__ Create an income tax file. Include
copies of your state and federal income tax returns.
__ Create a property tax file. Include
copies of tax bills, deeds and any other related
information.
__ Create an insurance policy file.
Include life, property, accident, liability and
hospitalization policies.
__ In a secure location, maintain a list of all
bank accounts (joint or individual). Include
the location of all deposit boxes, savings bonds,
stocks, bonds and any securities owned.
__ In a secure location, maintain a list of all
charge accounts and credit cards. Include
account numbers and mailing addresses.
__ Maintain a list of all associations and
organizations of which you are a member. Some
of them could be helpful to your spouse.
__ Maintain a list of all friends and business
associates who may be helpful. Include name,
address and phone number.
__ Spend time with your spouse discussing your
plans with respect to the type and place of
your funeral service. You should decide which cemetery,
whether ground burial, or cremation, etc. If your
spouse knows your desires, it will resolve some of the
questions that might arise at a later date.
__ Visit a local funeral home and pre-arrange
your services. Many states will allow you to
pre-pay for services.
__ Investigate the decisions that you
and your family have agreed upon.
Many states have specific laws and guidelines regulating cremation and burials at sea. Some states require a letter of authority signed by the deceased in order to authorize a cremation. Know the laws in your specific area and how they may affect your decisions. Information regarding Burials at Sea can be obtained by phoning the Office of Medical and Dental Affairs-Mortuary Affairs Division at (888) 647-6676 (option 4).
__ Once your decisions have been made and you’re
comfortable with them, have a will drawn up
outlining all your wishes.
__ Insure that your will and all other official
documents are maintained in a secure location
known by your loved ones. This includes all of your
DD214s or Retirement Orders.
__ When all the decision-making and documenting is
completed, sit back and continue to enjoy life.
Who should be notified in the event of my death?
1. Defense Finance and Accounting Service – (800) 321-1080 or (216) 522-5955/(800) 269-5170
2. Social Security Administration (for death benefits) - (800) 772-1213
3. Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) – (800) 827-1000
4. Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) (for Federal Employees) - (724) 794-8690
5. Any fraternal group that you have membership with: e.g., MOAA, FRA, NCOA, VFW, AL, TREA
6. Any previous employers that provide pension or benefits.
7. Burial at Sea information – (888) 647-6676 (option 4)
When all the decision-making and documenting is completed, sit back and continue to enjoy life.
Contact information for all retiree services:
|
Defense Finance and Accounting
Service
U S Military Retirement Pay Post Office Box 7130 London, KY 40742 7130 (800) 321-1080 or (216) 522-5955/(800) 269-5170 (for deceased members) |
Department of Navy
NPC PERS-675R Retired Activities Section 5720 Integrity Drive Millington, TN 38055-6640 (866) 827-5672 |
|---|---|
| U.S. Army Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 DAPE-HRPD-RSO ( Retirement Services Office ) 200 Stovall St. Alexandria, VA 22332-0470 (703) 325-9158 |
U.S. Air Force AFPC/DPPRT 550 C Street W, Ste 3 Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4713 (210) 565-4663 |
|
U.S. Marine Corps |
U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer (RAS) U. S. Coast Guard Personnel Service Center 444 SE Quincy St Topeka KS 66683-3591 (800) 772-8724 |
*** Please know that this is a basic military checklist. You should include in your package all civilian related information not cited above that would assist your beneficiaries in carrying out your last will.