Losing someone you love is hard enough without also having to figure out what to do next. But in the days and weeks after a death, practical decisions can’t always wait, and for military and federal families, there are steps that most general checklists simply don’t cover.
This guide walks through what needs to happen, roughly in order, with specific attention to the notifications, benefit claims, and financial steps that apply to families with a military or federal connection. Not every step will apply to every situation, and the order may shift depending on your circumstances. But having it in one place can make a difficult time a little more manageable.
In the First Days: The Essentials
The immediate priority is people, not paperwork. In the first 24 to 48 hours, focus only on what must be done now.
Ensure dependents and pets are cared for
If the deceased had children, dependents, or pets, arrangements for their care take priority. If a will or estate plan exists, try to locate it quickly; it may name a designated guardian. If not, arrange a temporary solution and address the formal steps later.
Obtain certified copies of the death certificate
Request at least 10 to 12 certified copies from the funeral home or medical examiner. This may seem like a lot, but nearly every benefit claim, financial account closure, and government notification will require an original certified copy. Running short creates delays at the worst possible time.
Notify close family and the employer
Call close family and friends before word spreads on its own. If the deceased was employed, including federal civilian employment, notify their employer or agency as soon as possible. For military and federal employees, this contact starts a notification chain that triggers several benefit processes described below.
Make arrangements for the body and funeral
Coordinate with the hospital, funeral home, and any other parties involved. If the deceased expressed specific wishes, such as cremation, burial location, or a religious service, communicate them now. For veterans, there are additional options to consider (see If the Deceased Was a Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member below).
Secure the home and property
Make sure the home is locked and secure. Collect any mail to prevent it from piling up visibly. Verify that vehicles are where they should be. These steps protect the estate while decisions are being made.
If the Deceased Was a Veteran or Active-Duty Service Member
This section covers steps that apply specifically to military families. These notifications and claims are separate from, and in addition to, the general steps most families take.
Locate the DD Form 214
The DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the foundational document for nearly every VA benefit claim. Locate it as early as possible. If you can’t find it, you can request a copy through the National Archives using Standard Form 180 at archives.gov. This process can take time, so start it early.
Notify DFAS immediately if the veteran was receiving military retirement pay
The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) must be notified of the death as soon as possible to stop retirement pay. Any payments received after the date of death must be returned, and DFAS will seek to recover them. Report online at dfas.mil or by phone at 1-800-321-1080.
If the deceased was enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) or the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP) and you are the designated beneficiary, you may be eligible to apply for ongoing SBP payments. Forms and instructions are available at dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/survivors/ApplySBP.
Contact DEERS to update records and notify TRICARE
Contact the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) at 1-800-538-9552. Updating DEERS will automatically notify TRICARE of the service member’s death; survivors may also contact the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) directly if they have concerns about turnaround time. For information on survivor eligibility and coverage, visit tricare.mil/Plans/Eligibility/Survivors. Note that TRICARE’s pharmacy program must be notified separately; surviving family members should report the death directly to Express Scripts at militaryrx.express-scripts.com. This step also affects eligibility for continued health coverage for surviving family members.
File SGLI, VGLI, or FSGLI life insurance claims with the VA
If the deceased held Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI), or Family SGLI (FSGLI), contact the VA at 1-877-832-4943 to begin the claims process. These are separate from any private life insurance coverage, including Uniformed Services Benefit Association® (USBA®)-sponsored policies, and must be claimed independently.
Request VA burial benefits and military funeral honors
Most veterans are eligible for burial benefits through the VA, which may include a burial allowance, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag. Veterans who were discharged under honorable conditions may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery at no cost. To request military funeral honors, which include the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps, contact the casualty assistance office or ask the funeral director to coordinate on your behalf.
Apply for VA survivor benefits
Surviving family members of veterans may be eligible for a range of ongoing VA benefits. The most significant for many families include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): A monthly, tax-free benefit for surviving spouses and dependents of service members who died in service or veterans whose death was service-connected (or who were rated totally disabled for a qualifying period). Survivor benefits are adjusted annually. Check the VA website for current rates and eligibility.
- Survivors Pension: A needs-based benefit for surviving spouses and unmarried children of wartime veterans who meet income and net worth limits. Eligibility requirements vary; visit va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/survivor-compensation/survivors-pension to determine if you qualify.
- Education benefits: The Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program and the Fry Scholarship may provide education benefits for surviving spouses and children, depending on the circumstances of the veteran’s death.
To start the claims process, call the VA Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000 or visit www.va.gov. The Veterans Service Organization (VSO) can also provide free claims assistance and help ensure you don’t miss benefits you’re entitled to.
If the Deceased Was a Federal Employee or Retiree
Federal employees and retirees have a separate set of benefit claims and notifications that their survivors need to handle, independent of any VA or military steps.
Notify the employing agency or OPM first
For a current federal employee, contact the deceased’s agency HR department first; this triggers the notification chain. For a retired federal employee receiving an OPM annuity, contact OPM directly at 1-888-767-6738 or report the death online at opm.gov. OPM will create a claim number and mail a death benefits packet to survivors, including the appropriate claim forms.
Important to note: any OPM annuity payments deposited after the date of death must be returned. Notify the bank immediately if payments are being made by direct deposit.
File a FEGLI claim if applicable
FEGLI death claims follow different paths depending on the deceased’s status. For retirees, OPM mails survivors a packet with the required forms — death benefit paperwork is returned to OPM, and Form FE-6 (Claim for Death Benefits) is sent directly to OFEGLI. For current employees, the employing agency provides paperwork and works with OPM directly. For assistance with either, contact OFEGLI at 1-800-633-4542 or visit opm.gov/retirement-center/survivor-benefits. This is separate from any private life insurance coverage, including USBA®-sponsored policies.
Claim TSP death benefits
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) accounts have their own beneficiary designation and claims process, separate from FEGLI and OPM. Visit tsp.gov/death-and-beneficiary-support to begin the process. There may be tax implications depending on how the account is distributed, consulting a financial advisor or tax professional is advisable.
Understand FEHB health coverage continuity
If the surviving family was covered under the deceased’s Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plan, continued coverage depends on a number of factors, including the enrollment type at the time of death. Do not assume coverage continues automatically—confirm your status with the agency HR department or OPM as soon as possible.
Steps That Apply to All Families
These steps apply regardless of military or federal connection and should be worked through in the weeks following the death.
Locate wills, insurance policies, and important documents
Search personal files, email accounts, bank statements (for recurring premium payments), and safe deposit boxes. The will identifies beneficiaries and specific bequests. Life insurance documents, including your USBA Certificate of Insurance, contain the policy number and insurer contact information needed to file a claim.
File life insurance claims promptly
To file a claim on a USBA-sponsored life insurance policy, contact a USBA Member Services representative at 800-821-7912, Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time, or email usbainfo@usba.com. Have the policy number and a certified copy of the death certificate available. A Member Services representative can guide you through the process and answer questions about what to expect.
For additional guidance on the claims process, see How USBA Life Insurance Claims Are Paid and Making Life Insurance Claims Easier for Military Families.
Notify the Social Security Administration
Report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213. Many funeral homes report the death to SSA on behalf of the family. If no funeral home is involved, or you’re unsure whether the notification was made, contact SSA directly. Any Social Security payments received after the month of death must be returned. Surviving spouses and dependent children may be eligible for ongoing Social Security survivor benefits, contact SSA to apply.
Contact financial institutions and credit bureaus
Notify banks, investment accounts, and credit card companies of the death. Close or transfer accounts as appropriate and notify all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to prevent new lines of credit from being opened in the deceased’s name.
Work with an attorney to settle the estate
Probate is the legal process that oversees the distribution of assets, payment of debts, and verification of the will. Each state has its own probate laws and timelines. An estate attorney can help navigate this process, particularly if the estate is complex or if there are disputes among heirs. Assets held in trust or with named beneficiaries, including life insurance policies, generally pass outside of probate.
Cancel memberships, subscriptions, and forward mail
Contact service providers individually to cancel ongoing subscriptions, or ask the deceased’s bank to stop recurring payments as a practical shortcut. Set up mail forwarding through the USPS to ensure nothing important is missed.
Review remaining insurance coverage
If you’re responsible for managing the deceased’s estate or household, review the family’s remaining insurance coverage and make sure auto, home, and personal property insurance remain in effect as needed. You may need to transfer policies or create new ones, but don’t let coverage lapse while you’re managing everything else.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Managing the practical and financial aftermath of a death is a significant burden, and grief doesn’t pause while you do it. Give yourself and your family permission to lean on others, friends, extended family, or professional support.
For military families, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers peer support, grief resources, and practical assistance specifically designed for those who have lost a loved one. Military OneSource can also connect surviving family members to counseling and support services.
If You’re the One Planning Ahead
Reading a guide like this can prompt you to consider your own coverage and whether your family would be protected if something happened to you. The Uniformed Services Benefit Association offers group life insurance for military personnel, veterans, federal employees, National Guard, Reserve members, and their families. This coverage is portable, has no war exclusion, and ranges from $25,000 to $750,000 depending on the policy. All USBA group life policies are underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company. Ensuring your beneficiary designations are current is one of the most important steps you can take to support your loved ones. For guidance, see What Is a Life Insurance Beneficiary and What Your Life Insurance Beneficiary Should Know Before It’s Needed. To learn about coverage options or to apply, contact a USBA Product Specialist at 877-297-9235 or visit our Life Insurance Overview page.
Photo by Elizabeth Fraser
The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.