Retiree · survivors
Elect the Survivor Benefit Plan
Retired pay stops when you die unless SBP is in force. The election is part of retirement processing — DD 2656 — with spouse concurrence rules. Recut from militarypay.defense.gov. I will not file it.
01
Treat SBP as an insurance decision, not a rumor
It is a monthly premium taken from retired pay that buys a COLA-adjusted annuity for an eligible survivor. It is not VGLI, not VALife, and not TRICARE.
02
Make the election with retirement services
DD Form 2656 during retirement processing. Married members generally need the spouse’s written concurrence to elect less than the maximum spouse coverage. Gray-area members elect RC-SBP within 90 days of the 20-year letter (DD 2656-5 / IPPS-A) — that is a different clock.
03
Keep DFAS in the loop after life events
Marriage, divorce, a child’s majority. DD 2656-6 for many changes. Survivors start an annuity with DD 2656-7 on DFAS.mil. DFAS retired pay: 800-321-1080.