Personal Affairs

One of the most important things you can do to minimize stress for your loved ones is to make sure your personal affairs are in order and to have your loved ones reach out to me as soon as possible upon your death. Please use this booklet as a tool to assist you in managing your personal affairs. Another important thing you must do is to know what benefits are available to you while you are living and ensure that your loved ones know the benefits available to them after you die.

Please consider the following while getting your affairs in order:

Survivor Benefit Plan
Did you enroll in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when you retired? Does your spouse know? Did you know that if your spouse does not apply within six years following your death that they lose the benefit under the Barring Act?

Veterans Affairs
Have you applied for VA Service-Connected Disability Compensation? Many benefits like VA’s
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (monthly tax-free payment to surviving spouse) and
service-connected burial reimbursement are contingent on your death being caused by a service-connected disability (typically either as a primary or contributing cause)? Many non-VA and DOD Federal and State benefits require that you be rated at a certain level.

Do you have a copy of your VA claims file? Do you have a copy of your service medical and
personnel records? The aforementioned records will be of value when your spouse applies for VA survivor benefits. If your spouse knows your service-connected disabilities, it will make it easier to add the condition to your death certificate as a primary or contributing cause –strong evidence that could warrant the VA granting your spouse a monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation payment after you die. Although these  records should be on file with VA and/or the National Archives, important records like these have been lost in fires or in VA facilities. Ensure you have your own copies! I can assist you in getting these records in the most efficient manner.

Were you ever denied VA disability compensation? Did you know the laws have been liberalized on many occasions and you may now qualify? Just because you were denied benefits 20 years ago, doesn’t mean you will be denied today. For example, a recent law change allows for any Veteran who served honorably for 90 days or more to draw 100 percent disability for Lou Gehrig’s disease –no causation need even be shown.

Have you registered for VA healthcare? You should. Although you are eligible for Tricare, VA can cover some things that Tricare can’t (examples: hearing aids, certain home adaptation grants, possible long term care, caregiver support stipends, etc.). These benefits may make a difference as to whether you have to liquidate your estate to pay for long-term care and debts. The use of Tricare does not preclude you from registering for VA –the only thing the VA typically requires is that you show up once a year for a wellness check. Registration into the VA in the last days of life can significantly reduce the amount or services available to you and your loved ones and end up costing you more money out of pocket. Enroll early.

Legal Issues
Do you have a will or trust? Do you have an advanced directive? Do your loved ones know where they are? Did you or your loved one know that you are entitled to legal assistance at the base legal office?

Insurance
Do you have life insurance? If so, ensure your beneficiary information is up to date and that the beneficiaries are aware of how to obtain the proceeds.

Civil Service
Did you perform Civil Service after your retired? Is your spouse eligible for an annuity or FEGLI payout? Did you pay into the Thrift Savings Plan? Does he/she know?

Documentation
Do you have all of your marriage certificates and divorce decrees? The payment of Federal benefits can be delayed or outright denied if these are requested and not provided in a timely manner.

Refer to MOAA's Personal Affairs Guide for additional information.