Worse Case Scenario
It's not good to think about, but it must be prepared for. If you/your spouse die while you/they are on duty, you/they will want to make sure that those closest to you/them are taken care of, financially and legally. Be sure to take care of these steps before you/your spouse are deployed:
Get your family care plan in order. This includes writing your/your spouse will, taking care of power of attorney, should you/your spouse or family need to have authority in legal affairs in your/their absence.
Death and Burial Benefits - Should you/your spouse die in the line of duty, the military has many services and programs to take care of your/your spouse funeral and burial, and provide assistance to your/your spouse surviving family. For example, when a member dies on active duty, the survivors are entitled to all pay due for the previous month as well as a death gratuity of $6,000 to help the family meet immediate expenses and get their affairs in order.
Survivors Benefit Plan - This plan is primarily intended for retired reservists, but you/your spouse can elect coverage for annuities to begin upon your/your spouse death, regardless of age when death occurs. If you/your spouse choose this plan, you must obtain written authorization from the spouse. For more specifics on this plan, visit the TROA Website, or contact a military benefits counselor. You can also get a copy of the Survivor Benefits Worksheet to figure out how much your family would receive if you/your spouse sign up for the plan.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) - Spouses and children are eligible for payments if the Reserve member died while on active duty, or if the death was the result of injuries sustained during active duty. The amount of payments depends on rank and time in service.
Medical Benefits - Medical benefits, including dental, will usually continue for one year after the member's death.
Family Relocation - The military will pay for transportation for family members and household goods to any location if the member dies while on active duty.
Education Benefits - Veterans' Affairs offer a broad range of college programs and other educational benefits for the surviving spouse and children. This is available under the War Widows and Orphans Educational Assistance Act. Contact your VA office for more information.
Support Systems - Many military and unofficial organizations provide financial assistance, counseling, and other services for bereaved families.
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