Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
A military retirement option that pays a monthly check to a spouse or child after a service member dies.
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a Department of Defense program that lets active-duty, Reserve, and retired military members provide a monthly annuity to an eligible survivor after they die. Without SBP, military retired pay stops at the retiree's death. With SBP, an eligible spouse, former spouse, or child can receive up to 55% of the retiree's chosen base amount each month for life (or, for children, until they age out). Members elect SBP at retirement, and the cost is automatically deducted from retired pay; spouse coverage is presumed unless the spouse signs a waiver. SBP is paid by DFAS, lasts for life, and includes annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). It is separate from VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), though they sometimes interact. Active-duty deaths can also trigger SBP under different rules. Surviving spouses must apply for SBP through DFAS.
In real life
- A retired Army officer elected SBP at retirement; after his death his widow gets 55% of his retired pay each month.
- A widow of an active-duty Marine receives an SBP annuity for life under active-duty death rules.
- A divorced spouse with court-ordered SBP coverage files with DFAS to claim the annuity.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)
How much does SBP pay?+
Up to 55% of the retiree's elected base amount, paid monthly for the survivor's lifetime, with annual COLAs.
Is SBP automatic?+
Spouse coverage is the default at retirement. The spouse must sign to waive or reduce it.
How do I apply as a survivor?+
Contact DFAS Retired & Annuitant Pay at 1-800-321-1080 and submit DD Form 2656-7.
Does SBP affect VA DIC?+
In the past DIC was offset against SBP, but the 'widow's tax' phase-out fully ended in 2023 — most widows now receive both in full.
Source: militarypay.defense.gov