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This guide provides answers to many questions about the Survivor Benefit Plan/ Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP/RCSBP), and the Retired Serviceman’s Family Protection Plan (RSFPP), other annuity programs, and Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) payments to beneficiaries. If an annuitant has specific questions concerning the annuity, please write to the address listed below, or call our toll-free number: 1-800-321-1080. Overseas customers may call commercial (216) 522-5955. Our toll-free fax number is 1-800-982-8459. To expedite a prompt response, please include the annuitant’s name and Social Security Number (SSN) as well as the member’s name and SSN on all correspondence

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Automatic Coverage and Options

Army Information

Air Force Information

There appears to be some confusion regarding the application of the automatic coverage provision under the SBP and the SBP options available to the military retiree after retirement.  The information below serves as guidance on these issues.

Automatic Coverage & Options Available After Retirement

Member with Beneficiaries at Time of Retirement: Automatic SBP coverage applies only at retirement.  The automatic coverage provision does not apply to any situation which may occur afterthe member’s retirement date.  Automatic coverage does apply to any member who, on the date of retirement, 1) did not make a valid SBP election, that is, an election for full coverage, less than full coverage, or declined coverage; and, 2) has a qualified spouse and/or child beneficiary.

Member with No Beneficiaries at Time of Retirement: A member who has no eligible beneficiaries at retirement is still required to complete the SBP election which is part of the form DD2656.  There is a block on the form to indicate the member has no eligible dependents.  Automatic coverage does not apply in this case since the member has no eligible beneficiaries.  However, if such member later acquires a spouse and/or child he may elect SBP coverage.  The member would have one year from the date of acquisition to make an election to cover the newly acquired beneficiary.  An election may be submitted by letter provided the intent to elect is clear and all information required for an election is provided.  A letter which only notifies us that the member has married does not constitute an election of SBP.

Again, there is no automatic coverage for any spouse and/or children newly acquired after retirement.  In order to provide SBP coverage in this situation, the member must submit a valid positive written election which is received within the election period prescribed by law.

Member Who Had SBP Coverage for Spouse and/or Child at Retirement: A member fitting this situation who later loses a beneficiary will have SBP coverage suspended during the period in which there is no eligible beneficiary.  Should the member subsequently acquire a new beneficiary in the same class as was originally provided at retirement, the original coverage is reinstated for the newly acquired beneficiary.  Reinstatement of coverage is not the same as automatic coverage.  The reinstatement will happen when that person qualifies as an eligible beneficiary.  For a new spouse, it would be on the first anniversary date, or sooner, if a child is born of the marriage.  For a new child, it would be the date of birth (if a natural child) or the date of acquisition (if other than a natural child).

It should be noted that upon acquisition of a new spouse the member does have the option to either increase the level of coverage (base amount), or to terminate coverage.  Such a request must be made by the member before the first anniversary date of the marriage.

Fed Protect

Low cost Group Level Term Life Insurance for current and former members of the Texas National Guard and Texas State Guard between the ages of 18-75 are eligible to apply with coverage continuing through age 121.