This document provides a checklist and overview of information for service members separating from active duty. It covers topics like VA benefits briefings, pre-separation counseling requirements, employment resources from the Department of Labor and VA, education benefits, health care through the VA, disability compensation, home loans, and more. Attendees are guided through online tools and resources they can leverage during their transition from military to civilian life.
5. VA Benefits can affect you now and
for the rest of your life. They can
also affect your dependents…even
after your death!
6. VA
• Veterans Benefits Administration
– All VA benefits - Compensation, Education, Home Loan
Guaranty, etc.
– Administered by VA Regional Offices
• Veterans Health Administration
– All VA health care services
– Administered by VA Medical Centers, Ambulatory Care &
Community Based Outpatient Clinics, etc.
• National Cemetery Administration
– National and State Veterans Cemeteries
– Headstones & Markers
– Presidential Memorial Certificates
7. eBenefits – My Gateway to Benefit
Information
• www.ebenefits.va.gov
• One-stop shop for benefits-related online
tools and information
• You can
– Apply for Benefits
– See your benefits status and payments online
– Download your DD 214 or loan eligibility cert
– Obtain VA letters need for Veterans benefits
8. What do I need to know about eBenefits?
• You want a premium account which allows
viewing of personal VA and DOD records
• Ways to get a Premium account (need DOD
Self Service Logon):
– Use Common Access Card (CAC)
– Retirees with “My Pay” account access
– At a VA Regional Office
13. Disability Compensation Process
• The application forms:
– Use VA Form 21-526ez.
– If you have dependents, you will also need VA
Form 21-686c.
– Critical 1 year timeframe for general medical
exam!
14. When Can I File a Compensation Claim?
Can I file while still on Active Duty?
• There is no time limit for filling Disability
Compensation!
• You are eligible to file a compensation claim if
within 180 days of separation/retirement
• The VA will need:
– A full copy of service medical records
– A dental record if dental issues are claimed
– A mental health record if mental conditions are
claimed
15. Important VA Home Loan Notes
• No down payment
• Funding Fee waived for
Veterans in receipt of
VA Compensation
16. Applying for VA Health Care
• Eligibility information is at:
www.va.gov/healtheligibility
• Application form is: VA Form 10-10EZ
17. Veterans of Operations Enduring
& Iraqi Freedom
VA provides up to five years of free
health care for enrolled Veterans who
served in a theater of combat
operations and are seeking care for an
injury or illness that was caused or
aggravated from this active duty
service.
18. Primary VA Contacts
• 1-800-827-1000 (general VA line)
• www.va.gov
• www.gibill.va.gov
• 1-888-442-4551 (education line) or 1-888-
GIBILL1
• http://www.facebook.com/VeteransBenefits
• http://twitter.com/VAVetBenefits
21. TRANSITION GPS
TAP GPS is a MANDATORY program aimed to ensure
Service Members & spouses are prepared for their
next step in civilian life.
ADDITIONAL
2-Day
TRACKS
Career
Technical
Education
Entrepreneur
TAP GPS COMPONENTS:
STEP 1:
BEGIN
PRE-SEPARATION
COUNSELING
Separating = 1yr
Retiring = 2yr
Both = NLT 120 days
STEP 2:
ATTEND
TAP GPS
(5 DAY)
DOD
DOL
DVA
STEP 3:
COMPLETE
CAPSTONE
EVENT
Career
Readiness
Standards
Checklist
22. Introduction
• DD Form 2648 (-1), Pre-separation Counseling Checklist
• Purpose of Preseparation Counseling
– Mandated by Title 10
– Introduce benefits and services
– Describe assistance in place to help you
• Checklist serves as reference for planning transition
– Referrals provided to agency experts
23. DD2648 (-1) General Instructions
• Verify you have correct DD Form & all 5 Pages
• Use black or blue ink ball point pen to complete form
-DO NOT use pencil, red ink or felt tip pen
• Complete Section II
- Complete ALL applicable boxes 1 – 9.a.
• Review Section III Instructions
• Include name & SSN at top of pages 2 – 5
– Enter SSN without dashes
• Complete Section V (pg 4)
• Complete Section VI (pg 5)
24.
25. Effects of a Career Change #10
• Effects of a career change
• Identify coping techniques
• Referral contact information
– Chaplain
– Military OneSource
– VA Vet Centers/Veteran Service Organizations
– Education Office
– A&FRC
– National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD): www.ncptsd.va.gov/index.html
Courage to Care: www.usuhs.mil/psy/courage.html
26. Dept of Labor Employment Workshop
(DOLEW) #11a
• Bi-Monthly
• Workshop content
information
• Post-military
employment resources
Mandatory to attend the workshop (some exemptions)
27. Verification of Military Experience and
Training (VMET) #11b
• Utilization of VMET
• Eligible members can print
VMET at:
www.dmdc.osd.mil/tgps
• Coast Guard does not have
VMET
GI-PF-ed_transcripts@uscg.mil
• NOT an official transcript
• Refer to FAQs on website
28. Civilian Occupations Corresponding to
Military Occupations/ONET #11c
• O*NET resources
• Program and features
– Career Exploration Tools, etc.
• www.onetcenter.org (open website)
– mynextmove.org for potential occupations
29. *Licensing and Certification #11c(1)
• Credentialing
– Licenses
– Certifications
• USAF Air University: Community College of the Air
Force : http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/certifications.asp
• GI Bill utilization
• http://www.careerinfonet.org/certifications_new/
30. DOL America Job Centers #11c(1)(a)
• Organized around customers (job seeker, business, students,
workforce professionals)
• Labor market information
• Occupational profiles
• Career resource library & research database
• Licensing information
• Multiple career tools
– Careeronestop.org
31. US Army Credentialing On-line
#11c(1)(b)
• Identify credentials related to military occupations
• Civilian credentialing requirements
• Financial assistance
• https://www.cool.army.mil
33. DANTES #11c(1)(d)
• Base Education Offices
• Educational opportunities and non-traditional
education
• CLEP and SOC
• DANTES standardized tests
Scott Education Office, Bldg 1650, 618-256-3327
34. Navy Cool Website #11c(1)(e)
• Identify credentials related to military occupations
• Civilian credentialing requirements
• Financial assistance
• https://www.cool.navy.mil
35. DoDTAP #11d
• Comprehensive resource with capabilities to
support sep/ret related issues
• Learn about the new Transition GPS curriculum
• Host of online resources regarding VA benefits,
financial planning, and assessing and documenting
their skills for transition to civilian life
• Access the VA Employment Center (VEC)
• www.dodtap.mil
36. Employment Hub #11d(1)
• Designed for separating service members
• Translates military skills and experience
• Job search tools and databases
• https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/jobs
38. State Job Boards #11d(3)
• Every state has a job board for their state
• Employers can search for applicants
• Applicants can search for positions
• www.careeronestop.org/jobsearch/cos_jobsites.aspx
41. Federal Employment Opportunities #11g
• Ten Steps to a Federal Job Workshop @A&FRC
• 3 Main ways to acquire federal positions
– Merit promotion
– Special hiring authority
– Competitive appointment
• Veterans’ Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
• Referral contact information
– OPM: www.fedshirevets.gov
42. Teacher and Teacher’s Aide
Opportunities/Troops to Teachers #11f
• Eligibility and qualifications
• Stipend/Bonus
• Employment opportunities
• www.proudtoserveagain.com
• Info session at A&FRC
43. USAJobs.gov #11g(1)
• www.usajobs.gov is the official job site of the federal
government
• OPM.gov website is one-stop source for federal
employment
– Excepted Service
– Students & Grads
44. Go-Defense.com #11g(2)
• DOD job website
• Careers in national defense
• Entry level to executive level
• http://godefense.cpms.osd.mil
45. Veterans Preference in Federal
Employment # 11g(3)
• Eligibility
– Five point preference
• Exemptions – O4 and above
– Ten point preference
• Referral contact information
– Local HR office
– OPM:
www.fedshirevets.gov/job/
vetpref/index.aspx
46. Veterans Federal Procurement
Opportunities #11g(4)
• Maximizing participation
• Eligible small businesses
• Veteran advantages
– www.sba.gov and www.fbo.gov
• Subcontracting Opportunities
– www.nationaldefensemegadirectory.com
– www.gsa.gov/subdirectory
47. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Special Hiring Authorities #11g(5)
• Special Hiring Authority
– Veterans Recruitment Appointment
– 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
• OPM: www.opm.gov
48. Hiring Preference in Non-Appropriated Fund
(NAF) Jobs #11h
• Eligibility requirements
– One time hiring preference based
on SPD for those separating
– Veteran’s Preference
• Define NAF
– Career executive force
– General work force
– Entry level workers
https://www.nafjobs.org
49. State Employment Agencies #11i
• Dedicated veterans employment representatives
– Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist
– Local Veterans’ Employment Representative (LVER)
• Available services
– Provide employment, training and placement services
• Locate nearest state office at www.servicelocator.org
50. American Job Centers 11i(1)
• Relation to State Employment Offices
• Types of available services
• Locations and resources
• www.careeronestop.org
• Service locator
– www.servicelocator.org
51. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
#11i(2) (formerly Workforce Investment Act (WIA))
• Administered by the DOL
• Eligibility
• Program and services available
http://www.careeronestop.org/WiaProviderSearch.asp
Increase the occupational skill attainment and thereby increase
the employment, retention, and earnings of participants
www.doleta.gov/usworkforce/wia/act.cfm
52. Veterans Small Business Ownership and
Entrepreneurship Programs #11j
• Small business ownership
– Women Owned Small Business
• Franchise opportunities
• Resources available at federal, state and local level
– Boots to Business @ A&FRC: bi-monthly classes
– Vetbiz.com
– Frannet.com
53. Small Business Administration #11j(1)
• Small Business Administration
– Services
– Veteran Advantages
– SCORE
• SBA (Boots to Business) 2 day track
• Patriot Express Loan – NO LONGER AVAILABLE
• www.sba.gov
54. National Veteran’s Business
Development Corporation #11j(2)
• Congressionally mandated
• Reinforcement of assistance to veterans
– Facilitate collaborations between veteran-
owned small businesses, providing a gateway
to access resources, programs, funding
• Referral contact information
– www.veteranscorp.org
55. Uniformed Services Employment and
Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) #11k
• Eligibility
• Timelines
• Notification requirements
• Veterans Employment and Training Service
(VETS)
– www.dol.gov/vets
USERRA
56. *Priority of Service #11l
• DOL Gold Card
www.dol.gov/vets/goldcard.html
• Workforce programs funded in
whole or in part by DOL
• Eligibility
• www.servicelocator.org
57. NEW ITEM: VOLUNTEER SERVICE
• Benefits of volunteer work
– Networking opportunities
– Ability to learn new skills
– “Giving back”
• www.serve.gov
• SeniorCorps (over the age of 55)
– National program
• www.seniorcorps.gov
58. NEW ITEM: AMERiCORPS
• Federal and state non-profit stipended national
service position
• Members provide a range of services
• Made up of several programs
• Eligibility
• http://www.americorps.gov
59. Permissive TDY (PTDY) and Excess Leave
#12a
• Time frames
• Eligibility
• Granting PTDY/TAD
• ALL members being separated voluntary
or involuntary under force management
are eligible to request PTDY
60. Travel and Transportation Allowances
#12b
• Time frames/extensions
• Extended housing allowance
• HOR/HOS Entitlements
www.defensetravel.dod.mil www.militaryonesource.com
61. Air Force members with retirement orders, to include TDRL orders,
may receive a Child Care for PCS certificate for 20 hours of child
care for each child.
The certificate may be issued within 60 days of their date of
departure, which may be different from the date of retirement.
Certificates are available at the A&FRC Front Desk
Child Care for PCS Program
to include Air Force Retirees
62. NEW ITEM: Voting Assistance #12c
• Will no longer be covered by The Uniformed
and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act
upon separation.
• Need to notify local election official of change
in voter registration status and update
information to vote locally.
• If staying in the same voting residence after
separation:
– Step 1: Notify your election official of change in
status using the sample letter (next slide)
63. NEW ITEM: Voting Assistance #12c,
cont’d
– Sample letter for those staying in the same area
64. NEW ITEM: Voting Assistance #12c,
cont’d
• If moving to a new state or country after
separation:
– Step 1: Notify current election official of change in
status and you will no longer be voting in that
jurisdiction
– Step 2: Complete a National Voter Registration
Form to register as a civilian to vote
• Additional information can be found from the
State/Territory Election webstie:
http://www.fvap.gov/links
65. NEW ITEM: Voting Assistance #12c,
cont’d
– Sample letter of those moving
66. NEW ITEM: Voting Assistance #12c,
cont’d
– Sample of where to get Voter Registration Form
68. Education Benefits #14a
• Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
• Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30
• Post 9-11 GI Bill, Chapter 33
• Referral contact information
– Education Office
– VA
– www.gibill.va.gov
– GI BILL answer desk: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)
Member must request transfer of education benefits to dependents
(spouse/child) while still on active duty which will result in an Active Duty
Service Commitment!
69. US Department of Education
Federal Aid Programs #14b
• Eligibility
• Availability
• Veterans’ Educational Benefits
• Upward Bound
www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov
70. Other Fed/State/Local Education and
Training Options #14c
• Scott Education office or the nearest Ed Center
for your branch of the military
• On-Campus Veteran Support Group
• http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/state.phtml
• http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/dod/
71. DD2648-1 only: Loan Relief for Military
Personnel Called to Active Duty #14d
• Student loan payments deferred during active duty
service
• Subsidized student loans are eligible to have federal
government assume interest payments
• Payments resume once orders end
• http://ra.defense.gov/documents/mobil/pdf/DoEd_n
ewrelease_student_loans.pdf
72. NEW ITEM: Information on availability of
Healthcare and Mental Heath Services #15a
• Separation History and Physical Examination (SHPE)
– Comprehensive medical evaluation
– NOW a requirement for ALL separating service members
– Ensure any medical condition requiring ongoing care are
identified and documented in the military medical record
• DoD Mental Health Self Assessment Program
– Mental health and medical screening for service
members/families
– Voluntary and anonymous program
• AD service member can self-refer for mental health if
seen at a Medical Treatment Facility
73. NEW ITEM: Information on availability of
Healthcare and Mental Heath Services, 15a Cont’d
• Coverage through Department of Veterans
Affairs
– Combat Veteran: Discharged from AD on or after 28 Jan
2003 – receive enhanced enrollment placement for 5 years
from date of separation
– Separation History and Physical Evaluation (SHPE):
Conditions identified through this evaluation may make a
member eligible for care in the VA after separation. NOTE:
If you plan to make a claim for disability for a condition(s), you
should elect to have your SHPE performed by the VA
74. NEW ITEM: Information on availability of
Healthcare and Mental Heath Services, 15a cont’d
– Reservists or National Guard who served on AD in
a combat operation after 11 Nov 1998 and left
service under any conditions other than
dishonorable – if enrolling with the VA under the
Combat Veteran Authority, may be eligible to keep
enrollment eligibility after the 5 year period ends
• Suicide Resources for Veterans, Families and Friends
– Veterans Crisis Line
• Confidential resource that connects Veterans
in crisis with a qualified VA responder
• 1-800-273-8255, press option 1
• www.VeteransCrisisLine.net
75. #15a(1) Transitional Healthcare
Benefit/TRICARE
• Eligibility and time frames for Transitional Health
Care
– Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP)
**Ref #11h for more info
• TRICARE
– www.tricare.mil/mybenefit
– TRICARE Office, 2nd floor of Scott MTF – Briefing
every Wed at 1000 & 1400 (This will continue)
• Delta Dental
• Affordable Care Act (ACA) NEW
– Service members are required to have health
insurance or other health care coverage that meets
the definition of minimum essential coverage.
– www.tricare.mil/aca
– www.healthcare.gov
76. NEW ITEM: Separation History and Physical
Examination (SHPE), #15a (1)
• ALL separating AD members
MUSTcomplete the SHPE prior to
separation
• Reserve and National Guard who have served a
minimum of 180 days on AD or 30 days in a
contingency must complete the SHPE PRIOR to
release from AD
• Will help establish service connection for any
medical conditions that have developed if
planning to apply for VA benefits, whether now or
in the future
77. NEW ITEM: Separation History and Physical
Examination (SHPE), #15a (1), cont’d
• If applying for VA benefits through the Benefits
Delivery at Discharge (BDD) program, the exam
received from the VA will meet the SHPE requirement
• If not applying for VA benefits or not completing BDD
prior to separation, member will receive the SHPE
through the Military Treatment Facility (MTF)
• Must complete DD Form 2807—1
• Further instructions on how to complete SHPE
available at TRICARE Online Patient portal:
https://www.tricareonline.com/portal/page/portal/Tri
careOnline/Portal
78. DD2648-1 only: TRICARE Reserve
Select #15a(2)
• Optional for Reserve members
• Not eligible if you are employed by the Federal
Government
• http://www.tricare.mil/trs/
• http://www.tricare.mil/Dental/NGRDental.aspx
79. *VA Health Administration #15a(2)
• Timelines for services and benefits
• Mandatory VA Veterans’ Benefits Briefing
– MUST enroll in eBenefits
• VA disability compensation
• Medical care
– www.va.gov
– 1-800-827-1000
80. VA Vet Center #15a(3)
• Eligibility
• Readjustment counseling
• Outreach services
• www.vetcenter.va.gov
• NEW- Rep available in Clinic
81. State and Local Health Care and Mental
Health Services #15a(4)
• Research the state
• Explore options
• www.statelocalgov.net
82. Healthcare and Other Benefits #15b, VA
Health Care #15b(1), VA Dental Care #15b(2)
• TRICARE
• Delta Dental
• Retirees
– Tricare Prime enrollment
– Tricare Retiree Dental Program (TDRP)
• www.tricare.osd.mil
83. VA Health Care #15b(1)
• Broad range of medical, surgical, readjustment
counseling and rehabilitative care
• Eligibility
– Not just for service connected disabilities;
also non-service connected injuries or
medical conditions
• www.va.gov
84. VA Dental Care #15b(2)
• VA outpatient dental treatment
• Eligibility
• www.va.gov or 1-877-222-8387
85. Continued Health Care Benefits Program
#16a
• Continued Health Care Benefit Program
• Time frames
• Explain health system and relation to
family members
• Importance of researching medical
coverage options
• Separating with military health issues
• www.humana-military.com
1-800-444-5445
86. Veterans Group Life Insurance #16b
VGLI
• Lifetime renewable term insurance
• Premiums increase with age
• Max coverage = SGLI at time of separation
• Available in increments of $10k
• Convertible to commercial policy anytime
• Guard/Reserve will be eligible upon
separation/retirement
• www.insurance.va.gov
87. Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance
#16c
• Coverage
• Amounts and restrictions
• If remaining in Guard/Reserve SGLI
continues
• www.insurance.va.gov
88. Traumatic Injury Protection under
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (TSGLI)
#16d
• Coverage and eligibility
• Amounts and restrictions
• www.insurance.va.gov
89. Family Servicemembers’ Group Life
Insurance (FSGLI) #16e
• Coverage
• Amounts and restrictions
• www.insurance.va.gov
91. Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance
(VMLI) #16g
• Coverage
• Amounts and restrictions
• Personal choice
• www.insurance.va.gov
92. VA Life Insurance #16h
• Already discussed on previous slides
– Veterans Group Life Insurance
– Service Members’ Group Life Insurance
– Traumatic Injury Protection
– Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance
– Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance
– Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance
• Benefits
– http://www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/
93. Transitional Health Care Benefit #16i
• Information already covered under checklist item
#15a(1)
94. *Financial Management #17a
• 12 month post-separation budget
• TSP: http://www.tsp.gov
• Retirement
• SBP
• Military vs. civilian pay and benefits
• Taxes
• AFCPE certified counselors by appointment
95. Separation Pay #17b
• Eligibility – Based on SPD Code
Contact your servicing Finance Office
97. General Money Management #17d
• Budgeting
• Debt reduction
• Contact
– A&FRC: 256-8668
– Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647
98. Personal Savings and Investment #17e
• Savings
• Investments
– Bond
– Certificate of Deposit (CD)
– Stocks
– Mutual Funds
Airman & Family Readiness Center
618-256-8668
99. Reserve Affiliation #18
• Obligation
• Eligibility qualifications
Air National Guard: http://www.goang.com
Air Force Reserves: http://www.afreserve.com
Army National Guard: http://www.1800goguard.com
Army Reserves: http://www.goarmyreserve.com
Coast Guard Reserves: http://www.uscg.mil/reserve/
Marine Corps: www.marines.mil/unit/marforres/Stay/PSR.aspx#
Navy Reserve: http://www.navyreserve.com
100. *VA Benefits Briefing #19
• Compensation and pension
• Education and training
• Home loan assistance
• Insurance
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)
• eBenefits.va.gov (EVERYONE MUST ENROLL)!
EVERYONE MUST ATTEND THE VA BENEFITS BRIEFING!!!
101. Disabled Transition Assistance Program
(DTAP) #20a
• Eligible veterans with compensable service-connected
disabilities
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
• www.vba.va.gov
• Educational / vocational counseling
• www.va.gov
• Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) specialist
from America Job Centers (AJC) will provide
coordinated employment assistance to all veterans
going through the VA disability system and VR&E
programs who are preparing to re-enter the workforce
102. VA Disability Benefits #20b
• Disability Compensation
• Vocational Rehabilitation
• VA Health Care
• Dental Care
General disability benefit information covered in block 15
103. Benefits Delivery at Discharge (BDD)
and Quick Start #20c
• Apply for disability compensation prior to sep/ret
• BDD
• Quick Start
• Timelines
• www.vba.va.gov
105. State Veterans Benefits #21
• State benefits vary state to state
• Eligibility and examples
• http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-
benefits-directory
• www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm
109. Individual Transition Plan #25
• What
• Why
• Who
• If attending VA Brief only must include
following statement:
“I am retiring Air Force and will only
attend the VA briefing.”
Contact the Airman & Family Readiness
Center, ACAP or Navy Career Advisor
110. Language Skills/Regional Expertise
#26a and #26b
• Defense Language Volunteer Program
• Opportunities for military members who speak a
foreign language
• Outreach program being developed
– Military personnel
– Civilian personnel
• Privacy Act requirements
111. Remarks #27
• If counseling received within 89 days or less before
separation, place an X to designate the appropriate
reason
• Provide brief statement / explanation
• Sign and date form
112. DD214 Work Sheet
AFPC Secure - vMPF
How To Access DD214
1. AF PORTAL / vMPF
2. SELF SERVICE ACTIONS
3. SEPARATIONS
4. DD 214 WORKSHEET
Or Call TFSC DSN: 665-5004
113. DD Form 214
• What is it? Why you need it?
– Review for accuracy before finalized
• Importance of safeguarding the document
• Where to get copies
– Automated Records Management
System (ARMS) at AFPC
1-800-565-2450
114. Electronic Access to DD Form 214
• Access electronic DD Form 214 on date of sep/ret via
ebenefits.va.gov
– AFPC will also mail to forwarding address provided by
member
• Must request UserID and password to access system
with your current Common Access Card credentials
Member may access document from home for up to 60
days after separation
Increase ease for filing unemployment or enrolling in
school
SEE NEXT PAGE
115. TRANSITION GPS
ADDITIONAL
2-Day
TRACKS
Career
Technical
Education
Entrepreneur
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
STEP 1:
BEGIN
PRE-SEPARATION
COUNSELING
STEP 2:
ATTEND
TAP GPS
(5 DAY)
DOD
VA
DOL
STEP 3:
COMPLETE
CAPSTONE
EVENT
Career
Readiness
Standards
Checklist
116. www.scottafrc.com
Visit our Website:
1) Register For TAP
GPS 5-Day
Seminar via our
Home Page
“Appointment
Plus”
2) Select “Transition
Assistance GPS”
Menu for
information and
program details.
117. A&FRC Services
Personal Financial Readiness
Personal & Family Work Life
Readiness
Air Force Aid Assistance
Unit Consultants
Relocation Assistance
Employment Assistance
Transition Assistance
Survivor Benefits Program
VA Benefits Advisors
Claim assistance
Sustainment Programs Transition Programs
Casualty Assistance (AFFF)
School Liaison Officer
Exceptional Family Member Coordinator
Military/Family Life Consultant
AFW2
Special Programs
120. What is SBP?
• Retired pay stops when you die!
• Many widows were being left destitute
• 21 Sep 72 Congress implemented the SBP
• Government subsidized annuity program
• Patterned after the Civil Service annuity plan
• SBP is only way your survivors may continue to
receive a portion of retired pay
130
121. Who can be a beneficiary and
receive the payments?
• Spouse only
– Receives payments for life
• Remarriage after 55 does not suspend payments
• Child(ren) only
– Under 18 or until 22 if unmarried, full time student
– Permanently disabled child receives for life
– All eligible children receive the annuity in equal shares
• Spouse and Child
– Spouse is primary beneficiary
– All eligible children receive the annuity in equal shares
only if spouse becomes ineligible due to death or
remarriage before age 55
131
122. Who can be a beneficiary and
receive the payments? (cont)
• Insurable Interest Person
– Only when no spouse or children at retirement
– Can be a relative
• If related closer than a cousin, no financial justification
required
– Can be non-related person with financial interest
in retiree
– Proof must be provided: life insurance beneficiary,
joint property owners
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123. What is a Base Amount?
• Base amount is the amount that
determines:
– The monthly cost to the member
– The annuity paid to the eligible survivor
• Retiree selects the base amount:
– Highest --full gross retired pay
– Lowest --$300
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124. How much does SBP cost?
• Monthly spouse costs are usually 6.5 percent of
base amount
• Child only cost is based on age of member and
youngest child
– Less expensive than spouse coverage
• Spouse and child coverage:
– Spouse cost plus additional amount for the children
– Additional child cost is based on age of member,
spouse and youngest child (less than the cost of child
only coverage)
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125. Cost Examples
• Assume base amount is $1700 and ages are
– Retiring member: 43; Spouse: 41; Youngest child: 7
• Assume full coverage is elected
– Spouse only coverage costs $110.50 per month
– Child only coverage costs $5.78 per month
– Spouse and child coverage costs $110.99
– Additional cost for child’s portion is only 49 cents
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126. How much does a spouse receive?
• Example of annuity payable upon member’s
death:
– If base amount selected is:$1700
– 55% of base amount: X .55
– Monthly annuity: $935
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127. How much does a child receive?
• Example of annuity payable upon member’s
death:
– If base amount selected is:$1700
– 55% of base amount: X .55
– Monthly annuity: $935
• Benefit split equally among all eligible children
– 2 eligible children receive $467.50 each
• Caution: Child coverage, is less expensive, but
it can’t replace spouse coverage
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128. Different than Insurance
• SBP premiums are non-taxable
• SBP coverage can’t be canceled due to ill health or
advanced age
• Government pays portion of SBP premiums
• Insurance provides lump sum payments, however-
– Pay-out usually decreases with age or premiums rise
– When lump sum is gone, that’s it!
• SBP provides life-time payments to spouse
• SBP annuity increases with COLAs
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129. Mandatory Retirement
Processing Actions
• Attend one-on-one SBP briefing for you and
spouse
– Spouse must be informed of the options and
effects of the SBP
– Come prepared to make SBP election
– Spouse must concur in any election of less than full
spouse coverage
– Bring all birthdates, marriage date, SSNs for all
family members
– Election may be changed up to last day of active
duty
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130. Mandatory Retirement
Processing Actions (cont.)
• DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired
Personnel
– EVERY retiring member MUST complete this form
PRIOR to their date of retirement
– Properly establishes their retired pay account
• SBP election / Tax status / Correspondence address /
Arrears of pay beneficiary information
– Spouse must concur in any election of less than full
spouse coverage
– Failure to complete DD 2656 prior to retirement
establishes automatic full SBP coverage
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