Common questions
Who do I call first?
The funeral home. They usually report the death to Social Security, order death certificates, and request military funeral honors. Then report the death to DFAS if they got military retired pay (Coast Guard, NOAA Corps, or Public Health Service retiree: the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center, 866-772-8724, not DFAS), and to VA if they got VA benefits, so payments stop and do not have to be paid back.
What happens to retired pay deposited after the death?
Retired pay ends on the date of death. DFAS takes back any payment made after it, then pays the last partial month to the person the retiree named to get their last retired pay. Do not spend a deposit that arrives after the death. Coast Guard, NOAA Corps, and Public Health Service retirees: the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center handles this instead. Social Security works the same way: it does not pay for the month of death, so a payment that arrives the month after the death goes back.
Is there a deadline for VA survivor pay (DIC)?
If you apply within 1 year of the death, VA can pay back to the month of death. Missed the year? You can still apply; payment usually starts from the date VA gets the claim. An intent to file holds your date for 1 year while you gather papers. Claims for money VA owed the veteran (accrued benefits) must be filed within 1 year. Since January 2023, SBP is no longer reduced by DIC, so a spouse with both should apply for both.
What about Social Security payments?
Social Security does not pay for the month of death. A payment that arrives the month after the death, or later, goes back. Do not spend it; ask the bank to return it, or mail back a paper check. Ask about survivor benefits and the one-time death payment at 800-772-1213.
Do I need the DD-214?
For military funeral honors and burial, yes, or other proof of service. If you cannot find it, the free Military Records Router shows where to ask. For a VA national cemetery burial, the cemetery office can look for the records.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. Applying for VA, DFAS, Social Security, and TRICARE benefits is free. A VA-accredited representative helps with VA claims at no cost. Mission-Ready Tools does not file or represent claims. Anyone asking for a fee to file? Report it to VSAFE, 833-38V-SAFE.
What if they died while serving?
On active duty, or on orders or at drill: the service assigns a casualty assistance officer to the family, who helps with the funeral, honors, the death gratuity, life insurance, and benefits. A Guard or Reserve member who died while not on orders or at drill: start with the unit. A casualty officer may or may not be assigned. SGLI applies if they were assigned to a unit with regular drills. TRICARE survivor coverage depends on TRICARE Reserve Select covering the member that day; send the application within 90 days. Military OneSource answers 24/7 at 800-342-9647.
Were they also a federal employee or a Guard technician?
Tell the agency's HR office for a current employee, or OPM at 1-888-767-6738 for a federal retiree. Ask about the survivor annuity and FEGLI life insurance.
Official links
Help keep this accurate
DFAS, VA, TRICARE, and Social Security are the official sources, and each decides eligibility. Something outdated, or different for your branch? Send us a note with the tool name, what to change, and a source. Please never include an SSN or account numbers.
Version 1.5. Checked October 28, 2026, against dfas.mil, dcms.uscg.mil, va.gov, tricare.mil, ssa.gov, opm.gov, and militaryonesource.mil.
The fine print
A planning aid, not a guarantee. Independent free tool, not affiliated with DoD, the military services, DFAS, the Coast Guard, VA, TRICARE, OPM, or the Social Security Administration. Not legal or financial advice.
More free tools
Military Records Router, Family Emergency Records Kit, Family Benefits Starter, Family Caregiver Organizer. See all Veterans tools or all free tools.
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The first 30 days after a veteran or retiree dies
We are sorry for your loss. Answer two questions to see who to call this week and what can wait. Then you can make the list shorter by telling us what they were getting. Nothing you type is saved or sent.
Your answers changed. The list below is for your old answers.
Mission-Ready Tools is an independent resource, not affiliated with DoD, the military services, DFAS, the Coast Guard, VA, TRICARE, OPM, or the Social Security Administration. Nothing you type is saved or sent; we count which options are picked, never dates or personal details. Each office checks your case; this list helps you know what to ask. This is a planning aid, not legal or financial advice, and we never file or represent claims. Each office decides eligibility and amounts. Version 1.5, checked October 28, 2026, against dfas.mil, dcms.uscg.mil, va.gov, tricare.mil, ssa.gov, opm.gov, militaryonesource.mil, 10 U.S.C. 1475, 1476, and 1448, 38 U.S.C. 5110(d) and 5121A, 38 CFR 3.20, 3.400, 3.1000, 3.1010, and 3.1703, and 20 CFR 404.621.
When a Veteran or Military Retiree Dies: The First 30 Days
Losing someone is hard enough without a pile of offices to call. Answer two questions and see who to call this week, what to file this month, and the dates that matter. Free, all services.