Chapter 8 Survivor Benefit Plan

• Library: Military Issues in Family Law 2017

When a service member dies, payment of military retirement benefits generally ceases. The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), established by 10 U.S.C. §§ 1447–1455, is an annuity plan under which a surviving spouse or other designated beneficiary can continue to receive a monthly benefit following the death of a service member. With respect to a spouse or former spouse, the annuity payments generally cease upon the death of the spouse or former spouse [and abate if they remarry before reaching age 55]. The maximum coverage available for beneficiaries under the SBP is specified in 10 U.S.C. § 1451(a)(1)(A).

Kuba v. Kuba, 400 S.W.3d 869, 876 (Mo. App. W.D. 2013) (citations omitted).

“Once the service member begins receiving retirement pay, premiums for participation in the SBP (Survivor Benefit Plan)...