Military and Federal Civilian Retirees

Veterans and Federal Service members have earned benefits and entitlements, and we are committed to protecting these for you and your families. It’s possible that your benefits might not reach your intended loved one and could end up with someone else entirely. An estate plan that does not properly identify the beneficiaries on retirement accounts could result in survivors receiving less than the maximum benefits. Missing health and financial powers of attorney (POAs) can prevent your family from making important decisions about your benefits, leaving these matters to be decided by the court.

VA Disability Benefits

These benefits cease upon death, not only this, but you should plan to not have it.

Additional private life insurance may be considered to supplement VA benefits.

Military Retired Pension

Pension payments to retired servicemembers and civilians employees generally cease at death. Eligible spouses can receive a percentage of this pension post-member death if elected through the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) if elected. We always address the SBP, or lack thereof, enrollment and payments. Also, some servicemembers waive the SBP as part of their estate plan. We walk you through the options.

VA Pension

The VA Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans with limited or no income, and who are 65 years or older or who are under 65 but are permanently and totally disabled. Like VA Disability, this pension is designed to provide for the veteran and is not transferable to heirs or beneficiaries upon the veteran’s death, but some surviving spouses will qualify for benefits. We guide you through protecting your family with this benefit, if eligible.

Life Insurance

Severable life insurance plans are available such as the Service-Disabled Veterans Insurance (S-DVI), Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) and Family Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI), and for civilians, Federal Group Life Insurance (FEGLI). It is crucial to ensure these designations are up to date and reflect the veteran’s current wishes, whether to leave to a trust or to individuals.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and FERS

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to eligible survivors of military service members who died in the line of duty or eligible survivors of Veterans whose death resulted from a service-related injury or disease. Likewise, for civilians, if an employee dies with at least 18 months of creditable civilian service under FERS, a survivor annuity may be payable if: the surviving spouse was married to the deceased for at least nine months, or the employee’s death was accidental, or there was a child born of the marriage to the employee.