Survivor Benefit Plan: Protecting those left behind Published July 2, 2013 By Alex Aguilar 47th Force Support Squadron LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Military retirees are guaranteed a monthly income for life, but retired pay ends on the date the retiree dies leading many families to wonder how they will support themselves. The Survivor Benefit Plan was created to protect widowed spouses and dependent children from losing the security retired pay provides when their loved one dies. With SBP, a retiree's eligible survivor will always receive part of the deceased member's military retired pay. Prior to retiring, individuals are offered the chance to enroll. Additional details are available by calling your SBP counselor, Alex Aguilar at 830-298-5828.