Survivor Benefit Plan

The Survivor Benefit Program provides no-cost automatic coverage to active duty and reserve component members who die of a service connected cause. In addition, active duty members can purchase coverage upon retirement and reserve component members can elect coverage when they have 20 years of qualifying service for reserve retired pay. (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Jimmie D. Pike)

Survivor Benefit Plan

Published April 7, 2016
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas --

The Survivor Benefit Plan was developed to meet the needs of families for continuous income protection following a military member’s death.

“While a member is on active duty, the plan’s coverage is free,” said Alex Aguilar, 47th Force Support Squadron SBP counselor. “After the member retires, monthly premiums deducted from military retired pay are held in the Military Retirement System Trust Fund and the benefits are paid to eligible survivors from that fund.”

Military members will have the opportunity to enroll in the SBP prior to retiring.

“The retiree has the assurance of a well-managed program without having to pay administrative expenses, by enrolling,” said Aguilar.

The SBP is a Department of Defense sponsored and subsidized program that provides up to 55 percent of a service member's retired pay to an eligible beneficiary upon the death of the member.

For more information on the SBP, please contact Alex Aguilar at 298-5828, or click here.