Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Basics

Last reviewed January 20, 2025

SBP is an optional annuity that continues up to 55% of a retiree's pay to a named beneficiary after death, funded through premiums withheld from retired pay.

Military retired pay stops upon the retiree's death unless the retiree elected the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) at retirement. SBP allows a retiree to designate a spouse, former spouse, or eligible child as a beneficiary who continues receiving up to 55% of the retiree's elected base amount after death, in exchange for a monthly premium withheld from retired pay. The SBP election is generally made at the time of retirement and can be difficult or costly to change afterward, so it deserves careful review before your retirement date — including how SBP interacts with VA disability compensation and the SBP/Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) offset rules. Many members consult a military-focused financial counselor before finalizing their election.

General educational information only — not financial, legal, tax, medical, or individualized benefits advice. Confirm current details with DFAS, the VA, TRICARE, or your service's official retirement office before making decisions.

Official sources

Survivor Benefit Plan — Defense Finance and Accounting Service
Survivor Compensation — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Benefits information is educational only and does not replace official guidance from your service, DFAS, VA, or TRICARE. Checklists are planning aids and do not replace official service requirements. This platform does not provide tax, investment, legal, medical, or individualized claims advice, and does not predict disability ratings or VA outcomes.