Death Payments and Survivor Benefits

Start Here If You Are New to Death Payments

When a Marine dies on Active Duty or in qualifying status, multiple payments flow to designated beneficiaries and surviving family. The Death Gratuity is $100,000 paid within 72 hours of death notification through the DD Form 93DD Form 93 designation. The SGLI payout is up to $500,000 paid through the SGLV Form 8283 to designated beneficiaries. Arrears of pay, leave pay, and other final compensation route through DFAS Marine Corps Pay. BAH continues for surviving dependents up to 365 days. The Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) coordinates everything with the family.

This page walks you through death payments from the Marine's seat (planning beneficiaries) and the survivor's seat (receiving benefits). By the end you will know.

• The $100,000 Death Gratuity framework and beneficiary designation
• DD Form 93DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) annual update requirement
• SGLI payout up to $500,000 through SGLV Form 8283
• Arrears of pay (final pay through date of death)
• Accrued Leave Pay payout
• 365-day BAH continuation for surviving dependents
• The CACO role in family coordination

Every fact on this page comes from DoD 7000.14-R Volume 7ADoD 7000.14-R Volume 7A Chapter 36 (October 2024), Title 10 U.S.C.Title 10 U.S.C. sections 1475 and 1476, and the DD Form 93DD Form 93 framework.

What the Death Gratuity Is

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.0, a Death Gratuity in the total amount of $100,000 is payable to one or more eligible beneficiaries.

The gratuity is paid by DFAS within 72 hours of death notification to provide immediate financial support to the family. The payment requires no probate court action and routes directly to the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries.

Death Gratuity Eligibility

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.1.1, the Death Gratuity is payable for a Marine who dies.

• While on Active Duty.
• While traveling to or from Active Duty.
• During Active Duty for Training, Inactive Duty Training, or Annual Training.
• Within 120 days of release from AD if death is from a service-connected illness or injury.

The full eligibility criteria per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.2 cover Active Component members, Reserve Component members in qualifying status, members in retirement processing, and members released from AD due to service-connected disability.

Death Gratuity Beneficiary Designation

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.4.1, effective July 1, 2008, a Marine designates one or more persons to receive a portion of the Death Gratuity using DD Form 93DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data).

10 Percent Increments

Per paragraph 2.4.1.1, the portion payable to the designee must be specified in 10 percent increments. A Marine designates 10, 20, 30, etc., up to 100 percent across one or more designees.

Spouse vs. Other Designees

Per paragraph 2.4.1.3, on or after January 28, 2008, if a Marine has a spouse but designates someone OTHER than the spouse to receive part of the gratuity, the spouse must be notified of the designation. The designation is still valid. The spouse is informed but cannot override.

Default Order of Precedence

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.4, if no designation is on file, the Death Gratuity is paid in this order.

1. Spouse.
2. Children in equal shares (with the share for any deceased child going to that child's children).
3. Parents in equal shares.
4. Brothers and sisters in equal shares.
5. Surviving children (per stirpes if deceased).
6. Other relatives entitled to the Marine's estate.

DD Form 93 Annual Update

Marines update DD Form 93DD Form 93 annually through the unit S-1 or at any major life event (marriage, divorce, birth, death of a beneficiary). Outdated DD Form 93DD Form 93 designations cause delays and family disputes after death.

Bequest in a Will Does NOT Designate

Per paragraph 2.4.4, a bequest of the Death Gratuity in a will does NOT constitute a legal designation. The DD Form 93DD Form 93 controls. The Death Gratuity is NOT part of the estate.

SGLI Payout

The Servicemembers Group Life Insurance payout is administered separately from the Death Gratuity. The SGLI payout amount is the SGLI coverage in effect at death (up to $500,000).

SGLI Beneficiary Designation

Marines designate SGLI beneficiaries through SOES (SGLI Online Enrollment System) at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/. The DD Form 93DD Form 93 has a separate section for SGLI beneficiaries that is reconciled with SOES.

SGLI Payment Options

Per Chapter 47 paragraph 7.0, SGLI beneficiaries elect from four settlement options.

1. Lump sum through Prudential's Alliance Account.
2. Lump sum through Electronic Funds Transfer.
3. Lump sum through check.
4. Monthly installments.

SGLI Claim Filing

The CACO assists the family with filing the SGLV Form 8283 (Claim for Death Benefits) with the Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (OSGLI). The claim is processed by Prudential and the SGLI payout is typically made within 30 days of claim approval.

FSGLI Payout

If the Marine had FSGLI coverage on a spouse, the FSGLI payout flows to the Marine (the policyholder) at the spouse's death. If the Marine dies, FSGLI on the spouse continues until the 120-day post-death termination per Chapter 47 paragraph 8.8.

Arrears of Pay

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 3.0, the Marine's pay account is settled at death. The Marine's final pay through the date of death is calculated.

Final Pay Components

The arrears of pay calculation includes.

• Basic pay accrued through the date of death.
• BAH and BAS accrued through the date of death.
• Special pays earned through the date of death.
• Leave pay (per the Accrued Leave Pay framework on the Separation Payments page).
• HFP/IDP, FSA, and other deployed-area pays earned through the date of death.

Arrears of Pay Beneficiary

Per the DD Form 93DD Form 93, the Marine designates a beneficiary for the arrears of pay. The default order of precedence (if no designation) is the same as the Death Gratuity order.

Payment Timing

Arrears of pay process through DFAS Marine Corps Pay typically within 30 to 60 days of death. The amount is paid to the designated beneficiary in a lump sum.

Accrued Leave Pay at Death

Per Chapter 35 paragraph 2.1.1.4.3, the 60-day career leave payment limitation is waived for a Marine who dies on Active Duty. Unused accrued leave is paid in full to the designated arrears of pay beneficiary.

This is a meaningful benefit. A Marine with 90 days of accrued leave at death has all 90 days paid out, not only 60.

BAH Continuation for Surviving Dependents

Per Chapter 26 paragraph 13.4, BAH continues for surviving dependents for up to 365 days following the Marine's death. The continuation rate is the with-dependent BAH rate at the Marine's last duty station or the dependents' actual residence (whichever is appropriate per the chapter rules).

Effective Date

BAH continuation begins the day after the date of death. Payments continue monthly to the designated dependent (typically the surviving spouse).

Termination

BAH continuation terminates at the earliest of.

• 365 days after the date of death.
• Remarriage of the surviving spouse.
• The dependent ceasing to be a dependent.

After 365 days, the surviving spouse and dependents may receive other survivor benefits (Survivor Benefit Plan, VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation) but not BAH.

Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO)

The Marine Corps assigns a CACO to coordinate with the family of every Marine who dies on Active Duty. The CACO is typically a Staff NCO or Officer trained for this role.

CACO Responsibilities

The CACO assists the family with.

• Initial death notification with the Casualty Notification Officer (CNO).
• Death Gratuity payment processing.
• SGLI claim filing.
• Arrears of pay processing.
• Personal effects return.
• Burial benefits coordination.
• VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation application.
• Survivor Benefit Plan election.
• BAH continuation processing.
• ID card replacement for surviving dependents.
• DEERS update for surviving dependents.

CACO Duration

The CACO typically supports the family for 6 months to 2 years post-death, depending on the family's needs and the complexity of the benefits coordination.

Burial Benefits

The DoD covers burial expenses for Marines who die on Active Duty. Coverage includes.

• Casket or urn.
• Burial plot at a national cemetery (if eligible).
• Headstone or marker.
• Honor guard ceremony.
• Transportation of remains to the burial site.

The CACO coordinates with the Marine Corps Casualty Branch and Mortuary Affairs to process burial benefits.

VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

The VA pays Dependency and Indemnity Compensation to surviving spouses and dependents of Marines who died from a service-connected illness or injury or while on Active Duty. DIC is monthly and tax-free.

DIC Amount

The DIC monthly rate is set annually by Congress. As of 2025, the basic monthly DIC rate is approximately $1,800 with additional amounts for dependent children, and additional amounts if the Marine was an officer above O-3 or had specific other conditions.

DIC Application

The CACO assists the surviving spouse with the VA DIC application. Processing typically takes several months.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

For Marines who die after retirement-eligible service, the Survivor Benefit Plan provides a monthly annuity to the surviving spouse. The SBP details are covered in Volume 7B (Retired Pay).

For Marines who die on Active Duty, an automatic SBP coverage applies based on the regulations in Volume 7B.

Documentation a Marine Should Keep Current

To protect the family in the event of death, the Marine maintains.

1. Current DD Form 93DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) with up-to-date Death Gratuity and arrears beneficiary designations. Update annually and at major life events.
2. Current SOES SGLI election with up-to-date beneficiary designations. Update at major life events.
3. Will or estate plan addressing assets outside the DoD framework (real estate, personal property, civilian financial accounts).
4. Power of attorney for spouse if applicable.
5. Letter of intent or family communication plan.

Common Questions Marines Ask

If I die on Active Duty, what does my family receive?

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.0 and Chapter 47, your family receives.

1. Death Gratuity of $100,000 (within 72 hours).
2. SGLI payout up to $500,000 (typically within 30 days of claim approval).
3. Arrears of pay (final basic pay, BAH, BAS, special pays, accrued leave, etc.) within 30-60 days.
4. BAH continuation for up to 365 days at the with-dependent rate.
5. VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (monthly, tax-free).
6. Burial benefits.
7. SBP annuity (per Volume 7B framework).

How do I designate my Death Gratuity beneficiary?

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.4.1, complete DD Form 93DD Form 93 (Record of Emergency Data) through your unit S-1. Specify the percentage to each designee in 10 percent increments. Update annually and at any major life event.

Can I designate a non-spouse for the Death Gratuity if I am married?

Per Chapter 36 paragraph 2.4.1.3, yes. You can designate someone other than your spouse. The spouse must be notified, but the designation is valid. This applies after January 28, 2008.

Will my SGLI beneficiary be the same as my Death Gratuity beneficiary?

Not automatically. SGLI is designated through SOES at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/. The Death Gratuity is designated on DD Form 93DD Form 93. Marines should review and align both designations to avoid family disputes.

What is a CACO?

The Casualty Assistance Calls Officer is a Marine assigned to the family of a Marine who died. The CACO coordinates with the family on all benefits processing and remains a point of contact for 6 months to 2 years post-death.

How long does BAH continue after my death?

Per Chapter 26 paragraph 13.4, BAH continues for surviving dependents up to 365 days at the with-dependent rate. After 365 days, other survivor benefits (DIC, SBP) provide ongoing income.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DD Form 93DD Form 93 update. Your unit S-1.
• SGLI beneficiary update. SOES at https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/.
• Death notification and family coordination. The Marine Corps Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) and the Casualty Notification Officer (CNO).
• Death Gratuity payment processing. DFAS Marine Corps Pay through the CACO.
• SGLI claim filing. Office of Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (OSGLI) through the CACO. Phone 1-800-419-1473.
• Arrears of pay processing. DFAS Marine Corps Pay through the CACO.
• VA DIC application. The VA Regional Office through the CACO.
• Burial benefits. Marine Corps Casualty Branch and Mortuary Affairs through the CACO.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Pay and Entitlements landing page lists all the pay topics.
• SGLI and VGLI covers SGLI in detail.
• Family and Benefits covers DEERS, TRICARE, and ID cards.
• Separation Payments covers Accrued Leave Pay.

Related Roles

• Leaders ensure Marines update DD Form 93DD Form 93 annually and during major life events.
• Admin at S-1 supports DD Form 93DD Form 93 updates and coordinates with the CACO post-death.
• Commanders endorse CACO assignments and ensure the family receives all entitled benefits.

Death payments protect the Marine's family at the worst time. The $100,000 Death Gratuity within 72 hours, up to $500,000 SGLI payout, full arrears of pay including all accrued leave (no 60-day cap), and 365 days of BAH continuation provide a financial bridge. Keep your DD Form 93DD Form 93 and SOES SGLI designations current. The CACO is the single point of contact for the family.