Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)

Start Here If You Are New to RCSBP

The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) is the Reserve-specific version of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP). RCSBP ensures designated beneficiaries receive a MONTHLY ANNUITY in the event of a service member or retiree's death. Maximum annuity is 55 PERCENT of retired pay. Eligibility requires completion of 20 SATISFACTORY YEARS of service. Approximately 30-90 days after a member completes 20 satisfactory years, RCSBP application is created and member receives email instructing them to complete election. Maximum eligible RCSBP coverage starts upon 20 years of satisfactory service and ends when entering retired pay status unless otherwise elected. Members are NOT able to make an election until receiving the 20-Year eligibility letter. Members who elect RCSBP automatically enroll in SBP when applying for retired pay. RCSBP premium is NOT deducted until the member receives retired pay. Spouses listed in DEERS are AUTOMATICALLY covered under maximum RCSBP coverage unless reduced, deferred, or declined within 90 days. Election is irrevocable unless Qualifying Life Event (divorce, marriage, death of spouse, childbirth/adoption) and member updates election within 12 months. Per 10 USC 144810 USC 1448 and MMSR-5 published guidance.

This page walks you through RCSBP from your seat as a Reserve Marine receiving the 20-Year Letter. By the end you will know.

• The RCSBP framework and key timing
• The 20-Year Letter (Notice of Eligibility / NOE)
• The 90-day election window
• Three options (A. Decline, B. Deferred, C. Immediate)
• Five beneficiary types
• Costs and premiums (SBP plus RCSBP add-on)
• Active Reserve framework
• 12-month Qualifying Life Event window for changes
• Cross-reference to active duty SBP

Every fact on this page comes from 10 USC 144710 USC 1447-1455, MCO 1900.16MCO 1900.16, MMSR-5 published guidance, DFAS framework, and the DoD Office of the Actuary.

What RCSBP Is

The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan ensures designated beneficiaries receive a monthly annuity in the event of the service member's or retiree's death.

Maximum Annuity

55 percent of retired pay.

Eligibility

• Must complete 20 SATISFACTORY YEARS of service.
• Receipt of the 20-Year Letter (Notice of Eligibility / NOE) starts the election window.

When Coverage Starts and Ends

• Maximum eligible RCSBP coverage starts upon 20 years of satisfactory service.
• Coverage ends when the member enters retired pay status (typically age 60).
• After retired pay status, RCSBP automatically converts to Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when applying for retired pay.

Critical Timing

Members are NOT able to make an election until they receive the 20-Year eligibility letter.

The 20-Year Letter (Notice of Eligibility / NOE)

The notification triggering the RCSBP election window.

When You Receive the NOE

Approximately 30-90 days after a member has completed 20 satisfactory years.

How You Receive the NOE

Email from MMSR-5 to.

• The email on file in MCTFS.
• Your USMC email if applicable.

What the NOE Contains

• Confirmation of 20 satisfactory years.
• Instructions to complete RCSBP election.
• The 90-day election window.

Your 90-Day Election Window

You have 90 DAYS from receipt of the NOE to make your RCSBP election.

The Three Options

Per 10 USC 144810 USC 1448 and MMSR-5 published guidance.

Option A. Decline RCSBP Coverage

Decline RCSBP. The member retains the option to elect SBP upon applying for retirement pay (at age 60).

Spouse Concurrence Required

If married, this option requires SPOUSE CONCURRENCE.

Implication

If the member dies before retired pay age (60 or reduced age), there is NO survivor benefit. Family must rely on commercial life insurance or other support.

Option B. Deferred Annuity

Defer annuity to beneficiaries until what would have been the member's 60th birthday (or reduced age retirement age).

Spouse Concurrence Required

If married, this option requires SPOUSE CONCURRENCE.

Implication

If the member dies before retired pay age, the annuity does NOT begin until what would have been the member's 60th birthday. Beneficiaries must wait.

Premium

Reduced RCSBP add-on cost compared to Option C.

Option C. Immediate Annuity

Annuity payments to beneficiaries IMMEDIATELY following the service member's death, regardless of age.

Auto-Enrollment

If the member is married and does NOT respond within 90 days, the member is AUTOMATICALLY enrolled in Option C.

Implication

Maximum survivor protection. Beneficiaries receive annuity even if the member dies before retired pay age.

Premium

Higher RCSBP add-on cost compared to Option B.

Beneficiary Types

If electing Option B or C, the member selects a beneficiary type.

Spouse Only

Spouse the member is married to at time of death.

Special Cases

• Divorced and remarried. Current spouse is beneficiary.
• Spouse will receive payments for life UNLESS remarried before age 55.

Child(ren) Only

Annuity divided equally among children.

Eligibility

• Until age 18.
• Until age 22 if in full-time student status and unmarried.

Disabled Children

Disabled children will receive monthly annuity for LIFE if unable to support themselves.

Aging Out

RCSBP election changes are NOT allowed for child(ren) aging out of eligibility criteria.

No Eligible Children at Retirement Age

If children are no longer eligible upon service member reaching retirement age, SBP enrollment will NOT occur. Member will OWE RCSBP premiums.

Spouse and Child(ren)

Spouse is primary beneficiary. If spouse becomes ineligible or dies, the annuity is divided equally among eligible children.

Insurable Interest

Only available to.

• Unmarried service members with no children.
• OR unmarried service members with only ONE child.

What This Provides

Coverage and annuity for life of the designated person, regardless of person's age or dependency. Person can be a relative or person with financial interest. Only ONE individual may be covered under this option.

Former Spouse (and Children)

May designate former spouse and/or child(ren) as beneficiary.

Court Order Requirement

If divorce decree states former spouse is entitled to RCSBP, the member is REQUIRED by court order to elect their former spouse.

Cost and Premiums

Two premiums associated with RCSBP cost.

SBP Premium

The standard SBP premium that begins when retired pay starts.

RCSBP Add-On

An additional premium specific to RCSBP coverage during the period before retired pay.

Cost Drivers

Costs are based on.

• Annuity type and beneficiary selected.
• The service member's rank.
• Time in service.

When Premiums Begin

Both premiums will be deducted from your retired paycheck UPON REACHING RETIRED PAY AGE.

Difference in Deductions Between Elections

If Option A Is Selected and SBP Elected at Age 60

Only the SBP cost will be deducted from retired pay.

If Option B Is Selected

The SBP cost AND a reduced RCSBP add-on cost will be deducted from retired pay.

If Option C Is Selected

The SBP cost AND the FULL RCSBP add-on cost will be deducted from retired pay.

COLA Adjustments

RCSBP and SBP payments increase with retired pay cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), which also increase annuity payments to beneficiaries.

Cost Examples

The DFAS website at https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/provide/rcsbp/benefitamount/ provides cost examples.

Estimated Calculation

The DOD Office of the Actuary website at https://actuary.defense.gov/Survivor-Benefit-Plans/ provides estimation tools.

Active Reserve Members Special Framework

When a Marine is in the Active Reserve (AR) Program, they are STILL required to participate in the RCSBP.

If Marine Elects RCSBP and Does Not Complete 20 Years Active

If they elect RCSBP coverage and for some reason do not complete 20 years of total active federal military service for an active/regular retirement.

• Dependents will have protection.
• Member would automatically be enrolled into SBP.

If Marine Elects RCSBP and Qualifies for Active Retirement

If the Marine makes an RCSBP election and qualifies for an active retirement.

• The RCSBP election will be VOID.
• Member will be allowed to make a new SBP election.
• Members eligible for active retirement will NOT have RCSBP deductions in their retired pay.

Election Irrevocability

Generally Irrevocable

Participation, whether automated or elected, is IRREVOCABLE unless the participant has a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

Qualifying Life Events

QLEs include.

• Divorce.
• Marriage or remarriage.
• Death of spouse.
• Childbirth or adoption.

12-Month Window for Changes

Members have 12 MONTHS from a life-changing event to update their election.

How to Submit Changes

If a member needs to change their RCSBP election, they will need to contact MMSR-5 at smb.manpower.mmsr5@usmc.mil within the 12-month timeframe to submit the required documentation.

After 12-Month Window

After the 12-month window, the QLE-based change is no longer available.

Cancellation of RCSBP

Generally Irrevocable Until Specific Threshold

RCSBP is essentially irrevocable until the SECOND ANNIVERSARY of receiving retired pay.

Recent Law Changes

Recent law changes allow discontinuation within ONE YEAR after the second year of receiving retired pay.

Marital Status Exceptions

Certain exceptions exist for marital status changes or person-with-insurable-interest elections.

Cross-Reference to Active Duty SBP

Active duty Marines have a parallel SBP framework but with different timing and election rules. The Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) leaf covers active duty SBP.

Key Differences

• Active duty SBP. Election at retirement.
• RCSBP. Election upon receipt of 20-Year Letter, before age 60.
• Both are largely irrevocable.

After Age 60

RCSBP automatically converts to SBP when the Reserve Marine applies for retired pay.

Common RCSBP Scenarios

Scenario 1. Reservist Receives NOE and Is Married

Married Reserve Marine receives 20-Year Letter. Spouse listed in DEERS.

• Default. Auto-enrolled in maximum RCSBP coverage (Option C, Spouse Only beneficiary).
• Option to Reduce. Submit reduction within 90 days with spouse concurrence.
• Option to Decline. Spouse concurrence required.
• Result if No Action. Auto-enrolled in Option C.

Scenario 2. Reservist Receives NOE and Is Unmarried with No Children

Unmarried Reserve Marine receives 20-Year Letter. No dependents in DEERS.

• Default. Automatically declined RCSBP unless member elects coverage and identifies beneficiaries.
• Option. Elect Insurable Interest beneficiary if desired.
• Cost. Monthly deductions if elected.

Scenario 3. Reservist Wants to Decline RCSBP

Married Reserve Marine wants to decline RCSBP coverage entirely.

• Path. Option A.
• Required. Spouse concurrence in writing.
• Result. No RCSBP deduction. SBP option still available at age 60.
• Risk. No survivor benefit if member dies before age 60.

Scenario 4. Reservist Marries After RCSBP Election

Reservist had Option A (Decline) and was unmarried at time of NOE. Subsequently marries.

• QLE. Marriage is a Qualifying Life Event.
• Window. 12 months from marriage.
• Action. Contact MMSR-5 to update election.

Scenario 5. Reservist Has Court Order Requiring Former Spouse RCSBP

Divorce decree requires Reserve Marine to elect former spouse RCSBP coverage.

• Required. Member must elect Former Spouse beneficiary.
• Court Order Compliance. Mandatory.

Scenario 6. AR Marine Eventually Qualifies for Active Retirement

AR Marine elects RCSBP. Eventually qualifies for active/regular retirement.

• Result. RCSBP election VOID.
• New Election. New SBP election allowed.
• No RCSBP Deductions. No RCSBP deductions in retired pay.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Missing the 90-Day Election Window

If married, default is auto-enrollment in Option C if no response within 90 days.

Mistake 2. Not Comparing With Commercial Life Insurance

The DoD actuary tool helps compare. RCSBP cost vs commercial term or whole life insurance.

Mistake 3. Selecting Children Only Without Considering Aging Out

If children are no longer eligible at retirement age, member owes RCSBP premiums but no SBP enrollment occurs.

Mistake 4. Not Updating Election After QLE

12-month window from QLE. After that, change is unavailable.

Mistake 5. Not Coordinating With Spouse

Options A and B require spouse concurrence. Coordinate early.

Mistake 6. Misunderstanding "Retired Pay Status" for AR Marines

AR Marines who qualify for active retirement have RCSBP voided in favor of SBP. Plan accordingly.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is RCSBP?

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan. Provides monthly annuity to beneficiaries upon member or retiree death. Maximum annuity 55% of retired pay.

When am I eligible?

After completion of 20 satisfactory years of service. Receipt of the 20-Year Letter (Notice of Eligibility / NOE) starts the election window.

What are the three options?

Option A. Decline RCSBP. Option B. Deferred Annuity until age 60. Option C. Immediate Annuity from death regardless of age.

What is the auto-enrollment default?

Married members and no response within 90 days. Auto-enrolled in Option C maximum coverage.

What if I am unmarried with no dependents?

RCSBP automatically declined unless you elect coverage and identify beneficiaries.

Do I need spouse concurrence?

Yes for Option A (Decline) and Option B (Deferred). Spouse concurrence required.

What are the beneficiary types?

Spouse Only, Children Only, Spouse and Children, Insurable Interest (limited eligibility), Former Spouse and Children.

What happens to my election upon death of spouse before retired pay?

Spouse Only. Beneficiary may need updating. Spouse and Children. Annuity divides among eligible children. Coordinate with MMSR-5.

What is the 12-month QLE window?

After a Qualifying Life Event (divorce, marriage, death of spouse, childbirth/adoption), members have 12 months to update their election.

When do RCSBP premiums begin?

Upon reaching retired pay age. Both SBP premium and RCSBP add-on premium are deducted from retired pay.

How do I compare RCSBP with commercial life insurance?

DoD Office of the Actuary at https://actuary.defense.gov/Survivor-Benefit-Plans/.

What is the difference between Option B and Option C?

Option B. Deferred annuity (begins at age 60). Reduced premium. Option C. Immediate annuity (begins at death). Higher premium.

What happens to AR Marines who qualify for active retirement?

RCSBP election VOID. New SBP election allowed. No RCSBP deductions in retired pay.

How does RCSBP convert to SBP?

Automatic upon entering retired pay status. Members do not have to take action.

What if I previously declined RCSBP and want to elect later?

Generally irrevocable except for QLE. SBP option still available when applying for retired pay.

What is the cost difference between Options A, B, C?

Option A. Only SBP cost (begins at age 60). Option B. SBP cost + reduced RCSBP add-on. Option C. SBP cost + full RCSBP add-on.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• RCSBP election questions. MMSR-5 (smb.manpower.mmsr5@usmc.mil) or (703) 784-9306/9307.
• 20-Year Letter (NOE). Email from MMSR-5 30-90 days after 20th qualifying year.
• Spouse concurrence forms. Through MMSR-5 RCSBP application.
• Cost comparisons. DoD actuary at https://actuary.defense.gov/Survivor-Benefit-Plans/.
• Cost examples. DFAS at https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/provide/rcsbp/.
• 12-month QLE update. Contact MMSR-5 within 12 months of life event.
• Court-ordered former spouse coverage. Coordinate with civilian attorney and MMSR-5.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Separations and Retirement landing page lists all topics.
• Separations and Retirement Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• Reserve Retirement covers the qualifying years and points framework.
• Retirement Types and Eligibility covers active duty retirement.
• Retired Pay and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) covers active duty SBP framework (separate from RCSBP).
• Family Law for Marines in Legal Services covers divorce and former spouse considerations.
• Death Payments and Survivor Benefits in Pay and Entitlements covers DIC, death gratuity, SGLI.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Reserve Marines on RCSBP timing and election decisions.
• Admin at S-1 supports MMSR-5 routing of election forms.
• Commanders ensure Reserve Marines understand the 90-day election window and auto-enrollment defaults.

The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP) provides monthly annuity to beneficiaries upon member or retiree death. Maximum 55% of retired pay. Eligibility requires 20 satisfactory years. 20-Year Letter (NOE) starts 90-day election window. Three options. A (Decline, spouse concurrence), B (Deferred to age 60, spouse concurrence), C (Immediate, auto-enrollment for married). Five beneficiary types. SBP plus RCSBP add-on premiums begin at retired pay age. AR Marines qualifying for active retirement. RCSBP voided. 12-month QLE window for changes. Per 10 USC 144810 USC 1448 and MMSR-5 published guidance.