Survivor Assistance Services 
Losing a loved one is never easy. When you add on top of that the unique situation military families experience, you need a group of people who will lead you through the maze of benefits, entitlements and Government processes. The Survivor Assistance Services Team is there to help by providing immediate, personal assistance and peace of mind. Upon a member’s passing, we will step in to assist your family with the important next actions needed, including:
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Notifying DFAS of the member’s passing and assisting Widows and Widowers with all necessary forms
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Initiating the AAFMAA Life Insurance policy death claim and discussing settlement options
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Notifying the Veterans Administration of the member’s passing and assisting with all necessary claim forms when applicable
| Complete These 5 Steps |
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Provide your Spouse or family with AAFMAA’s contact information
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Keep important documents in a safe place and let your family know where they are
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Order at least 10 – 15 death certificates for Social Security, Insurance Benefits, change of ownerships, access to safety deposit boxes, tax returns (this can be done through the funeral home)
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Let your Spouse or family know that they will need to clip or print obituary notices as some insurance companies require a dated newspaper announcement in order to process the claims
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Be aware of the important documents that AAFMAA Financial Advisors needs in order to process your claims and entitlements:
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Birth Certificates for all dependents
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Marriage Certificate
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Divorce Decree
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Beneficiary date of birth, sex, Social Security numbers, addresses and contact information
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Wills, Living Will
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Power of Attorney, Durable, Medical
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Life Insurance and ANNUITY Policies
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Trust documents (if applicable): Title page, pages naming trustees, signature page and any full amendments and trust tax ID number
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Certified Death Certificate
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| Additional Ways AAFMAA Will Help |
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Expeditious Payment
Death benefit is normally initiated on the day AAFMAA receives the death certificate. Settlement options are provided and paid upon selection by the beneficiary.
Claims Initiation and Continuous Follow Up
Notification to Government agencies and Life Insurance companies, initiation of claims process, and assistance to surviving family in completing and forwarding claim requests for prompt receipt of benefits. Continuous follow-up to ensure that the full benefit is paid.
Lifetime Individualized Benefit Notification
Notification of changes in laws impacting survivor benefits, e.g., new eligibility criteria under Agent Orange regulations, restored Social Security and educational benefits in special cases.
Social Security Notification
Notification of possible income change when Spouse reaches age 60, 62, and 65, and when children approach ages 16 and 18.
Financial Awareness Service
Information about existing holdings in response to family member questions, including an assessment of their financial position.
Annual Statement of Spouse Entitlements
A personalized report of the Spouse's entitlements and annuities.
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