Army Reserve Death Benefits
The almost 190,000 members of the US Army Reserve are part-time soldiers, and therefore are or should be primarily dependent upon their civilian resources for benefit programs, including benefits relating to death. However, this does not mean these benefits are not generous or meaningful, especially in the case of Reservists who die in the line of duty.
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Life Insurance
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US Army Reservists are eligible to enroll in Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI). This life insurance program can be arranged in increments of $10,000 up to $400,000 of coverage, with each $1,000 of insurance costing 65 cents per month (the premium for every $10,000 increment of coverage is $6.50).
Funeral Benefits
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The Veterans Administration (VA) provides benefits to help cover the expenses of a deceased serviceman's funeral. Those who died in a service-related death on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible for up to $2,000 applied toward burial expenses. For deaths on or before Sept. 10, 2001, the benefit is $1,500.
For the eligible Reservist who dies outside of duty, there is $300 for burial and funeral expenses, and a $300 plot allowance from the VA.
Reservists who served 20 years and qualified for retirement pay are eligible for a VA headstone, regardless of whether they were on active duty or not.
The deceased's family is eligible for these benefits if they are not already receiving a similar funeral benefit from any other government department, and the veteran was either on active duty or received a discharge on conditions that were not dishonorable. The veteran must also meet at least one of the following conditions: 1) death in a VA facility; 2) death due to a service-related disability; 3) receiving a VA pension or other compensation at the time of death; 4) was otherwise entitled to, but not collecting, a VA pension. -
Access to TRICARE
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The spouses and unmarried children of those Reservists who die while on active duty, or who have received the Medal of Honor can enroll in TRICARE, an insurance program that is part of the US military's HMO-style health care plan.
Death Gratuity
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The Death Gratuity is a one-time, tax-free payment intended to help soften the financial hardship of losing a family provider who died in military service. Widows of Reservists are eligible if their spouse met any of the following conditions: 1) the Reservist died while on inactive duty training; 2) the Reservist who was on active duty and died, or was under authorized travel to active duty or inactive duty training and died en route.
Death Pension
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Surviving dependents of Reservists who served at least 90 days on active duty and at least 1 day in a war zone are eligible for a VA Death Pension, depending on their income. For example, a widow with no dependents must make $7,094 per year or less to qualify.
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Resources
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