The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is concerned about the stressful impact that the transition from military to civilian life has on servicemembers and their families. The VA has made it a part of its mission to ensure servicemembers their families, retirees and veterans are aware of the VA benefits which are available. Through Benefits Advisors, servicemembers their families, retirees and veterans have access to resources and information about VA benefits. In partnership with the Department of Defense the VA provides Benefits Advisors to assist servicemembers and their families with their transition. As part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), the VA has more than 300 VA Benefits Advisors stationed at more than 280 military installations around the world. VA Benefits Advisors conduct the mandatory VA Benefits I and II Briefings and are available for one-on one appointments to assist transitioning servicemembers, retirees, veterans and their families. In addition, VA Benefits Advisors are also available to meet to answer questions about VA benefits, eligibility requirements, and application processes. Many of the VA Benefits Advisors are Veterans or military spouses themselves. They understand the unique needs of retirees and veterans and can relate to many of the challenges servicemembers may face upon returning to civilian life. Don’t wait to take advantage of your VA Benefits Advisors’ knowledge and expertise. You can talk to your advisor in person or on the phone to discuss your specific VA questions and concerns. Just call 720-847-4838 to talk to a Benefits Advisor at Buckley SFB or visit the office at Bldg 606 Room 106A at 18401 East A-Basin Ave between 8:00 am and 430 pm. Choose VA!

VA Benefits Advisor
James C. Black
Veterans Benefits Administration
Legal Admin. Specialist
james.black2@va.gov
(800) 827-1000

Surviving family members of retired Air Force personnel residing in the United States may report the death of a member, and receive personal assistance in applying for eligible benefits on their behalf by contacting:

• The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) at the nearest Air Force Base Military Personnel Flight, Customer Service.
• The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) at the U.S. Air Force Academy at (719) 333-3444.
• Headquarters, Air Force Personnel Center toll-free at 1 (877) 353-6807. This system will connect your phone call directly to the CAR that will assist you. Voice mail is available after duty hours. Family members who leave a message will be called back the next duty day.
• DFAS-Indianapolis Customer Service at their toll-free number 1 (888) 332-7411
• The nearest U.S. embassy or Consulate for overseas families

NOTE: If telephone notification is impossible, you may send the information to HQ AFPC/DPWCS, 550 C Street West, Suite 14, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4716. Enclose a copy of the death certificate and the information below. This information will be forwarded to the CAR nearest you for them to assist you.

Please have the following information available when making the notification:

• Retiree's full name, grade, Social Security number, date of retirement
• Date and place (city and state) of death
• Name, relationship, phone number, and address of the next of kin
• Date and place of funeral, if known (General officers only)

End of Life Planning Checklist (link)

Reporting Death of Service Member/Spouse (Receiving military retirement or annuitant pay)
 

Air Force, Army, Marine, Navy:
Call Defense Finance Accounting Agency (DFAS) 1 (800) 321-1080 or (216) 552-5955

Coast Guard
To report the death of a Coast Guard, NOAA, or PHS retiree/annuitant call:

• Toll Free: 1 (866) 772-8724
• Commercial: (785) 339-2200
• Fax: (785) 339-3770

Or write:
Commanding Officer (RAS)
USCG Pay & Personnel Center
444 SE Quincy St.
Topeka, KS 66683-3591

USCG Dependent TAPS
To place a DEPENDENT TAPS notice in the Retiree Newsletter, provide the dependent's name, relationship to retiree, date of passing, and city/state to Robert Hinds at Robrt.C.hinds@uscg.mil (Phone: (202) 475-5451).

Reserve Gray Area Retirees/Spouse
Air Force: Call Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) 1 (800) 525-0102
Army: Call Army Human Resources Command (AHRC) 1 (888) 276-9472
Marines: Call Marine Personnel Center 1 (800) 847-1597
Navy: Call Navy Personnel Center 1 (866) 827-5672
Coast Guard: Call Coast Guard Personnel Center 1 (800) 772-8724