Number: RL31664
Title: The Military Survivor Benefit Plan: A Description of Its Provisions
Authors: David F. Burrelli, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: This report outlines the purpose and legislative background of providing benefits to the surviving dependents of a deceased member/retiree of the uniformed services. In certain cases, individuals other than dependents can be designated recipients of survivor benefits. This report describes the categories of beneficiaries eligible for survivor benefits under the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), the formulas used in computing the income level (including the integration of SBP benefits with other federal benefits), and the costs of SBP participation incurred by the retiree and/or the beneficiary.
Pages: 32
Date: January 17, 2007