By Carl Surran
New Law Boosts Survivor Benefits
Fall 2005
President Bush signed legislation that increases the payout to families of servicemembers who died of combat-related injuries from $12,420 to $100,000. The payments are retroactive to cover members who have fallen since Oct. 7, 2001. The new law also boosts maximum coverage offered by Servicemembers Group Life Insurance (SGLI) from $250,000 to $400,000. When the increased insurance coverage takes effect Sept. 1, 2005, it also will be retroactive to Oct. 7, 2001.
The provisions apply solely to those who die in combat zones, combat operations and combat-related situations, said Col. Virginia Penrod, director of military compensation. Combat-related situations can include airborne duty, combat training, demolition duty and training exercises, among other things, she said.
Each service is now reviewing cases, and payments already have begun, but the process of identifying and paying all eligible survivors could take several months, according to Col. Penrod.
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