The FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the payment of a Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) as of Oct. 1, 2008, to surviving spouses whose Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities are partially or fully offset by receipt of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). The first payments of $50 will be issued on Nov. 1, 2008.
The paid-up Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) effective date of Oct. 1, 2008, is just around the corner! Retirees who are at least age 70 and have paid SBP premiums for at least 360 months (30 years), will be eligible to have their monthly premiums cease while still maintaining coverage for their beneficiary/beneficiaries.
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently activated new web site aimed directly at surviving spouses.