SBP

The phase-out of the Social Security Offset (SSO) for Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuitants is now complete. There should be no reduction in your Social Security amount from your Survivor Benefit amount. Since April 2008 all survivors should receive the full 55 percent of their late military retiree's pay covered by SBP and the SSO will be completely phased out.

If you are approaching military retirement and are puzzling over your SBP decision, you may find it helpful to read MOAA's SBP Made Easy - the Active Duty Guide to the Survivor Benefit Plan. Reserve and National Guard officers should read Security On Call: Survivor Benefits for Guard & Reserve.

If you already are retired and have questions about SBP coverage, consult MOAA's Survivor Benefit Plan - Security for your Survivors. For information about RCSBP, Guard and Reserve officers may wish to check out Military Entitlements - Benefits for Guard & Reserve.

These publications are free to MOAA members. MOAA's Benefits Information Department assists MOAA members who have questions about SBP, RCSBP, and the Retired Serviceman's Family Protection Plan (RSFPP). You can contact the Benefits Information Department through MOAA's Member Service Center at 1-800-234-6622 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or by e-mail at BenInfo@moaa.org.