When a Retired Soldier passes away, the grief is overwhelming—but what often hits families just as hard is not knowing what to do next.
In my 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, I helped run countless Soldier Readiness Programs. We updated emergency contacts, SGLI forms, and trained leaders on casualty procedures. But I’ve found that many veterans don’t prepare their families for what happens after their final PCS.
This article is for you—the spouse, the child, the loved one—left trying to figure it all out.
Let’s break down what you need to do immediately, what documents to have ready, and how to prepare before the time comes.
Step 1: Report the Death Immediately
If your loved one was a Retired U.S. Army Soldier, call the Department of the Army Casualty and Mortuary Affairs Operations Division at:
📞 (800) 626-3317 (Open 24/7)
They will connect you with the local Casualty Assistance Center (CAC) in your area. The CAC will:
- Notify Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to stop retirement pay.
- Initiate Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) processing (if the veteran was enrolled).
- Assign a Casualty Assistance Officer to guide you.
If you’re overseas and the toll-free number doesn’t work, contact your Retirement Services Officer listed at soldierforlife.army.mil/Retirement.
Step 2: Be Ready to Provide This Information
When you contact the Army, be prepared to share the following:
- Full name of the deceased
- Social Security number or service number
- Retired rank
- Retirement date
- Date and place of birth
- Date, place, and circumstances of death
- Disability rating (if applicable)
- Copy of the death certificate
- Next of kin information (name, address, relationship, phone number)
The more accurate information you can provide, the faster the benefits and support process will move.
Step 3: Prepare Before the Time Comes
One of the greatest acts of love a veteran can give their family is preparation.
The Army Retirement Services office provides a powerful tool:
🗂 Retired Soldier Casualty Assistance Checklist (Download here)
This PDF checklist lets you organize:
- Your DD-214 and retirement orders
- SGLI/VA benefits and contact info
- Burial and funeral preferences (including military honors and uniforms)
- Will, trust, and life insurance information
- Online account access (banking, email, VA eBenefits)
Print it. Fill it out. Keep it in a fire-safe box. Tell your spouse or children where it is.
Step 4: Protect Your Family with a Freedom of Choice Plan
Many military families are shocked to learn that VA doesn’t fully cover funeral costs.
If no planning is in place:
- Retired pay can be overpaid, triggering debt collection
- Survivor benefits can be delayed
- Funeral costs ($9,000–$15,000+) fall entirely on the family
That’s why I now help veterans and their families set up the Freedom of Choice whole life policy—direct assignment final expense plans paid straight to the funeral home, so loved ones don’t get stuck with the bill or forced into GoFundMe campaigns.
This is about honoring your service with a plan that takes care of the people who stood by you.
Final Thoughts
We all know this day is coming—but we don’t talk about it. That’s a disservice to the people we love most.
You served this country with honor. Now serve your family with clarity and preparation.
If you’re a veteran and want to:
- Understand your VA and military death benefits
- Set up a Freedom of Choice plan
- Walk through the Retired Soldier Checklist
I’m here to help. This is my mission now—no veteran family left behind.
Let’s Make Sure Your Family Is Protected.
Reach out to schedule a free benefits review or legacy planning session.
📩 Contact Kirby
📞 Call/Text: 217-851-0865
Kirby Ingles is a retired Army combat veteran, leadership and wellness coach, and licensed insurance producer specializing in veteran family protection, legacy planning, and estate solutions across the U.S. He is based in Leavenworth County, Kansas.
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