Survivor Link ~Issue 6 ~ September 2022

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September 2022

The Survivor Link: Issue 6

     The Survivor Link is the Army Survivor Outreach Services Newsletter. This newsletter is published on a quarterly basis to provide information about benefits changes, program updates, opportunities to connect with other survivors and to stay linked to the Army.

      Army Survivors can subscribe to The Survivor Link at any time. To subscribe just follow the link in this newsletter. You can choose to have the Survivor Link delivered to your email address or as a text message to your cell phone.

      When you subscribe you will be asked a few questions. Please complete your first name, the component of your Soldier (Regular Active Army, US Army National Guard or US Army Reserve), your relationship to the Soldier (spouse, child, parent, staff or other), and your State of residence.


Honor and Respect - Gold Star Mothers and Families Day

 

Leader Message

from

Mrs. Maria McConville

 

September 2022  

Dear Mothers and Families,

  Having been an Army Spouse for 34 years and now an Army Mother of 3 Active-Duty Soldiers, I have experienced many facets of military life. Most of these experiences have included new learning opportunities, new locations to explore, and new people to meet. But I also have experienced some of the hardships associated with military life.

  No one knows about the hardship and sacrifice more than you, our Gold Star Mothers and Families.

  Army Families are such a unique part of the social fabric in America and always will be part of the special military community. I’ve seen inspiring and important work done by the Army’s Survivor Outreach Services (SOS) programs and organizations and I encourage all our Gold Star Families to get or stay involved with their nearest SOS program to help navigate their unique challenges.

  I hold all of you in my heart as we take time later this month, on Gold Star Mothers and Families Day, to remember the service of your loved one, the sacrifice you have made, and to show you our heartfelt love and gratitude.

                                                                                                                                                                          Warmly,

                                                        Maria McConville      

                                                        Spouse of Chief of Staff of the Army

                                        General James C. McConville


SOS Staff Locator

The Army has more than 150 Survivor Outreach Service Coordinators ready to assist Surviving Families who are having problems with benefits such as the Survivor Benefit Plan, TRICARE, or education benefits? 

 

Click on the map to use the SOS Coordinator Locator and find the coordinator nearest to your home. 


Crest for Army Chaplain Corps

CHAPLAIN'S CORNER

 

You are not alone!

 

Often when we have lost a loved one, it becomes easy to feel lonely and isolated. It’s difficult for even close friends and family members to understand what we are going through.

Often when we have lost a loved one, it becomes easy to feel lonely and isolated. It’s difficult for even close friends and family members to understand what we are going through. READ MORE HERE


SBP-DIC Offset Elimination News

The SBP-DIC Offset Elimination is currently in the second phase of implementation. The third phase will go into effect on January 1st, 2023. This phase will fully eliminate the SBP-DIC Off-set and the Optional Annuity for Dependent Children. 

 

Click here for DFAS information


HEART Act

What Death Gratuity / Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) Beneficiaries need to know in the first year. 

If you or your family member have received a payment of the Service Members Group Life Insurance (SGLI) or the death gratuity, you may be eligible to invest those funds for long term growth and tax advantages.

The HEART Act allows recipients of the death gratuity and/or SGLI to contribute all or part of the payments received to a Roth IRA and/or a Coverdell Education Savings Account (CESA) without the usual restrictions on
contributions or distributions. Contributions must be made within one year of receiving the benefits. Click here for more information on the HEART Act


Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals

Iraq and Afghanistan  Service Grants

   

   Did you know that if a Surviving Child's parent died in Iraq or Afghanistan they may be eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant to help pay education expenses? Many families are aware of benefits that are administered by Veterans Affairs, such as the Post 9-11 Montgomery GI Bill and the Fry Scholarship, but this service grant is part of the Federal Student Aid. 

   All Survivors and Dependents of Veterans are encouraged to apply for Federal Student Aid. There are opportunities for students to receive loans, grants and work-study options to assist with money to help pay for college or career school. Students apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA.

   For students with a parent or guardian who died after the events of 9/11 as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan. To qualify, a student must have been under the age of 24 at the time of his or her parent or guardian’s death or enrolled in college or career school at least part-time, see the link below on types of federal student aid.

   Please note – there is no specific application for the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. The FAFSA will be matched against a file provided by the Department of Defense and the student will receive a letter explaining the potential increase in funding. The student MUST ensure that the FAFSA is completed using their name exactly as it appears in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Students should speak to the financial aid office at their college or career school.

 

Types of Federal Student Aid

 


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Veterans Affairs Survivor Education Hotline

If you need assistance with education benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs has a dedicated phone line for GI Bill beneficiaries who are a surviving spouse or child of an active duty service member who died in the line of duty and need assistance with their education benefits. The number is 1-888-442-4551 (option 5). A trained agent with survivor benefit expertise will assist. Agents are available Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST.


DFAS Logo

DFAS News: 

Tips and Tools for Survivors and SBP Annuitants

DFAS News


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     DID YOU KNOW?

 

Surviving dependents are eligible for in-state tuition.

 

Effective on August 1st, 2022, the Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 went into effect. Through the act, surviving dependents, using Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program benefits, are eligible for in-state tuition wherever they choose to attend school for terms beginning on or after August 1st, 2022. Click here to view the law. 

 


Ringing Telephone

Dial and Dine: Financial Considerations Call for Military Survivors

Hosted by the Ft. Leonard Wood SOS Financial Counselor

What: These calls, held at least quarterly, provide a forum for Military Survivors and friends to ask questions on education tools and to better understand identity theft minimization, saving and investing, estate planning considerations, tax issues, insurance, potential financial resources and budgeting concerns in creating financial success and hear from various guest presenters and other peers.   

The next call will focus on Financial and Estate planning considerations, especially for Military Spouses and their families and will include a review of the resources available for assistance for retirement and legacy planning, financial and estate planning considerations in light of legislative changes and current environment, updates on home real estate property tax abatement, where applicable, milestones, updates on upcoming SBP changes, events available for Military Survivor families, Community Partnerships, the new FAFSA form for 2023/24 (which includes Summer 2024) and will have an dialog on  specific potential education scholarship resources for K-PhD, including programs and initiatives various (501(c)3 groups are planning for 2023/24.

Where: The Call number is (1-605-475-5910; Access Code 7681905#)

When:  The next live call is Wednesday, October 19, 2022 7:00 pm Central Time