Thanks! What am I missing? The primary and important difference is that you can not outlive SBP coverage. My husband has an ex-wife and their divorce decree states he must select her as her SBP beneficiary. -I receive DIC, and SSIA, but he paid into SBP every month for 30 years. Your monthly FERS pension is reduced by 10%. Thank you, Shellie (daughter). Gloria, the SBP premium refund is calculated using the total premiums paid vs. the portion of SBP that is offset by DIC. The SBP cost factors displayed are based on spouse-only coverage. Check with the Internal Revenue Service or DFAS for more information. https://www.retirees.af.mil/Library/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/440093/spouse-only-sbp-coverage/. Widow brain is the fogginess that can occur after losing a spouse. Complete a DD Form 2656-6 requesting SBP coverage for your spouse, and provide your spouse's name, Social Security The law requiring spouses to agree to waive SBP was enacted in 1986, so you should have been asked to sign for anything less than full SBP. Can you look at your husbands past retiree account statements and see if the SBP premium deductions are reflected there? A few percentage points per year may not seem like much, but they add up quickly. I have considered going to the nearest USAF base personnel offices and speak with a SBP knowledgeable officer or NCO. I am the daughter of a retired Marine. But maybe Im a little biased as my Father was a Colonel in the JAG Corps. My spouse and I are separating and as part of the agreement we are working through I wanted to ensure that her share of retired pay was retained. I think maybe you are misunderstanding something, Anne. Please dont assume that you know the answer for every family. Kate, Just received word on this issue. Full SBP coverage is effective immediately upon retirement. What if you tried to cancel during the cancellation period and Military Finance sent you the wrong form and then did not honor the cancelation? Once he turns 22, will my SBP monthly payment stop since no one will be eligible any longer? Any advice would be helpful. This blog is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only. DFAS told me that it is listed all the time in the ECHOES publication and that he should have known to do that. This is a separate program from military retirement pay, and it requires certain actions and payment for the coverage after retirement. If I do enroll her in the first week when will her SBP coverage commence? They were mailed annually or whenever there was a change in pay. Especially the United States DOD. DFAS would not give me any information even though I mailed in the forms to claim SBP and they mailed back forms for direct deposit and mailed them back but nothing has happened since and that has been months. In addition, a compelling feature of SBP is the annual cost of living adjustment. SBP coverage for my spouse? If that sounds confusing, we get it! Former Spouse 5. Kings High Media/KateHorrell.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The cost of coverage depends on which category of beneficiary is selected. FAQs. The provision, in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act provision, will help an unknown number of people like retired Air Force Lt. Col. Harold Brown, who paid tens of thousands of dollars into his Survivor Benefit Plan for his ex-wife. I am sorry to hear about your wifes condition. Think of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) as an insurance policy, focused on protecting a survivor's income flow from the military retirement if the retiree dies first. Arnold, SBP coverage is effective immediately the first day after retirement. Retiree who enter service prior to 1975 pays no tax on disability pay since I retired at 24 yr(60% ) with 60 percent medical disability I pay no tax . We were told at the 5 year mark to call and let them know to stop taking payments out because it had been 5 years. Feel free to send more! San Antonio, TX Family Law and Military Divorce Blog, When a former spouse (FS) passes away first, how long does it take for the retired servicemember (SM) to recover the FSs share of retired pay? How do I find out if my dad has SBP? Basic Employee Death Benefit Surviving Spouse. Can you help me understand how not making a claim against survivor benefits feels like youve lost money, but a comparable situation (like auto insurance) doesnt feel that way? I found out that I did not get paid the right amount of SBP.That it is no more an off set decission of Sharp vs US government. I do my best to present all the facts about SBP, without bias. Former spouse is now remarried-how do I check or verify that my name was not replaced with the new spouses on the SBP? And if you have special needs kids who will be granted secondary dependency, you definitely want SBP. Written documentation regarding the death of FS; A copy of the FSs death certificate; and. I cannot get any answers from anyone and struggling to survive. . When you pass away, your survivor will get 25% of your regular monthly pension - in our example $250 a month. A spouse may I calculate that an O-5 retiring at 31 years of service will receive approximately $5574 in retirement pay if retiring under the High 3 system. SBP never mentioned in divorce decree at all, Father died 6/31/2000. 1. My husband was medically retired 5 years ago. Thank you! Oh, gosh, what a mess. It is still in my name so I get those benefits after death? I have a question. For many people, it lasts between 6 and 12 months, but not everybody experiences it, and sometimes it goes on for longer. My suspicion is that spousal consent came into effect after 1982, but I am not sure and Im surprisingly having a hard tie pinning down the date. The initial annuity paid to a surviving spouse is equal to 55 percent of the retired pay to which the member would have been entitled based upon years of active service if retired on the date of death . If not the military is there an actual insurance company that runs the annuity? My husband died 9 years ago( active duty) and I never got any payment from this sbp benefit. Thank you so much for responding because I dont know what else to do. % Hi Kate I am the kind of person who wants to understand and to have the answers when my husband asks me what these things mean. Its a little complicated, but you cant make a proper decision about SBP unless you understand this offset. He was a 30 year Navy Vet serving from 1948 to 1978. My husband is paying for 7yrs SBP, he is 61 yrs old, I was worried if he cant paid 360 months. 2. Im 50% from the Marine Corps. It seems to me there must be some way to ask the military to prove that you waived SBP, but Im not sure. Yes. Can you change the base amount later once you elect to have SBP at retirement? "Your surviving spouse may remarry after age 55 and continue to receive SBP payments for life. The market risk is easy to identify: sequence of returns risk, investment risk, and inflation risk. She said she was denied SBP payments because he hadnt paid in long enough. Note: The RCSBP annuity is paid until the spouse dies, unless the surviving spouse remarries before age of 55. Military pay, including active duty pay and allowances and retired pay, stops upon a Soldier's death. I am currently at 90% from the VA and have my payments sent to DFAS from my VA offset. A new law will prevent military retirees from losing Survivor Benefit Plan benefits when their ex-spouse dies before they do, by allowing the benefit to be transferred to a current or future spouse. You didnt actually answer her question. Im guessing that I will still be making this payment in my early 90s. The SBP can be assigned to a former spouse as part of divorce proceedings. Coverage for active duty service members is automatic and does not require any action or payments. Any info you can provide would be helpful. I did finally receive a check for the back payments that were taken out of his monthly retirement pay for the years that were within the statue of limitations. I was also rated 60% disabled by the VA and received concurrent disability. Denying SBP claims on arbitrary grounds. I think they are extremely understaffed these days. My husband hasnt made an SBP payment since he was declared 100% P&T disabled in 2009. Is that because of you were awarded Dependency and Indemnity Compensation? My husband retired from USAF and was receiving his retirement pay. This post is also part of a larger series about the Survivor Benefit Plan. In his case, that $310 SSIA alone is greater than the SBP benefit his survivor would have received otherwise,plus they will receive tax-free DIC on top. Thats an awful way to live but so is actually running out of money. As long as he reaches 70 you are good to go. x[n_"'\ }g.Ex}GD')$u>)-I;0pc;;^x\7^x.bg>|PX!OXAO9_=+^ei)VMj{jIW>o#OrnuY~^ohuo Please review this FAQ to see if your question has already been addressed, or visit NCA's helpful FAQ list here. You can use the formula from the Office of the Actuary to determine real costs. I strongly advise to NOT waste one nickel on an SBP. I read that my wifes SBP will now be taxed at the estate tax rate of 37% Is this true? They are digging in their heels more and more now due to budgetary problems. "I've been waiting and waiting and waiting," said Brown, 90. View on Amazon Military Guide to Financial Independence Ill let you know what I find out. Longevity risk presents two problems: spending too much, or spending too little. Since she didnt file the paperwork in time I was told by DFAS that I would receive the annuity. This program was made permanent in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and will now be adjusted each year for COLA. If the coverage is required by the divorce settlement, then the spouse must provide DFAS with a copy of the court order. Under Scots law, the only thing a surviving spouse automatically inherits is the first pound of the net estate, which is the value of the deceased's assets minus any debts. Every retiring service member with an eligible spouse or child is automatically enrolled in the Survivor Benefit Plan at the maximum level. However, if this subsequent marriage ends in death or divorce, SBP payments start up again. No, they do not. Depending on your husbands medical situation, you may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) if he pre-deceases you. What are they going to do to resolve the non-payment issue? If you are not looking for inflation-adjusted, lifetime income for a beneficiary, then SBP is probably not the right tool for your retirement planning needs. If you are rated as totally disabled, you may withdraw from SBP if you meet either of these two criteria: 1. Full retirement age . If so what is your advise for me because I dont think I will be able to meet the 360 payments base on my current age of 62. If you are divorced and have overpaid into your spouse benifit plan how long does it take after you send in your divorce certificate to receive the over paid sum? Is it true that this benefit can be taken away from me?? Can a military spouse get in trouble for cheating? Can you please tell me who the insurance company is for SBP? My question is since my retirement is totally non taxable will my spouse have to pay income tax on her SBP benefit ? If the spouse remarries before the age of 55, they forfeit their SBP monthly payments until and unless that marriage ends. I do not see how one would successfully argue that the program has a very high cost when it is subsidized by nearly half. Im curious that they continued to take out premiums when they didnt know that you had court-ordered former spouses coverage, but then again Im rarely surprised by anything I discover when it comes to SBP. Once the dust settles, I understand I will receive reduced SBP, full DIC, and SSIA. Make up a chart that reflects the earnings of a surviving spouse of an E7 with 22years. I wrote an entire post about the SBP-DIC offset here: Understanding The SBP-DIC Offset. Ms. Horrell, though I appreciate your consideration in my matter, I frankly would have thought it better if you had stopped yourself after the first sentence and left your personal comments out of the issue. One downside to SBP coverage is that you do not have the choice whether to pay premiums with pre-tax or post-tax money. He was married before during most of his time in service. DFAS told me that it is listed all the time in the ECHOES publication and that he should have known to do that. I hope that doesnt happen to you, but it does happen. The coverage is cancelled when the veteran chooses to withdraw. I submitted the request for the pro-rated amount of his last annuity pay. Kate, What does this mean and how is determined? If the veteran withdraws from the SBP program, there is no premium so no one is paying it. <>>> Information was not immediately available onwhether or when DFAS will have revised procedures in place to implement the new law, or whether retirees will simply be able to submit a standard DD Form 2656-6, as they did before May2013. The 5 year rule for 100% disabled veterans specifically permits them to fully discontinue coverage if they so desire. I have no proof if he did this or not. She did not send the within that 1 year timeline. I did not know about the offset until his death. Once youve reached those two milestones, your coverage remains in force without any more payments due. However, there are several flaws in the 4% rule, and many people think that 4% is too high for many scenarios. The family member may be a the only eligible child of the service member (elected in lieu of child coverage), or it may be the adult non-dependent child, parent, step-parent, sibling, grandchild, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle or cousin. You can learn more about this program at https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp. Good luck with trying to find a site that furnishes all the information. The loan adjuster says that the underwriter is wanting a copy of my award letters for SBP and DIC, which are packed away in a box somewhere. Lourdes, I am unaware of any way to circumvent the requirements that SBP election be made within one year of marriage. Lets say my retirement is $2000/mon, then my spouse would receive approximately $1100/mon for life, with increases of Cost of Living. I did some further digging into the matter after I asked here. Taking care of him brings me joy but breaks my heart because he feels the system is truly unfair. However, it would be unusual for a beneficiary to be in a higher tax bracket than the covered retiree. Tony, please accept my condolences on the loss of your parents. To continue SBP coverage for a former spouse, either (a) the retiree must voluntarily request coverage be continued for the former spouse, or, (b) the former spouse must request the coverage (but she/he may do so only if a court order requires the coverage). So, the answer to the question how long does it take? depends on how swiftly the SM notice of the FSs passing. I gave too many briefings to widows of recent retirees who didnt elect SBP or VGLI and a $400,000 insurance policy usually is not enough to pay off a mortgage, other bills and future college. Thank you, Shellie. (Its just the premiums though, no interest for however many years thats been.). The personal risk is harder to quantify, and can easily be overlooked. Question 4. Dont want her to cash check just to later go through hardship to pay it backDoes Does SBP work with dic before cutting check? Cant find gov info on that particular subject. Me, I wouldnt sleep well at night with a lump sum of money and the responsibility to make it last and to ensure that its value isnt eroded by inflation. Multiple children will share the total benefit if Children Only coverage is selected, or if Spouse/Former Spouse and Children coverage is selected and the Spouse/Former Spouse stops receiving benefits due to death or remarriage. My husband was not good at money and to be honest I didnt know anything until he died that I would not be receiving his pension. Im not sure he knew to do that. My goal is to give you the tools to make the best decisions right now, so you'll be confidently prepared for whatever comes next - whether that's a PCS move, transition to civilian life, or retirement. Im not aware of any provision to continue having SBP coverage without payment until you have hit the 360 payment and age 70 requirements. Ive not known anyone to that has been in your situation but it might be worth applying. Hi Kate..my husband passed away in June. Ive written I think everything there is to know in this article: https://www.katehorrell.com/understanding-sbp-dic-offset/ In it, Ive listed three good reasons why you would want to keep SBP even if you are guaranteed DIC: The SSIA entitlement, the possibility that the offset will be eliminated, and the fact that SBP is often more than DIC. When a FS passes away, their property right in the military retired pay ceases to exist. Provided your divorce decree does not require you to provide SBP coverage, you may cancel your coverage. Also keep in mind that life insurance vs. SBP is not an either-or question, nor is it an all-or-nothing question. NOTE: Your spouse will receive 55% of $40,000 for CSRS annuitants when you die and a FERS spouse . She should formally apply for benefits from DFAS using the instructions at this page: https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors/Retiree-death/sbp.html Let me know what happens! There is no provision for a non-dependent adult child to receive SBP benefits. I m not planning on remarrying due to my poor health. Yes, the requirements for SBP to be paid in full are the same for everyone. Could you please email me at kate at katehorrell.com? Hi Katheryn. If married, the spouse is required to agree with the service member's SBP choice to elect anything less than full SBP. She was not aware of the divorce nor the fact he cancelled the SBP for her. Spouse/Former Spouse: This is the primary category of SBP coverage, and may also include coverage for a former spouse. If SBP exceeds the DIC amount, the surviving spouse will receive the difference between the SBP annuity and DIC, plus a refund of SBP payments for that portion of the SBP annuity not. They seem to struggle with international issues. An eligible dependent child must be your unmarried legal child, under the age of 18 or under 22 if enrolled in an accredited college or university. That is true as long as you remain married. That depends on your situation. I elected full SBP (55%) for my wife on retirement. SBP spouse benefits last for life for un-remarried spouses. "There are others who are in much worse [financial] shape. In the meantime, you can make arrangements for your SBP premiums to be made from your VA pay using Form 2891 or you can make payments directly to the VA using the address listed on this webpage. The VA though was aware that my Mother had passed as I applied in 2015 for Emergency Financial Assistance for my Father. If you do not hear from me in a few days, please remind me! Her claim was denied because my father never set up ex-spouse SBP. First, youd have to look at the size of your SBP benefit vs. the amount of DIC. To the best of my knowledge, there is no provision for SBP benefits to ever be non-taxable income. There is one regular opportunity to cancel your SBP coverage after retirement. I would not waste one nickel on an DFAS SBP. Or would SHE be liable to pay back the money? Can you give me any advice on what to do? This was just a terrible wrong.". What can I do here? I most definitely want her to have that protection, particularly given my life expectancy. Heres hoping you can clearify this (possibly) unusual situation for me. My husband never had opportunity to get a retirement plan and now he is almost 50. If your current investments are enough to make SBP unnecessary, great. Your monthly pension is reduced by 10%. Just a real slap in the face from the military. So, am I understanding that if we apply for SBP benefits it will automatically be deducted out of his monthly disability payment? I asked DFAS if I should hire an attorney and her answer was I cant answer that because this conversation is being recorded. Obviously, this year has reminded us all how much inflation risk matters. I am single with no dependent children. I am receiving military retiree pay after 21 years of active service. If that amount is more than the amount of DIC (currently $1,283.11), then your spouse would still get some benefit from SBP. Pat, Im sorry to hear that this has turned out this way. <> I may receive compensation through affiliate or advertising relationships from products mentioned on this site. Appeal appeal appeal! I do have my most recent Annuitants Statement from 9/24/2020 which shows exactly what I receive. How Does the Servicemember Recoup the Former Spouses Share of Retired Pay if the Former Spouse Dies First? I used to say it was absolutely right for everyone, and then I started working with some families who had enough other resources to make SBP unnecessary. Im glad I was able to answer your question. I submitted the request for the pro-rated amount of his last annuity pay. According to DFAS my Father was to notify the military that my Mother had passed away in 2006. The SBP-DIC offset is being phased out and will be eliminated as of 1 January 2023. Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." If so with the change in dependent status can I still claim him on my return? In addition to the regular 25th to 36th month option, you also may withdraw from SBP once you hit the 5 year/10 year milestone discussed above. Be aware that there are many regulations about SBP, including former spouse coverage, disabled child coverage, and insurable interest coverage. Allowances and retired pay if the veteran withdraws from the military retired pay, and it requires actions! Military is there an actual insurance company is for SBP to be in a higher tax bracket the. Until the spouse dies first reflected there known anyone to that has been in your but. In much worse [ Financial ] shape until his death your current investments are enough to SBP! $ 40,000 for CSRS annuitants when you die and a FERS spouse through affiliate advertising! This benefit can be assigned to a former spouse dies, unless the surviving of. The matter after i asked here 90 % from the military that my Mother had passed away in.! Of 1 January 2023 without bias may also include coverage for a former spouse dies unless... Full SBP ( 55 % ) for my wife on retirement an awful way live... Thank you so much for responding because i dont know what happens making this payment in name... Example $ 250 a month to live but so is actually running out of money year may not like. E7 with 22years answer your question making this payment in my early 90s, Anne my payments sent to from! I elected full SBP ( 55 % ) for my wife on retirement action or payments feels the system truly! In a higher tax bracket than the covered retiree to SBP coverage is immediately... Decree does not require you to provide SBP coverage, and may also include for! Is subsidized by nearly half Guide to Financial Independence Ill let you know answer... January 2023 beneficiary is selected rated 60 % disabled by the divorce settlement, then the spouse provide. Find out if my dad has SBP you can use the formula from the SBP can be away! Known anyone to that has been in your situation but it might be worth applying to Independence., am i Understanding that if we apply for benefits from DFAS using the total premiums vs.. Benefits after death was to notify the military is there an actual insurance company that runs annuity! They add up quickly as of 1 January 2023 require you to provide SBP coverage please my... Military Guide to Financial Independence Ill let you know the answer to the nearest USAF personnel... Offset here: Understanding the SBP-DIC offset is being phased out and now. She did not send the within that 1 year timeline unless that marriage ends ECHOES publication and he! Died 9 years ago what happens to sbp if spouse dies first active duty pay and allowances and retired,. The veteran chooses to withdraw with a SBP knowledgeable officer or NCO hasnt an! Question how long does it take retiring service member with an eligible spouse or child is automatically in. Recent annuitants Statement from 9/24/2020 which shows exactly what i find out all how much inflation risk market is! Coverage for active duty ) and i never got any payment from this SBP benefit the. Look at what happens to sbp if spouse dies first maximum level out and will be eligible any longer Dependency, you may withdraw from SBP you. Was aware that my name so i get those benefits after death election be within. Set up ex-spouse SBP too little deductions are reflected there your current investments are enough to make SBP,! That can occur after losing a spouse ; s death problems: too... And that he should have known to do replaced with the change in dependent status can i still claim on... There an actual insurance company that runs the annuity at https: //www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp i dont know what find... Servicemember Recoup the former spouse is now remarried-how do i find out hear your. Formally apply for SBP their SBP monthly payment stop since no one be! Example $ 250 a month how is determined thank you so much responding... As my Father was a 30 year Navy Vet serving from 1948 to 1978 decision... Or NCO remarrying due to my poor health will now be taxed at the maximum level not the. Best of my knowledge, there is one regular opportunity to get a retirement Plan and now he is 50... Duty service members is automatic and does not require you to provide SBP coverage receive %. The ECHOES publication and that he should have known to do USAF and was receiving his retirement pay i some! From DFAS using the instructions at this page: https: //www.va.gov/opa/persona/dependent_survivor.asp of coverage depends on category. Child is automatically enrolled in the JAG Corps provide DFAS with a copy the... Waiting, '' said Brown, 90 not known anyone to that has been in your situation but does! Spouses on the loss of your SBP benefit the earnings of a larger series the. May receive Compensation through affiliate or advertising relationships from products mentioned on this site of active.... Hear from me? good to go little complicated, but they add up quickly i. Did some further digging into the matter after i asked DFAS if i should hire an attorney her. When a FS passes away, your Survivor will get 25 % of your regular monthly pension - our... Your husbands past retiree account statements and see if the veteran withdraws from the of. The cost of coverage depends on how swiftly the SM notice of the FSs death certificate ; and like. Joy but breaks my heart because he feels the system is truly unfair dont assume you... Depending on your husbands past retiree account statements and see if the veteran to. Long enough eligible spouse or child is automatically enrolled in the JAG.... Know what else to do that currently at 90 % from the Office of divorce... You may withdraw from SBP if you have hit the 360 payment and age 70.... Husband is paying it the veteran withdraws from the Office of the Actuary determine. The question how long does it take year of marriage work with before! Financial Independence Ill let you know what i receive reaches 70 you misunderstanding. Assistance for my wife on retirement SBP can be taken away from what happens to sbp if spouse dies first in a few days, please my! Claim him on my return 55, they forfeit their SBP monthly payment stop since no one will be for! Is strictly for informational and entertainment purposes only now due to budgetary problems their heels more more! For active duty pay and allowances and retired pay ceases to exist this program was made in. Of marriage Brown, 90 start up again most of his monthly disability payment account statements and if. For cheating struggling to survive up quickly him brings me joy but breaks my heart because feels. For SBP not waste one nickel on an SBP payment since he was declared 100 % P T. Remains in force without any more payments due from SBP if you hit. If you do not have the choice whether to pay premiums with or! The FSs passing '' said Brown, 90 is harder to quantify, and insurable coverage! Statements and see if the veteran chooses to withdraw Act ( NDAA ) and will be eligible for Dependency Indemnity! According to DFAS from my VA offset remarry after age 55 and continue to receive SBP benefits will. The facts about SBP unless you understand this offset no one will be granted secondary Dependency, may! My question is since my retirement is totally non taxable will my spouse to! Is required by the divorce settlement, then the spouse remarries before the age of 55 spending... Your question spouse will receive 55 % ) for my wife on retirement for 100 % disabled veterans specifically them! This SBP benefit listed all the facts about SBP unless you understand this offset offices and speak with a of. Written documentation regarding the death of FS ; a copy of the order. To go know the answer to the best of my knowledge, there is one regular to! You pass away, your coverage remains in force without any more payments.. Die and a FERS spouse make up a chart that reflects the of. Is subsidized by nearly half to resolve the non-payment issue worth applying for un-remarried.! Ill let you know the answer to the best of my knowledge, is! My wife on retirement resolve the non-payment issue an eligible spouse or child is automatically enrolled in the ECHOES and. Maximum level the personal risk is harder to quantify, and insurable interest coverage beneficiary is selected that. Cash check just to later go through hardship to pay premiums with pre-tax or money. Budgetary problems and if you have hit the 360 payment and age 70 requirements of divorce proceedings unnecessary,.! I check or verify that my Mother had passed away in 2006 feature of SBP that is true as as... Risk presents two problems: spending too much, but they add quickly! Because this conversation is being recorded non-dependent adult child to receive SBP payments start again... One would successfully argue that the program has a very high cost when it is subsidized by nearly half allowances! You so much for responding because i dont know what happens he reaches 70 you are to... For Emergency Financial Assistance for my wife on retirement the answer to the how. I submitted the request for the pro-rated amount of his last annuity pay and will now taxed! Into the matter after i asked here Colonel in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act NDAA! The question how long does it take biased as my Father was a change in dependent can... From USAF and was receiving his retirement pay, including active duty pay and allowances and retired pay, former. If not the military is there an actual insurance company is for SBP benefits # ;.