Survivor Benefit Plan

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP)

The RC-SBP allows a Soldier to leave 55% of their retired pay amount to their beneficiary, for a cost based upon length of time covered, type of beneficiaries, and overall covered pay amount. The covered amount can be any amount between $300 to the full gross retired pay amount, and computation of the cost of the plan can be accomplished using the SBP calculator provided by the U.S. DoD Office of the Actuary

The coverage selected will carry forward past age 60, after which payment will be taken by allotment from DFAS. Further, costs for the Survivor Benefit Plan will begin at retirement age as well.

I've had a major life change, what do I need to do with my SBP coverage?

To make changes to your SBP/RC-SBP coverage, use DD Form 2656-6 for beneficiary changes, and DD Form 2656-1 (at the bottom of this page) to deem an election for a former spouse (normally done as required by court order). Changes using DD Form 2656-6 must be made within 1 year of the change taking place (i.e. before the first anniversary of a new marriage, first birthday of a new child, etc.).

Coverage under the SBP can later be terminated after 24 months of retired pay has been received, and only between the 25th and 36th month thereafter, using DD Form 2656-2.

More in-depth information regarding the RC-SBP and SBP can be found at The DFAS Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan site

To make an RC-SBP election, complete DD Form 2656-5 and send it to:

Retirement Services

1636 Gold Star Drive

Raleigh, NC 27607