A Guide to Active Duty Death Entitlements

Learn about the benefits for family members of fallen military

Family members of military personnel who die while serving on active duty, active duty for training (ADT), or initial duty training (IDT) may be eligible for several federal benefits, privileges or entitlements.

When a family is notified of the death of an active duty military member, they are assigned to a Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) whose sole job is to help the family through the process. If the CAR cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to the appropriate military official or government agency, or get the answer for you.

The following shows the benefits, privileges, and entitlements for active duty military family survivors.

Monetary Benefits

Family members of military personnel who die as a direct or indirect result of wartime or peacetime service are eligible to receive several types of federal benefits. Benefits to a spouse and children are paid regardless of economic need, except in the case of a nonservice-connected death pension. Benefits for parents who might otherwise be eligible are not paid if the parents have income in excess of a certain amount each year. Your CAR, the nearest VA or Social Security office will explain the benefits to you, the amounts that can be paid, and help you complete the required claim forms.

Death Gratuity

The military “death gratuity” is a lump sum gratuitous payment made by the military to eligible beneficiaries of a member who dies on Active Duty (AD), Active Duty for Training (ADT), or Initial Duty Training (IDT), or full-time National Guard duty. Its purpose is to help the survivors in their readjustment and to aid them in meeting immediate expenses incurred. The death gratuity payment is $12,420 and is non-taxable. For those whose death is as a result of hostile actions and occurred in a designated combat operation or combat zone or while training for combat or performing hazardous duty, the payment is $100,000.

The death gratuity payment is made to survivors of the deceased in this order:

  1. The member’s lawful surviving spouse. Payment delivered by the CAR assigned to the reporting or assistance base, within 24 hours of the member’s death, unless the surviving spouse desires other arrangements.
  2. If there is no spouse, to the child or children of the member, regardless of age or marital status, in equal shares (state laws guide payment to minor children). Payment for minor children is made by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) within 30 days after they have received the required claim form and supporting documentation.

The death gratuity is not paid to any other person when there are no survivors as listed above. A will is not a legal designation for death gratuity since such payment is not an allowance or a debt due to the member and cannot be part of the member’s estate. The claim form required to apply for this benefit is DD Form 397, Claim Certification and Voucher for Death Gratuity Payment.

Unpaid Pay and Allowances

Upon the death of an active duty member, any pay and allowances due, but not paid to the member, are paid to the designated beneficiary named on the member’s DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data.

Unpaid pay and allowances may include unpaid basic pay, payment for up to 60 days of accrued leave, amounts due for travel, per diem expenses, transportation of eligible family members, shipment of household goods, and unpaid installments of variable reenlistment bonuses. The decedent’s pay record is completely audited by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and a check for any amount due is issued to the designated beneficiary. When there is no written designation by the member, any money due is paid to the first eligible recipient in the following order:

  • The member’s lawful surviving spouse.
  • If there is no spouse, to the child or children of the member and descendants of deceased children, on their behalf.
  • If none of the above, to the parents of the member in equal shares or the surviving parent.
  • If none of the above, to the duly appointed legal representative of the member’s estate.
  • If none of the above, to the person(s) determined to be entitled under the laws of the state in which the member was domiciled.

The claim form required to apply for this benefit is Standard Form 1174, Claim for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Member of the Uniformed Services. Your CAR will help you complete the required claim form.

Family Housing

Eligible family members occupying government housing on the date the member dies may continue to occupy such housing without charge for a period of 365 days provided member’s death was in the line-of-duty. If they vacate the government housing before the 180 days are up, the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), is paid for the remaining unused days. If the family members are not occupying government housing, they may receive BAH or an overseas housing allowance for 180 days after the member’s death.

Your CAR will explain this entitlement to you and help you complete the required claim form.

Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI). The SGLI payment is $400,000 unless the member elected a lesser amount or declined coverage in writing. Monthly premium payments for the level of coverage selected by the member are automatically deducted from the member’s pay. Determination and payment of proceeds are made by the Office of Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance under the jurisdiction of the Department of VA.

Payment of proceeds to a beneficiary is exempt from taxation. The insured member may have designated as principal or contingent beneficiary any person, firm, corporation or legal entity, including their estate, individually or as a trustee. If the member designated a trust, they indicated the name and date of the trust in the beneficiary block. If the member designated a trust through a Will, they annotated “Last Will and Testament” in the beneficiary block.

If the member chose not to designate a specific beneficiary but preferred the proceeds be paid in the order of precedence, the member selected the “By Law” designation. When the “By Law” designation is used, the proceeds are automatically paid in the following order of precedence:

  • The member’s lawful surviving spouse.
  • If there is no spouse, to the child or children of the member in equal shares, with the share of any deceased child to be distributed among the descendants of that child.
  • If none of the above, to the parents of the member in equal shares or the surviving parent.
  • If none of the above, to the duly appointed executor or administrator of the member’s estate.
  • If none of the above, to other next of kin.

The claim form required to apply for this benefit is VA Form SGLV 8283, Claim for Death Benefits.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)

SBP is a monthly annuity paid by the military to the surviving spouse or, in some cases, eligible children, of a member who dies on active duty. 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 the member was retirement-eligible).

The annuity is reduced by the amount of the monthly DIC payment awarded and paid to the surviving spouse by the Department of VA. When the surviving spouse reaches age 62, the annuity is reduced to 35 percent. The annuity is paid until the spouse dies, but is suspended upon remarriage before age 55. The annuity to a surviving spouse may be reinstated if the subsequent marriage ends in death or divorce. The annuitant must send a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate to DFAS-DE to reinstate the annuity.

If a second SBP benefit resulted from the remarriage, the surviving spouse must elect which of the two SBP benefits to receive. Should the surviving spouse remarry at age 55 or older, the annuitant will continue to receive the monthly annuity. The surviving spouse must
notify DFAS-DE/FRB, 6760 E. Irvington Place, Denver CO 80279-6000, of any changes in marital status. Detailed information will be provided by your CAR and the DFAS-DE Center.

Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RCSBP)

It is a monthly annuity paid by the military to the surviving spouse or, in some cases, eligible children, of a Reserve Component member who dies and has completed the satisfactory years of service that qualified the member for retired pay at age 60. The member must have made an election within 90 days of notification of eligibility to participate in the program. Members of an Active Guard/Reserve 10211 (officer) or 12310 (enlisted) tour, are eligible to participate in the plan. Coverage is not automatic unless the member dies before the 90 day period established by law.

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 at age 60, reduced by the Reserve Portion Cost.

SBP and RCSBP Factors

Should the surviving spouse remarry before age 55, the annuity is paid in equal shares to eligible children under age 18, or under age 22 if a full-time student, unless handicapped. The coverage stops when there are no eligible children. A dependent child may be an adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, foster child, or recognized a natural child who lived with the member in a regular parent-child relationship. A child disabled before age 18, or before age 22 if a full-time student when the disability occurred, is an eligible beneficiary so long as the disability exists and the child remains incapable of self-support.

DFAS-DE reinstates a child’s annuity when a child between the ages of 18 and 22 reenters school on a full-time basis, or a disabling condition recurs making the child incapable of self-support. Marriage at any age terminates a child’s eligibility. The monthly annuity for children is 55 percent and is not reduced by DIC or when a disabled child attains age 62. Marriage at any age terminates a child’s eligibility.​

Survivor annuities are taxable income. You will receive a tax statement from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at the end of the year. The statement will show the full amount of the annuity payments you received and the total amount of tax withheld during the year.

Unless you elect otherwise, the amount of federal income tax withheld (FITW) will be as if you were a married individual claiming three exemptions. If you want your FITW changed at a later date, you must complete a new TD-Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments, showing the changes, and mail it to DFAS-DE/FRB, 6760 E. Irvington Place, Denver CO 80279-6000.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service withhold a 30 percent Federal income tax on annuities paid to nonresident aliens unless the beneficiary resides in a country that has a tax treaty with the United States specifying a different withholding rate. Address questions to the Internal Revenue Service, Assistant Commissioner (International), ATTN: IN:C:TPS, 950 L’Enfant Plaza South, SW, Washington DC 20024-2123, or contact the nearest American Embassy.

Annuities may be subject to Federal estate taxes. Beneficiaries should address tax questions to a legal assistance officer or the nearest Internal Revenue Service office.

A certificate of continued eligibility form will be sent to you each year prior to your birthday. Complete and return the form promptly so the Defense Finance and Accounting Service can continue your annuity without interruption. Read the instructions on the form and make sure you have completed it correctly. Sign and date the form and send it to DFAS-DE/FRB, 6760 E. Irvington Place, Denver CO 80279-6000.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Offset

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service reduces a surviving spouse’s annuity by the amount of DIC the VA awards and pays the surviving spouse. The SBP annuity is not reduced by the amount of a child’s DIC entitlement.

The claim forms required to apply for this benefit are DD Form 2656-4 (this form is not available electronically), TD-Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Pension or Annuity Payments, (available from the Post Office or IRS), and SF 1199A, Direct Deposit Sign-Up Form. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service may require additional documents to establish an annuity (i.e., Representative Payee documentation; school certification; physician’s statement for a disabled child over age 18).

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

The DIC payments may be authorized for surviving spouses who have not remarried, unmarried children under age 18, disabled children, children between the age of 18 and 23 if attending a VA-approved school, and low-income parents of servicemembers who die from:

  • A disease or injury incurred or aggravated while on active duty or active duty for training.
  • An injury incurred or aggravated in line of duty while on inactive duty training.
  • A disability compensable by the Veterans’ Affairs.

DIC paid to a surviving spouse is not based on the member’s military pay grade. The amount paid for a spouse with one or more children of the deceased is increased for each child. The amount of the DIC payment for parents vary according to the number of parents, the amount of their individual or combined total annual income, and whether they live together or if remarried, living with a spouse. The surviving spouse and parents who receive DIC may be granted a special allowance for aid and attendance if a patient is in a nursing home, disabled, or blind and needs or requires the regular aid and attendance of another person.

If they are not so disabled as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person but who, due to disability, are permanently housebound, they may be granted additional special allowances. DIC payments to a surviving spouse are payable for life, as long as the spouse does not remarry. Should the surviving spouse remarry, payments are terminated for life? Your CAR or the nearest VA office will explain the benefit to you, the amounts that can be paid, and help you complete the required claim forms.

The claim form when applying for this benefit is VA Form 21-534, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation or Death Pension Accrued Benefits by Surviving Spouse or Child, or VA Form 21-535, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by Parent(s).

Denial of Claim for DIC

If the VA denies your claim for DIC benefits, you may file an appeal with the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. The appeal must be filed within one year from the date of the notification of a VA decision to file an appeal. The first step in the appeal process is for you to file a written notice of disagreement with the VA regional office that made the decision. It is a written statement that you disagree with the VA’s decision. Following receipt of the written notice, the VA will furnish you a “Statement of the Case” describing what facts, laws, and regulations were used in deciding the case.

To complete the request for appeal, you must file a “Substantive Appeal” within 60 days of the mailing of the Statement of Case, or within one year from the date, the VA mailed its decision, whichever period ends later. Your CAR or the nearest VA office will help you file a written notice of disagreement with the VARO (Veteran Affairs Regional Office) that made the decision.

Nonservice-Connected Death Pension

If the VARO determines that you are not eligible for DIC, you may be eligible to apply for a nonservice-connected death pension. Surviving spouses and unmarried children under age 18, age 23 if attending a VA-approved school, of deceased members with wartime service may be eligible for this pension if they meet income limitations prescribed by law. Qualifying children who become incapable of self-support because of a disability before age 18 may be eligible for a pension as long as the condition exists unless the child marries or the child’s income exceeds the income limit.

The rate of the pension depends on the amount of income the surviving spouse or child receives from other sources. A pension is not payable to those whose estates are so large that it is reasonable to assume the estate will maintain them financially. Eligible survivors should make application through the local VA office. The VA will determine your eligibility.

Montgomery GI Bill Death Benefit

The VA will pay a special Montgomery GI Bill death benefit to a designated survivor in the event of the service-connected death of an individual while on active duty. The deceased must either have been entitled to educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill program, or a participant in the program who would have been so entitled but for the high school diploma or length of service requirement. The amount paid will be equal to the deceased member’s actual military pay reduction less any educational benefits paid.

If you are eligible to receive the death benefit, submit a letter, along with proof of relationship and a copy of the DD Form 1300, Report of Casualty, to the appropriate VA Regional Office. The death benefit is made in “by-law” fashion to the spouse, children, and parents, and will not be paid to anyone else in the “by-law” chain. Your CAR or the nearest VA office can help you apply for a refund of contributions.

Social Security Payments

Social Security monthly benefits are paid to a spouse or a divorced spouse, age 60 or over; a spouse or divorced spouse regardless of age with children of the decedent under age 16 or disabled in their care and meeting social security requirements.

A divorced spouse must have been married to the service member at least 10 years. Monthly payments are also paid to children until age 18 or 19 if a full-time student at a primary or secondary school, or age 18 or older and disabled before age 18. Spouses waiting until age 65 to apply for Social Security receive maximum benefits. However, they can receive reduced Social Security payments between ages 60 and 65.

Dependent parents are eligible for benefits at age 62 if they were more than 50 percent dependent on the deceased service member for their support. The amount paid can only be determined by the Social Security Administration, which has a record of the wages earned by the member during the period of both military and civilian employment under the Social Security Program. To receive this benefit, eligible survivors should make application to the nearest Social Security office. They will explain the benefit, determine your eligibility, the amounts that can be paid, and help you complete the required claim forms.

You should apply early, as the law generally permits retroactive payments of 12 months.

Social Security Lump Sum Death Payment

The Social Security Administration pays a lump-sum death payment, up to $255, to the surviving spouse living with the member at the time of death. Separation because of military service, is considered living together. If there is no surviving spouse, it is paid to the oldest child who was eligible for or entitled to Social Security benefits for the month of death, based upon the deceased member’s earnings. No other survivors are entitled to this benefit. This benefit is paid regardless if burial, funeral, or memorial benefits were paid by the military.

To receive this benefit, eligible survivors must make application to the nearest Social Security office. They will explain the benefit, determine your eligibility, the amount that can be paid, and help you complete the required claim forms.

48 stores and brands that offer military discounts all year long — including Under Armour, Nike, and L.L.Bean

Those that serve in the Armed Services (and by connection, their families) sacrifice much in the name of the Greater Good.

And though it seems nearly impossible to thank them for that, retailers have at least adopted the practice of offering special discounts to servicemen and women and immediate family members in an effort to lighten the loads they can, in gratitude for those that they cannot.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up a list of stores offering military discounts year-round below to make them easier to navigate. And though there are a good amount listed, it’s always a good practice to ask at any store you’re shopping at since many don’t advertise, or in case they require in-person verification.

Check out all the stores that offer military discounts year-round:

Clothes, shoes, and accessories

Clothes, shoes, and accessories

Eddie Bauer: 15% off most merchandise when you show your military ID.

Abercrombie & Fitch: 10-15% off at manager’s discretion on in-store purchases.

American Eagle Outfitters: 10-15% off at manager’s discretion on in-store purchases.

Allen Edmonds:  15% off regularly priced merchandise after ID validation.

Banana Republic: 10% off on the first of every month when you show military ID, though it may vary by location.

Bonobos: 15% military discount to active-duty men and women and veterans.

Cole Haan:  20% off for veterans and active duty members.

Columbia Sportswear: 10% military discount on online orders.

Kohl’s: 15% off at participating locations.

Tommy John: 20% off for military and first responders. Verify eligibility here.

Tommy Hilfiger: 15% off for students, teachers, and military members.

Under Armour: 10% off online and in-store for Active Duty, Retirees, Military Spouses, Military Family Members, as well as a 10% discount for First Responders, active Police, Fire, and EMT customers. Verify yourself here to get the discount online.

Gap: 10% off on the first of every month when you show military ID, though it may vary by location.

Old Navy: 10% off on the first of every month when you show military ID, though it may vary by location.

GlassesUSA: 30% off for active duty, veterans, and family members who use their online ID verification program.

Hanes Outlet Store: 10% off with military ID.

Champs Sports: 20% discount in-stores or online. If shopping online, simply select “Use Military Discount” at checkout to verify your eligibility.

Columbia Sportswear: 15% discount for active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and dependents in stores.

Carhartt: 10% military discount for service members, veterans, and families with ID card in stores only.

Nike: 10% discount for active, retired, reservist US Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard personnel online and in stores in the US. Verify your eligibility here.

Timberland: 20% discount on online and in-store orders. For online orders, you can contact customer service for verification.

Roxy: 15% discount on apparel and surfing supplies.

L.L.Bean: 10% discount to anyone with a valid military ID at most stores.

Foot Locker: 20% off most purchases. During checkout, click on “Use Military Discount” link and follow instructions.

Payless Shoes: 10% discount on in-store purchases and free shipping to military locations.

TOMS Shoes: 10% discount. Verify your eligibility here.

Dagne Dover: 20% off your handbag purchases. To get the discount, just fill out this form with your official military email address and the company will send you a 20% off discount code.

Moosejaw: 20% off for military members.

Phone and internet

Phone and internet

T-Mobile: 50% off family lines for military personnel. 20% off the standard $70-a-month plan ($55) with AutoPay.

AT&T: 15% discount on monthly plan charge.

Sprint: 50% off military family lines.

Verizon Wireless: 15% discount on monthly plans and a 25% discount on accessories.  All government employees including active duty, reserves, and national guard are eligible.  This discount is also extended to retired military, veterans and their families through Veterans Advantage.

Tech

Tech

Apple Store: Discounts vary

Best Buy: discounts are available at some locations, typically 10% off. Best Buy offers half off Geek Squad services for military families.

Microsoft: 10% off on select products for active, former, and retired military personnel and their families.

Dell: 15% off with special coupon.

Home and hardware

Home and hardware


Overstock: Get a free Club O membership and receive 5% reward dollars for every purchase, free shipping, and extra reward dollars.

Home Depot: 10% discount, up to a $500 maximum, year-round at all stores to active duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families.

Brooklyn Bedding: 25% off the retail price of any sleep products, including mattresses.

Leesa Mattresses: 12.5% off for military, first responders, students, and teachers.

Lowes: 10% off eligible purchases.

Sherwin Williams: Get 15% off on paints, stains, and painting supplies to those currently serving, are reservists, or have served in the military. a discount on your painting needs depending on the location of the store.

Eight Sleep: Get 10% off any product, including custom smart mattresses if you’re a firefighter, EMT, or part of the military or police.

Insurance, car rentals, and travel

Insurance, car rentals, and travel


American Express: Get annual fees waived on any charge or credit card, including the Platinum Card, which offers a number of perks, benefits, and freebies.

Liberty Mutual Insurance: 10% discount on auto insurance and 5% off of homeowner’s insurance for Veterans Advantage members, with an additional 4% off your coverage if you’re a veteran or current member of the US military.

Geico: 2% – 15% discount in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas.

AutoZone: Discount varies, so just ask and have a valid military ID on hand.

Avis: Up to 25% off for U.S military veterans, active duty military, National Guard & Reservists and family.

GM Military Discount

“Recognizing your commitment with one of our own.”

The men and women of the U.S. Military are devoted to giving their all in the line of duty. In recognition of this bravery, the GM Military Discount is their promise to give service members the vehicle savings they deserve. Read on to start saving hundreds, even thousands, on a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac — with our lasting gratitude.

Find out about their discounts here

Who is eligible for the GM Military Discount?

Exclusive pricing on eligible, new vehicles is available to the following: Active Duty members, Reservists, National Guard members, Veterans within three years of discharge date and Retirees of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

Which vehicles are eligible for the GM Military Discount?

Many new and unused 2019 and 2018 GM cars; SUVs; crossovers; midsize, light-duty and HD pickup trucks; and passenger and cargo vans are eligible. See a list of eligible vehicles. Vehicle eligibility may change over time, so check before you buy.

Can you share the GM Military Discount?

Yes, you can share the discount with your spouse and household members.

Cheap Lodging for Military Families

From PCS moves to vacations to cross-country trips to visit friends and relatives, military families rarely stay put for long. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for cheap places to stay during those times when we’re not at home.

Here are some great deals for military families to find cheap lodging on the go:

Installation Lodging

Most military installations offer temporary, space-available lodging for low prices, such as Navy Lodges, Air Force Inns, Army Lodging, Inns of the Corps. These facilities are typically geared toward service members traveling on orders or families who are PCSing. Reservation policies vary between service branches and facilities so call ahead for more information.

Armed Forces Recreation Centers

Thinking about organizing a unique vacation? Stationed overseas and wondering where you can stay while exploring a new country? Check into AFRCs.

Armed Forces Recreation Centers, or AFRCs, are Joint Service Facilities operated by the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs. These affordable full-service resort hotels are located at vacation destinations throughout the world, and they’re available to service members and their families. Room rates are based on rank, pay grade, duty status, room size, and/or room location. Try to make your reservations well in advance because the facilities tend to fill up quickly.

Where exactly are these AFRCs located?

Probably the best known AFRC is the Shades of Green Resort, which is in Orlando, Florida within Walt Disney World. Not only do you get affordable prices on room rates, but you can also get discounted tickets for all Disney World venues, complimentary bus transportation to the Disney World Theme parks, and early entry into select parks.

The other AFRCs include the Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, the Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, Korea, and the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany. Another option is the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, which is operated by the Navy.

Military Campgrounds

Are you looking for more of an outdoor adventure for your overnight needs? Some military installations have cottages, cabins, and townhomes that can be used for vacation rentals. And some bases even have military campgrounds and RV parks that provide things like BBQ areas, laundry and play areas for the kids.

Military Discounts at Hotels

For those times when your travels take you nowhere near a military installation, plan your overnight stay at hotels that offer military discounts. Many hotels offer military rates, including:

  • Best Western
  • Choice Hotels
  • Comfort Inn
  • Embassy Suites
  • Hampton
  • Hawthorn Suites
  • Hilton Hotels and Resorts
  • InterContinental Hotels Group
  • La Quinta
  • Marriott
  • Motel 6
  • Red Lion Hotels
  • Red Roof Inn
  • Sleep Inn

But even if you find a hotel that doesn’t advertise a military discount, make sure to ask for one. You never know. That cute little bed and breakfast you stumbled upon might give you a discount just for asking.

How to Find Cheap Military Flights and Baggage Discounts

Military families are always on the go. That’s why they’re always on the lookout for cheap airline flights to make travel easier on their bank accounts.

One cheap way to fly is Space Available, or Space A. However, these flights frequently change and seats aren’t always available, so your schedule has to be very flexible. (Visit Air Mobility Command for more information on Space A flights.)

Fortunately, there are several airlines that offer military discounts on airfare. Keep in mind that some of these discounts are unadvertised and may not be available online, so be prepared to call the airlines directly to ask about their military rates.

Whether you’re traveling on orders or for leisure, you can find discounted rates on flights as well as discounts on checked baggage with the following airlines. (And don’t forget that TSA also salutes the military by offering expedited screening. Learn more at the TSA website.)

Airfare

Delta

Delta Air Lines has a long history of offering special rates for military personnel. They also offer special fares to family members traveling to meet an active duty service member. Call their reservations team and ask for the military desk.

JetBlue

JetBlue’s MIL fare allows active duty service personnel and their immediate family (spouses or children) to fly on JetBlue. Call 1-800-JETBLUE.

Southwest

Southwest offers military discounts to active military personnel and their families. Contact Southwest directly to take advantage of the discount.

Norfolk International Airport

The airlines serving Norfolk International Airport offer discounts to military travelers and their dependents. Call the airlines directly for information about schedules and fares and to make reservations.

Baggage

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers active duty military up to five free checked bags. This discount also applies to military dependents on travel orders.

Allegiant Airlines

Allegiant offers active duty military, Reservists and National Guard up to three pieces of checked baggage under 100 pounds for free and no charge for oversized checked baggage. Veterans and dependents of active duty or Reserve military, and National Guard get up to three pieces of checked baggage under 40 pounds for free and no charge for oversized checked baggage.

American Airlines

Active duty military personnel traveling on orders can check up to five complimentary bags (up to 100 pounds). When traveling for pleasure, you can check up to three complimentary bags (up to 50 pounds). Military dependents traveling on orders have the same privileges as military personnel.

Delta

Active duty military personnel traveling on orders may check up to five bags in Delta One/First class and five bags in Basic Economy up to 100 pounds. On military orders, your bags can be 80 inches (total length + width + height). For personal travel, active military may also check up to three bags in Delta One/First class (up to 70 pounds) and two bags in Basic Economy (up to 50 pounds). For personal travel, your bags can be 62 inches (total length + width + height).

JetBlue

Active military personnel and their dependents traveling on military orders are allowed to check five bags each at no additional cost. Active military personnel and their dependents traveling for leisure are allowed to check two bags each at no additional cost.

Military Children Scholarships

College Funding Assistance Comes from State Programs

The men and women who serve in the United States Military make remarkable sacrifices for their country. But the sacrifices of their families, particularly their children, often get overlooked. Children with a parent in the military may spend much of their childhood with an absent mother or father. Even when the family is not separated, children may spend a large portion of their school years moving from military base to military base, changing schools with each new deployment.

While there is no way to truly repay the service given the country by military personnel and their families, at the very least it is possible to provide financial assistance to those military children who are struggling to meet the rising costs of college tuition. Providing scholarships for the children of military service-personnel is one small way in which the people of the United States say thank you to the dedicated members of the armed forces and their families.

military scholarships

College Funding Assistance Comes from State Programs

Each state in the country has a department of higher education, and an office of veterans affairs. Most states offer some form of financial aid for the college aged children of military service-members. State sponsored scholarships are common for the children of active-duty, retired and deceased military personnel. Each state will offer its own programs, and each program will have its own distinctive set of requirements. Students are encouraged to contact their state’s Department of Higher Education, or Office of Veteran’s Affairs, to learn about scholarship programs for which they may be eligible.

The following selection of state supported scholarships for the children of military service-members will give students an idea of the types of programs that may be available in their state.

  • The Iowa War Orphans Scholarship provides financial assistance to the children of military personnel who were killed in combat. Applicants must have maintained an Iowa residency for at least 2 years, and must be enrolled at an approved state college, university or technical school. The annual award is $600. Students may reapply every year in which they meet eligibility requirements. Total lifetime awards can not exceed $3000.
  • The Minnesota State War Orphans Education Program provides tuition assistance to the biological or adopted children of military servicemen and women who have been killed in combat, or who have died as a result of wounds received while in combat. Applicants must be current residents of Minnesota, and must be attending an approved state college, university or technical school. Annual awards are $750. The scholarships is non-renewable, though students may reapply every year in which they meet eligibility requirements.
  • The Montana Department of Military Affairs supports a number of programs for the dependent children of military service personnel.Current programs include Scholarships for the Dependents of POW/MIA’s and Scholarships for the Children of Deceased Veterans. Applicants must be residents of Montana, and must be enrolled at an accredited state college or university.
  • The Texas Hazlewood Act provides up to 150 hours of tuition assistance to the dependent children of military veterans who were killed while on active duty. Applicants must be residents of the state of Texas, and must be between the ages of 18 and 25. To be eligible, students must not be receiving any other Federal Veteran Education Benefits.

Scholarship Opportunities Direct from the Armed Forces

Each branch of the United States Military offers scholarship, grants and tuition assistance for their enlisted personnel. Much of this financial aid also extends to the dependent children of active-duty, retired, disabled and deceased service-members. The following examples highlight the variety of programs directly supported by the armed forces themselves.

  • The Survivors and Dependents Assistance Program is supported by the U.S. Army, and offers financial assistance to the dependent children of Army personnel who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. The program also provides financial aid to children of personnel listed as missing in action, or declared prisoners of war. The program provides 45 hours of tuition assistance to eligible students enrolled in approved undergraduate, graduate or vocational studies.
  • The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program provides financial assistance to the college-bound children of active-duty and retired Air Force personnel. Awards are determined on the basis of need. Maximum grant allowances currently stand at $2000.
  • The Scholarship for Air Force Enlisted Member’s Dependent Children is supported by the Air Force Sergeants Association and the Airmen Memorial Foundation. The program provides scholarships to the children of active-duty, retired and veteran Air Force personnel. Awards are determined by academic achievement, and community service. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $3000.
  • The NMCRS Gold Star Scholarship is supported by the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society. The scholarship program provides financial assistance to the children of Navy and Marine personnel who were killed in the line of duty. Applicants must demonstrate the requisite level of financial need, and must have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Awards range from $500 to $2500 per academic year.
  • The Scholarships for Military Children Program provides scholarships to the children of active-duty, retired, deceased or reservist military personnel. The program is administered through the commissaries of military bases around the world. Each commissary awards one $1500 scholarship per year. Eligible students must be under the age of 21, and must be enrolled full time at an accredited college or university.
  • The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill & Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry Scholarship is sponsored in cooperation with the Freedom Alliance. The scholarship provides educational benefits to the children of military personnel who were killed, or disabled, in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Awards amounts vary, and can be applied at any accredited college, university or technical school.

The sacrifices made by military families can only really be understood by those who have experienced them. As outsiders we can sympathize, but never totally empathize, with the challenges they face on a regular basis. Scholarships, grants and tuition assistance programs are a small way of paying tribute to the dedication and selflessness of military servicemen and women, and their families.

The financial aid programs discussed here are only a sampling of the education benefits available to the dependent children of military personnel. Students can find more information through their college’s office of financial aid, and through their state’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs.