MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- (Editor's Note: This article's purpose is to provide a basic overview of benefits available.)The untimely death of a military spouse is devastating to a family. However, in the family's time of need, many benefits are available to surviving family members of active duty personnel.SGLI (Servicemen's Group Life Insurance)Life insurance in the amount up to $250,000 is provided to each service member at a discounted premium rate, unless the member specifically chooses a lesser amount.Death GratuityThe death gratuity benefit provides a $6,000 lump sum payment for the survivors of a member who dies while on active duty, or within 120 days after release, if the death resulted from a disease or injury incurred while on active duty.Social Security PaymentsSocial security in a lump sum payment of $255 is paid to the surviving spouse. Additionally, the surviving spouse and/or family members may be entitled to monthly survivor benefit payments upon the death of the service member. A spouse under the age of 60 must be caring for children under 16 to qualify. A spouse who has reached age 60 qualifies for payments based upon the death of the service member. Children independently qualify for payments if they are under 18. The amount the family will receive depends on the deceased service member's average lifetime earnings. The higher the earnings, the higher the benefits received. Military Burial BenefitsAll active duty personnel are entitled to be buried in a national cemetery. This entitlement is on a space available basis, but if the service member is eligible, the government will provide a headstone and a grave liner. Additionally, up to $6,075 is available for the primary and secondary expenses related to the funeral and burial. Unpaid Pay and AllowancesIf no designation is made by the service member, unpaid pay and allowances go to the spouse, then children, then parents and finally to the estate. Survivor Benefit PlanThe Survivor Benefit Plan is a program designed to provide income protection to spouses, dependent survivors, or former spouses of service members who die in retirement or on active duty. For those service members who die on active duty, the initial payment to a surviving spouse under the age of 62 is generally equal to 41.25 percent of that deceased member's base pay. The payments are reduced by the amount of the monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation that is paid to the surviving spouse. For active duty deaths, when the surviving spouse reaches age 62, the payment is reduced to 26.25 percent of the deceased member's base pay. It is paid until the spouse dies, but is suspended upon remarriage before age 55. In such a case, the payments are made in equal shares to eligible children under age 18, or under age 22 if a full-time student. Should the surviving spouse remarry at age 55 or older, the surviving spouse will continue to receive the monthly payment. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)The Department of Veteran's Affairs pays a lifetime payment per month for surviving family members of an active duty or retired service member. Presently, the benefit is a flat rate monthly payment of $948, regardless of rank, to the surviving spouse. Lesser amounts are paid to the surviving children, depending upon the number of children, if there is no surviving spouse. Payments commence following application to the VA. Dependent's Educational Assistance (DEA)If the family qualifies for DIC, the family can also apply for Dependent's Educational Assistance. The VA will pay for up to 45 months of educational benefits for spouses and children under 26, at the rate of $680 per month for full-time study. Generally, a spouse has 10 years from the date of death to use the benefit. For a child, the benefit must be used between the ages of 18-26 years. GI BillThe VA will pay a special Montgomery GI Bill death benefit to a designated survivor in the event of the service-connected death of an active duty GI Bill participant. Veterans' Administration Death PensionIf the service member served at least 90 days during designated periods of war and the surviving family is of limited income, then the family may qualify for this pension. The length of marriage and assets will determine the amount of the pension. Loans/GrantsThe Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society offers qualifying family members financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans or grants during personal and family emergencies. Aid may be received for such purposes as food, rent, utilities, essential car repair and certain medical and dental care. The assistance is temporary and based on immediate needs. HousingIf the member's death was in the line-of-duty, family members will be allowed to occupy base housing without charge for a period of 180 days. If the family vacates base housing prior to the expiration of the 180 days, basic allowance for housing will be paid for the unused days. If the family was not living on base, BAH or the overseas housing allowance will continue for 180 days after the member's death. Legal AssistanceEligible family members may obtain legal advice in connection with settling the estate of the deceased member. Medical BenefitsEligible family members may receive inpatient and outpatient care, including pharmacy services at uniformed services medical treatment facilities for a period of three years after their active duty sponsor dies. Coverage ceases upon a remarriage to someone outside the uniformed services. Commissary and Exchange PrivilegesSubject to the installation commander's determination of availability, the unmarried surviving spouse is eligible for commissary and exchange privileges.State BenefitsMany states have passed laws providing for benefits that can include bonuses, educational assistance, employment opportunities, tax relief, and others. Local government and VA officials should be contacted. For further information concerning these rights and benefits, contact the MCB Hawaii Legal Assistance Office at (808) 257-4038, ext. 242. General VA Benefit questions can be answered by visiting the Veteran's Administration Web site at www.va.gov, or by calling 1-800-827-1000.