Long Term Assistance Program Newsletter – October 2024

Navigating Benefit Changes: What Happens When Your Child Turns 18?

Turning 18 is a milestone for any young adult, but for surviving military children, it also brings about benefit eligibility changes. Two of the benefits affected are Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) through the Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS).

DIC is a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors. When surviving children turn 18, they are no longer considered dependent children for DIC purposes. However, if the children are still attending high school at the time of their 18th birthday, they can continue to receive DIC until they:

• Start receiving VA education benefits.
• Are no longer attending school.
• Turn 23.

To continue receiving DIC, the parent or guardian should complete VA Form 21-674, along with a new direct deposit form, no more than 60 days prior to the child’s birthday. If the form is completed and returned to the VA after the child has turned 18, the child should complete the form. Children have one year from their 18th birthday to submit the required forms to the VA.

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides an ongoing monthly annuity payment to military spouses or dependent children of a military member who died on or after Sept. 10, 2001, while on active duty, and the death was determined to be in the line of duty. Please note that as of Jan. 1, 2023, child annuitants are only eligible for SBP if there is no eligible surviving spouse. For high school or college students turning 18 years old, DFAS will mail a school certification form, along with a direct deposit form 60-90 days prior to the annuitant’s 18th birthday. The annuitant’s parent or guardian should return the completed forms to DFAS prior to the first day of the month of the child annuitant’s 18th birthday. The annuity payment will be stopped if DFAS does not receive the required forms prior to the child annuitant’s 18th birthday.

Moving forward, child annuitants who plan to attend college should complete the DD 2788 form, plus the Child Annuitant’s Certification for Previous Attendance letter, annually until they turn 23 or stop attending school. These two documents can be uploaded to DFAS by using the askDFAS Online Upload Tool and clicking DD 2788-Child Ann School Cert-Upload.

Understanding the shift in benefit eligibility for surviving children after they turn 18 and preparing for the changes can help ensure a smoother transition into adulthood and continued success for these deserving individuals. Please reach out to the Marine Corps’ Long Term Assistance Program (LTAP) with any additional questions.

Employment Resources

Obtaining employment can be a stressful time for anyone, but it can be especially stressful for those who have had a recent life change, such as the loss of a loved one. Below you will find a few resources that may be available to you to support your employment needs.

• Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program aims to provide employment opportunities for Gold Star families, veterans, and active-duty spouses. These positions are offered around the country and are paid two-year terms. For more information on eligibility requirements and open positions, please visit the Green & Gold Congressional Aide Program website.
• Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) is a Department of Defense program that aims to provide career guidance to military spouses worldwide. For more information, please visit the SECO website.
• The Sugar Bear Foundation’s mission is “to support the surviving spouses and children of fallen United States military personnel by providing career, educational, and financial programs to help meet their immediate and ongoing needs, fostering their personal, emotional and social well-being.” To enroll in one of their career focused programs, please visit the Sugar Bear Foundation Gold Star Registry.
• Military Spouse Jobs has a Survivor, Goldstar, and Caregiver Employment Network to assist military affiliated survivors with their employment needs. For more information on qualifying for their services, please contact them at 877-696-7226, askus@militaryspousejobs.org, or visit their website for more information.

Heartfelt Ways to Honor the Legacy of Your Marine During the Holidays

Honoring a loved one who has served during the holidays can be a deeply meaningful way for surviving families to remember and celebrate their Marine’s life and sacrifice. Here are some ways to honor their legacy during this upcoming holiday season:

• Participate in memorial events, such as Wreaths Across America. Volunteer to place a wreath on your Marine’s grave or on the graves of other fallen service members. For more information, please visit their website.
• Create a tribute:
  • Memory Tree: Decorate a special holiday tree with ornaments that represent your Marine’s life and achievements. You can also add personal notes or photos.
  • Memory Box: Create a box filled with items that remind you of your Marine, such as letters, photos, and mementos, and place it somewhere special during the holidays.
• Support charitable causes by donating to or volunteering at an organization that is meaningful to you.
• Share your Marine’s story by attending a community event or sharing the memory on social media.
• Personal Remembrance
  • Holiday traditions: Incorporate their favorite traditions or activities into your holiday celebrations. Prepare a favorite meal, watch a movie your Marine loved, or visit a place with a special meaning.
  • Storytelling: Share stores and memories about your Marine with family and friends at holiday gatherings to keep the legacy going.
• Write letters or notes to your Marine expressing your thoughts, feelings, and updates about family life. Place these letters in a special spot or keep them in a memory box.

Honoring a loved one during the holidays can be a personal and unique experience. The key is to find meaningful ways that resonate with you and your family, ensuring that your Marine’s memory remains a cherished part of your holiday traditions.

Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day Message 2024

USMC Surviving Families, please visit the link below for a message from General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps.

GOLD STAR MOTHER’S AND FAMILY’S DAY MESSAGE 2024 (marines.mil)