Jones Introduces The Military Retiree Survivior COmfort Act

JONES INTRODUCES THE MILITARY RETIREE SURVIVOR COMFORT ACT

This week, Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones introduced H.R. 657, the Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act. This legislation is a simple fix that would provide relief to surviving beneficiaries of military retirees.

Federal regulations require the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) to terminate payment of retired pay upon notification of the retiree's death. Once the surviving spouse or beneficiary notifies the finance center, DFAS then electronically withdraws the entirety of the last payment from the deceased retiree's checking account. Several weeks later, the retiree's beneficiary will receive a check in the mail containing a pro-rated portion of the military pay for the days for which the retiree was still living.

"The current process pays military retirees for when they are alive, but it can have an adverse impact on the retiree's beneficiary upon their death. When the retirement pay is deposited, they use those funds to make payment on items such as mortgages, medical expenses, or other living expenses," Congressman Jones said. "Automatically withdrawing those funds can inadvertently cause essential payments to bounce and place great financial strain on a beneficiary already faced with the prospect of additional costs associated with their loved one's death."

"While we take great pride in the service of our men and women in uniform, many times we fail to give proper recognition to the immense sacrifices military families make as a whole. In many respects, a military spouse has provided service and sacrifices equal to the military members themselves. While they may not face the perils of combat - they often raise families alone, endure long separations, and provide a safety net for other military families," Congressman Jones added. "H.R. 657 seeks to recognize that sacrifice by forgiving the overpayment made to the surviving beneficiary if that beneficiary has a joint bank account with the military retiree. In order to offset some of the minimal cost, the recipient receiving the overpayment would forgo the first month of Survivor Benefit Plan payments. The individual amounts will be small, but they will provide great comfort to those who are already suffering a loss."

In offering this legislation, Congressman Jones is honored to have the support of the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), a nonprofit organization comprised of approximately 151,000 enlisted personnel (active duty, reserve, and retired) of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

"The FRA salutes Congressman Jones for his continuing leadership on this very important issue," said FRA National Executive Secretary Joe Barnes. "FRA believes H.R. 657 relieves a financial burden during what is unquestionably a very difficult time for surviving spouses and is an expression of appreciation for the years of sacrifice unselfishly given to the Nation and its citizens."

For additional information please contact Kathleen Joyce in Congressman Walter B. Jones' office at (202) 225-3415.

http://jones.house.gov/release.cfm?id=499