Casualty Assistance Casualty Assistance Calls Officer TrainingCalls Officer Training

U. S. Coast GuardU. S. Coast Guard

Intro 1Intro 1

Q. Why have casualty assistance?Q. Why have casualty assistance? A. Congress and Commandant says A. Congress and Commandant says

so plus moral reasoningso plus moral reasoning Q. What is a CACO?Q. What is a CACO? A. Casualty Assistance Calls Officer A. Casualty Assistance Calls Officer

(Coast Guard Liaison to the NOK)(Coast Guard Liaison to the NOK)

Intro 2Intro 2

Q. Who is the best choice for CACO? Q. Who is the best choice for CACO? A. Junior Officers (LTJG and above), A. Junior Officers (LTJG and above),

Chiefs, pay-grade match. Chiefs, pay-grade match. Q. Why not the XO or CO? Q. Why not the XO or CO? A. span of control, allow CPO/JO’s the A. span of control, allow CPO/JO’s the

experience. Still have a unit to run experience. Still have a unit to run and the CO’s 48-hour letter to write.and the CO’s 48-hour letter to write.

Intro 3Intro 3

Q. Where is my help?Q. Where is my help? A. CPO mess, wardroom, chaplain, A. CPO mess, wardroom, chaplain,

work-life, DAO, admin, funeral homework-life, DAO, admin, funeral home Q. When do we assign a CACO?Q. When do we assign a CACO? A. gen. speaking: AD/reserve death, A. gen. speaking: AD/reserve death,

spousal/child death, AD VSI/SI, spousal/child death, AD VSI/SI, missing, DUSTWUN (duty-status missing, DUSTWUN (duty-status whereabouts unknown: temp status whereabouts unknown: temp status during active search case)during active search case)

What a CACO doesn’t doWhat a CACO doesn’t do

Funeral Honors Funeral Honors Honor Guard Honor Guard Memorial Service Memorial Service Unit Unit Planeside Honors Planeside Honors Honor Guard Honor Guard Presentation of Investigation Presentation of Investigation HQ HQ

CACO PreparationCACO Preparation

CACO Checklist.CACO Checklist. Keep Log on Army Form-1594.Keep Log on Army Form-1594. No Grief Issues last 12 months. No Grief Issues last 12 months. Cell phone and Charge Card. Cell phone and Charge Card. Mental and Physical Fitness.Mental and Physical Fitness. CACO authorized TDY with internet plus CACO authorized TDY with internet plus

rental vehicle.rental vehicle. How to touch: shoulder, elbow, wrist.How to touch: shoulder, elbow, wrist. Uncle Joe the Veteran; who’s in charge? Uncle Joe the Veteran; who’s in charge?

The NOK – direct decision back to NOK. The NOK – direct decision back to NOK.

Official CACO Phases AD DeathOfficial CACO Phases AD Death(in a nutshell)(in a nutshell)

Phase A: Notification Visit.Phase A: Notification Visit. Phase B1: Funeral Arrangements.Phase B1: Funeral Arrangements. Phase B2: Survivor Benefits Visit.Phase B2: Survivor Benefits Visit. Phase C: Adjustment Phase C: Adjustment Phase D: Case ManagementPhase D: Case Management

Very Seriously InjuredVery Seriously Injuredor Seriously Injuredor Seriously Injured

VSI: likely to die within 72 hours.VSI: likely to die within 72 hours. SI: may die within 72 hours or, SI: may die within 72 hours or,

life-altering injury. life-altering injury. DOD definition for all services.DOD definition for all services. Medical determination for admin Medical determination for admin

purpose, not HIPAA-restricted.purpose, not HIPAA-restricted. Family travel entitlement upon Family travel entitlement upon

determination under JFTR U5246.determination under JFTR U5246.

JFTR U5246JFTR U5246

[abridged] [abridged] not more than three family members of a member may be provided transportation for one round-trip and per diem under par. U5246 as determined by appropriate authority. Transportation for one round-trip and per diem is authorized to visit an active duty member who is seriously ill, seriously injured or in a situation of imminent death, whether or not electrical brain activity still exists or brain death is declared, and who is hospitalized in a medical facility anywhere in the world.

Un-official CACO Phases AD InjuryUn-official CACO Phases AD Injury

Phase 1: Notification.Phase 1: Notification. Phase 2: Meet NOK at airport. Phase 2: Meet NOK at airport. Phase 3: Assist family locally. Phase 3: Assist family locally. Phase 4: Resolution: recovery, death, Phase 4: Resolution: recovery, death,

patient is moved. patient is moved.

Who is NOK?Who is NOK? Primary Next-of-Kin (PNOK)Primary Next-of-Kin (PNOK) If married, spouse is always PNOKIf married, spouse is always PNOK

– Even if estranged, divorcing, etc.Even if estranged, divorcing, etc.– Ex-spouse is not a spouseEx-spouse is not a spouse

If no spouse then kids are PNOKIf no spouse then kids are PNOK– Eldest adult child may be PADD, etc.Eldest adult child may be PADD, etc.

If no kids then parents are PNOKIf no kids then parents are PNOK– Two parents, together, looks like 1 PNOKTwo parents, together, looks like 1 PNOK– Two parents, apart: definitely 2 PNOKTwo parents, apart: definitely 2 PNOK

If no parents then eldest sibling is PNOKIf no parents then eldest sibling is PNOK Recognize difference of PNOK vs PADDRecognize difference of PNOK vs PADD

Parents are not second classParents are not second class

Never ignore parentsNever ignore parents Always notify parents. Always. Always notify parents. Always. Secondary Next-of-Kin (SNOK)Secondary Next-of-Kin (SNOK)

– Next step down the order of precedenceNext step down the order of precedence– Parents may be PNOK or SNOKParents may be PNOK or SNOK– Parents are never less than SNOKParents are never less than SNOK– Parents are always significantParents are always significant– Be very alert for feuding parentsBe very alert for feuding parents

Family mbrs on AD should be notifiedFamily mbrs on AD should be notified

And everyone elseAnd everyone else

““Tertiary Next-of-Kin” TNOKTertiary Next-of-Kin” TNOK– Unofficial term—the rest of the clanUnofficial term—the rest of the clan

Fiancée & Fiancé Fiancée & Fiancé – Technically not NOK but deserve respectTechnically not NOK but deserve respect– May have property in common, etc. May have property in common, etc.

There may be a “partner”There may be a “partner”– ““don’t ask, don’t tell”don’t ask, don’t tell”

Show dignity to allShow dignity to all

Phase A: NOK NotificationPhase A: NOK NotificationMessage released within four hours UNCLAS FOUO no exceptions. Message released within four hours UNCLAS FOUO no exceptions.

#1 Casualty Timeline: AD Death #1 Casualty Timeline: AD Death

Death Death ID ID casualty msg (4 hrs). casualty msg (4 hrs). LOD Determination: PENDING. LOD Determination: PENDING. HQ HQ D17 D17 DAO DAO XO. XO. XO selects CACO.XO selects CACO. Admin prepares notification letter.Admin prepares notification letter.

– Sometimes just condolence letter.Sometimes just condolence letter. Notification occurs.Notification occurs.

#2 Casualty Timeline: AD SI/VSI#2 Casualty Timeline: AD SI/VSI

Injury occurs. Injury occurs. Identification.Identification. Casualty message released (4 hrs).Casualty message released (4 hrs). LOD Determination: PENDING. LOD Determination: PENDING. XO notifies next-of-kin by telephone.XO notifies next-of-kin by telephone. Admin prepares notification letter.Admin prepares notification letter. USCG makes travel arrangements. USCG makes travel arrangements. CACO meets family at airport. CACO meets family at airport.

#3 Casualty Timeline: SPECPAT #3 Casualty Timeline: SPECPAT Suicide attempt occurs: SI/VSI.Suicide attempt occurs: SI/VSI.

– SPECial PATient due to suicide attempt. SPECial PATient due to suicide attempt. Identification.Identification. Casualty message released (4 hrs).Casualty message released (4 hrs). SPECPAT notifies NOK/requests no SPECPAT notifies NOK/requests no

notification. notification. SPECPAT unable to display intent: XO SPECPAT unable to display intent: XO

makes notification. makes notification. USCG makes travel arrangements. USCG makes travel arrangements. CACO meets family at airport.CACO meets family at airport.

#4 Casualty Timeline: SI/VSI (in #4 Casualty Timeline: SI/VSI (in theatre)theatre)

Injury Injury ID ID casualty msg (4 hrs). casualty msg (4 hrs). HQ HQ D17 D17 DAO DAO XO. XO. XO selects CACO.XO selects CACO. Admin prepares notification letter.Admin prepares notification letter. Notification occurs in person. Notification occurs in person. USCG makes travel arrangements. USCG makes travel arrangements. CACO meets family at airport. CACO meets family at airport.

#5 Casualty Timeline: Depn Death#5 Casualty Timeline: Depn Death

XO notifies servicemember.XO notifies servicemember. Servicemember notifies command.Servicemember notifies command. XO selects CACO. XO selects CACO. CACO meets with servicemember. CACO meets with servicemember. Benefits: CACO assists with FSGLI Benefits: CACO assists with FSGLI

and transportation of remains and transportation of remains reimbursement.reimbursement.

*Casualty msg (4 hrs).*Casualty msg (4 hrs).

Preparing for Death NotificationPreparing for Death Notification

Never go alone. Never go alone. Notify between 0600-2400.Notify between 0600-2400. Uniform is SDB. Uniform is SDB. Ensure casualty message exists. Ensure casualty message exists. Memorize first paragraph of letter. Memorize first paragraph of letter. Get your emotions in check. Get your emotions in check. Ensure you are talking to NOK.Ensure you are talking to NOK. Get inside the house.Get inside the house. ““I have an important message……”I have an important message……”

You are standing at the front door; You are standing at the front door; someone answers. someone answers.

““Hello, I am Chief Petty Officer Hill Hello, I am Chief Petty Officer Hill and this is Chaplain Jones. I have an and this is Chaplain Jones. I have an important message for John and Jane important message for John and Jane Smith from the Commandant of the Smith from the Commandant of the Coast Guard. Are they here and may Coast Guard. Are they here and may we come inside?we come inside?

Verify who you are talking to. Verify who you are talking to. Repeat: “We have an important Repeat: “We have an important

message from the Commandant of message from the Commandant of the Coast Guard.”the Coast Guard.”

Get the kids out. Get the kids out.

Get next-of-kin seated. Get next-of-kin seated.

Get close, kneel if Get close, kneel if necessary, eye contact.necessary, eye contact.

Get to the point.Get to the point.

First Paragraph of LetterFirst Paragraph of Letter

Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Commandant Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Commandant of the Coast Guard deeply regrets to of the Coast Guard deeply regrets to inform you that your son, Petty inform you that your son, Petty Officer Michael A. Smith, died this Officer Michael A. Smith, died this morning in Seattle, Washington, as morning in Seattle, Washington, as the result of a traffic accident.the result of a traffic accident. Your Your son died in the service of his country. son died in the service of his country. Mr. And Mrs. Smith, please accept my Mr. And Mrs. Smith, please accept my most heartfelt sympathy in your great most heartfelt sympathy in your great loss.loss.

Now What? Now What? First off, congratulations . . . one shot.First off, congratulations . . . one shot. Stop, don’t say anything… wait a few Stop, don’t say anything… wait a few

moments. Expect ANYTHING, including moments. Expect ANYTHING, including violence; retreat if your life is in danger. violence; retreat if your life is in danger.

““Are there any questions we can answer Are there any questions we can answer right now?” Do not guess at answers, do right now?” Do not guess at answers, do not speculate; do not assume facts without not speculate; do not assume facts without verification, and do not promise anything. verification, and do not promise anything. Provide official information only. Provide official information only.

““Can we call someone for you?” Can we call someone for you?” ““I don’t know but I will get back to you.” I don’t know but I will get back to you.”

Tattoo these cautions on tongue Tattoo these cautions on tongue Do not guess.Do not guess. Do not speculate. Do not speculate. Do not assume facts. Do not assume facts. Do not promise anything. Do not promise anything. Provide only verified information. Provide only verified information.

Stick to the plan, period.Stick to the plan, period. First visit info may be mighty meager First visit info may be mighty meager

on circumstances but whatever you on circumstances but whatever you say, it must be true.say, it must be true.

Please Don’t Say This:Please Don’t Say This:

““You’ll have other children.” You’ll have other children.” ““You’ll find another husband.”You’ll find another husband.” ““Chaplain would you like to pray?”Chaplain would you like to pray?” ““I I reallyreally know how you feel.” know how you feel.” ““She is in a better place.”She is in a better place.” ““It will be alright.”It will be alright.” ““The body.” The body.”

– Say: “Your son” or “Fred” or “PO Smootman”).Say: “Your son” or “Fred” or “PO Smootman”).

Time To Go!Time To Go!

If asked to leave, leave promptly.If asked to leave, leave promptly. Leave notification letter.Leave notification letter. Make appointment to meet later in Make appointment to meet later in

day or next day for funeral day or next day for funeral arrangements. arrangements.

If you have death gratuity If you have death gratuity paperwork, get it signed.paperwork, get it signed.

Phase B: Funeral ArrangementsPhase B: Funeral Arrangements

Funeral ArrangementsFuneral Arrangements Death Gratuity: $100,000.Death Gratuity: $100,000. PADD: PSC-2020D.PADD: PSC-2020D. Form 5360/1: Option E.2. Form 5360/1: Option E.2. Escort choices. Escort choices. PERE: PSC-2020D. PERE: PSC-2020D. Planeside HonorsPlaneside Honors FuneralFuneral

Death GratuityDeath Gratuity

$100,000. $100,000. – No tax. No tax.

Within 2 business days of claim. Within 2 business days of claim. $10,000 increments per PSC 2020D. $10,000 increments per PSC 2020D. Off-duty reservist death due to Off-duty reservist death due to

service-connected disability service-connected disability VA. VA.

PADDPADD

Person Person Authorized to Authorized to Direct the Direct the Disposition of Remains.Disposition of Remains.

PADD may exercise authority, orPADD may exercise authority, or PADD may transfer authority, or PADD may transfer authority, or PADD may decline to servePADD may decline to serve

– Default precedence list Default precedence list

Form 5360/1-G OptionsForm 5360/1-G Options

E.2: CG pays reasonable expenses IAW with family wishes, E.2: CG pays reasonable expenses IAW with family wishes, per PADD. per PADD.

Primary + Transport

Secondary

A Mortuary & Funeral home & cemetery

CG PADD

B Mortuary & Cemetery CG PADD C Cremation CG PADD D PADD makes all

arrangements PADD PADD

E Reassign PADD 1. To person named by PADD, or 2. To CG

Mnemonic Technique for 5360/1Mnemonic Technique for 5360/1

A. A. ALLALL parties parties B. B. BYPASSBYPASS second funeral home second funeral home C. C. CREMATIONCREMATION D. D. DON’T TOUCHDON’T TOUCH my child my child E. E. EVERYTHINGEVERYTHING done by USCG done by USCG

EscortsEscorts

Military is preferred due to log flex.Military is preferred due to log flex. Unit pays for one escort. Unit pays for one escort.

– HQ will reimburse unit.HQ will reimburse unit. Unit can pay for more escorts.Unit can pay for more escorts.

– Local financial decision. Justify well. Local financial decision. Justify well. PADD may direct “special escort” in lieu of PADD may direct “special escort” in lieu of

CG escort. CG escort. – CACO must remind that the deceased will CACO must remind that the deceased will

always be under military escort; we always be under military escort; we reallyreally prefer military escort. prefer military escort.

Planeside Funeral HonorsPlaneside Funeral Honors

CACO escorts NOK plane-side. CACO escorts NOK plane-side. Request Limousine (option E). Request Limousine (option E). Family may desire to meet escort. Family may desire to meet escort.

At the Funeral HomeAt the Funeral Home CACO views remains alone with funeral CACO views remains alone with funeral

director before viewing remains with director before viewing remains with family present: CACO duty. family present: CACO duty.

Ensure Coastguardsman is in best Ensure Coastguardsman is in best presentable condition with uniform. presentable condition with uniform.

Be present if family chooses to view Be present if family chooses to view remains privately. Recommendation for remains privately. Recommendation for viewing.viewing.

Uniform will be laid over non-viewable or Uniform will be laid over non-viewable or skeletal remains.skeletal remains.

Request 10 copies of original death cert. Request 10 copies of original death cert.

Family Funeral TravelFamily Funeral TravelJFTR U5242 JFTR U5242 (change 256, 1 June 2008)(change 256, 1 June 2008)

Eligible relatives authorized RT travel & Eligible relatives authorized RT travel & transportation allowances to attend burial transportation allowances to attend burial ceremonies for mbr who died on AD or ID.ceremonies for mbr who died on AD or ID.– Invitation travel orders (ITOs). Invitation travel orders (ITOs). – CG can reimburse CG can reimburse travel + 2 full daystravel + 2 full days on-site. on-site. – Kin may Kin may staystay as long as they like. as long as they like.

It’s a free country. It’s a free country. Tell how we’ll support them or reimburse their Tell how we’ll support them or reimburse their

expenses. expenses. Don’t tell them what to do, when, where or how. Don’t tell them what to do, when, where or how. Avoid appearance of giving orders. You can’t.Avoid appearance of giving orders. You can’t.

Family Funeral Travel (cont’d)Family Funeral Travel (cont’d)

Eligible relativesEligible relatives Spouse AND ex-spouse(s) Spouse AND ex-spouse(s) Children Children (as defined)(as defined)

– Legitimate, step, adopted & illegitimateLegitimate, step, adopted & illegitimate– Married or unmarried, any ageMarried or unmarried, any age

Parents Parents (as defined)(as defined) Siblings, andSiblings, and PADD PADD (if PADD not listed above).(if PADD not listed above). No immediate family? PADD selects two people No immediate family? PADD selects two people

closely related to deceased. closely related to deceased. Attendant or escort Attendant or escort (medical need, etc.)(medical need, etc.) CACO attendance depends on circumstancesCACO attendance depends on circumstances

At the FuneralAt the Funeral

Limousine for family and CACO.Limousine for family and CACO. SDB with white gloves.SDB with white gloves. Condolences after flag presentation. Condolences after flag presentation.

Phase B: Survivor BenefitsPhase B: Survivor Benefits

MonetaryMonetary MedicalMedical HousingHousing Funeral (already discussed). Funeral (already discussed). EducationalEducational CounselingCounseling

GuidelinesGuidelines You are not expected to be an expert. You are not expected to be an expert. Your duty is to do this WITH the survivors Your duty is to do this WITH the survivors

but not do it for them. Foster their sense but not do it for them. Foster their sense of independence and control. of independence and control.

Do not rush regarding SBP/DIC decision. Do not rush regarding SBP/DIC decision. Ensure financial counseling. Ensure financial counseling.

Do not disclose beneficiaries, protect Do not disclose beneficiaries, protect privacy. privacy.

Your POC is your YNC/CWO and DAO. Your POC is your YNC/CWO and DAO. Line of Duty Determinations: PENDING!Line of Duty Determinations: PENDING! Make appointments with local SS and VA. Make appointments with local SS and VA.

Financial Counseling: Army and Air Financial Counseling: Army and Air Force Mutual Aid AssociationForce Mutual Aid Association

CGMA pays SP for lifetime mbrship.CGMA pays SP for lifetime mbrship. AAFMAA sends benefits printout to AAFMAA sends benefits printout to

NOK and CACO. NOK and CACO. AAFMAA can assist in filing for AAFMAA can assist in filing for

benefits: SBP, SS, DIC, educational benefits: SBP, SS, DIC, educational benefits.benefits.

AFSC provides life-time financial AFSC provides life-time financial counseling for survivor spouse. counseling for survivor spouse.

Death GratuityDeath Gratuity

$100,000 non-taxable no-strings.$100,000 non-taxable no-strings. DD Form 397. DD Form 397. 72-hour EFT. 72-hour EFT. 10% increments. 10% increments. See PSC-2020D.See PSC-2020D. By law: designated person By law: designated person spouse spouse

children children parents. parents. Reservists VA certified: takes time. Reservists VA certified: takes time.

SGLISGLI

$400,000 non-taxable no-strings. $400,000 non-taxable no-strings. – 98% of Coasties have this optional insurance.98% of Coasties have this optional insurance.– Some have other insurance, or extra.Some have other insurance, or extra.

SGLV-8283 Claim for Death Benefits.SGLV-8283 Claim for Death Benefits. DD-1300, Report of CasualtyDD-1300, Report of Casualty

– Prepared at HQ, with field inputPrepared at HQ, with field input– Signed by CG Decedent Affairs Program Manager. Signed by CG Decedent Affairs Program Manager.

BFCS Beneficiary Financial Counseling BFCS Beneficiary Financial Counseling ServiceService– Free. Provided by VA. Free. Free. Provided by VA. Free. – Emphasize this little nugget, okay? Emphasize this little nugget, okay?

Social SecuritySocial Security

Make appointment with local SS office.Make appointment with local SS office. One time death benefit of $255. One time death benefit of $255. SS benefits children under age 16. SS benefits children under age 16. Un-remarried SP at age 60 eligible for Un-remarried SP at age 60 eligible for

survivor benefits. survivor benefits. Amount based on how much was put in.Amount based on how much was put in.

Survivor Benefit Program - SpouseSurvivor Benefit Program - Spouse

55% of projected retired pay at 30 55% of projected retired pay at 30 years service (base amount). years service (base amount).

$3,000 base amount = $1,650 SBP.$3,000 base amount = $1,650 SBP. On-duty Reservists: SBP computed as On-duty Reservists: SBP computed as

though on AD last 36 months.though on AD last 36 months. AD < three years: High-36 is AD < three years: High-36 is

computed as months served (no computed as months served (no zeros) e.g. 2 years = High 24. zeros) e.g. 2 years = High 24.

Survivor Benefit Program - ChildSurvivor Benefit Program - Child

Child SBP is same amount as spousal Child SBP is same amount as spousal SBP except stops at age 18/22 SBP except stops at age 18/22 (student) and divided among (student) and divided among children.children.

Spouse chooses Spousal SBP or Child Spouse chooses Spousal SBP or Child SBP (but not both). SBP (but not both).

Death Indemnity CompensationDeath Indemnity Compensation

$1154 per month. $1154 per month. (CY-10 rate).(CY-10 rate).

$286 additional per child.$286 additional per child. SBP Spouse is SBP Spouse is OFFSETOFFSET by DIC. by DIC. Recipient unmarried until age 57.Recipient unmarried until age 57.

Bottom line re: SBP/DICBottom line re: SBP/DIC

Do not rush this decision! Do not rush this decision! Ensure AAFMAA financial counseling. Ensure AAFMAA financial counseling. Choosing Child SBP or Spousal SBP.Choosing Child SBP or Spousal SBP. It is not your or my choice. It is not your or my choice.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Using "Spouse" Election Using "Spouse" Election (example)(example)

Monthly Benefits:Monthly Benefits: Based on data you have provided, your assumed active duty death Based on data you have provided, your assumed active duty death (Svc-Connected) (LOD=Yes) would provide these benefits to the family: (Svc-Connected) (LOD=Yes) would provide these benefits to the family: Family Benefits Monthly AnnualFamily Benefits Monthly Annual Reason for Change SS + Reason for Change SS + DIC + DIC + SBP = SBP = Total Total TotalTotal Member's deathMember's death Apr-2007Apr-2007 1950 + 1950 + 1847 + 1847 + 0 = 0 = 3,797 3,797 45,56445,564 DIC Extra EndsDIC Extra Ends Apr-2009Apr-2009 1950 + 1950 + 1597 + 1597 + 0 = 3,547 0 = 3,547 42,56442,564 Tommy is 18 Tommy is 18 May-2017May-2017 1662 + 1662 + 1332 + 1332 + 0 = 2,994 0 = 2,994 35,92835,928 Jane is 16 Jane is 16 Jun-2019Jun-2019 831 + 831 + 1332 +1332 + 0 = 2,163 0 = 2,163 25,95625,956 Jane is 18 Jane is 18 Jun-2021Jun-2021 0 + 0 + 1067 + 1067 + 0 = 1,067 0 = 1,067 12,80412,804 Jennifer is 62 Jennifer is 62 Mar-2040Mar-2040 882 + 882 + 1067 + 1067 + 0 = 1,949 0 = 1,949 23,38823,388

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Using "Child" ElectionUsing "Child" Election (example)(example)

Based on data you have provided, your assumed active duty death Based on data you have provided, your assumed active duty death (Svc-Connected) (LOD=Yes) would provide these benefits to the family: (Svc-Connected) (LOD=Yes) would provide these benefits to the family: Family Benefits Monthly AnnualFamily Benefits Monthly Annual Reason for Change Reason for Change SS + SS + DIC + DIC + SBP = SBP = Total TotalTotal Total Member's deathMember's death Apr-2007Apr-2007 1950 +1950 + 1847 + 1847 + $890 = $890 = 4,687 56,244 4,687 56,244

(+(+10,68010,680)) DIC Extra EndsDIC Extra Ends Apr-2009Apr-2009 1950 + 1950 + 1597 + 1597 + 890 = 890 = 4,437 53,244 4,437 53,244

(+(+10,68010,680)) Tommy is 18Tommy is 18 May-2017May-2017 1662 + 1662 + 1332 + 1332 + 445 = 445 = 3,439 41,268 (+3,439 41,268 (+5,3405,340)) Jane is 16 Jane is 16 Jun-2019Jun-2019 831 + 831 + 1332 + 1332 + 445 = 2,608 31,296 (+445 = 2,608 31,296 (+5,3405,340)) Tommy is 22Tommy is 22 May-2021May-2021 831 + 831 + 1332 + 1332 + 891 = 891 = 3,054 36,6483,054 36,648 Jane is 18Jane is 18 Jun-2021Jun-2021 0 + 0 + 1067 + 1067 + 0 = 0 = 1,067 12,804 (same)1,067 12,804 (same) Spouse is 62Spouse is 62 Mar-2040Mar-2040 882 + 882 + 1067 + 1067 + 0 = 0 = 1,949 23,388 (same)1,949 23,388 (same)

$56,244 (child)$56,244 (child) per year verses per year verses $45,564 (spouse)$45,564 (spouse) per year. per year. Cases differ. In this example, Jane was just 4 years old.Cases differ. In this example, Jane was just 4 years old.

VA Dependent Educational VA Dependent Educational AssistanceAssistance

45 months for spouse and children.45 months for spouse and children. FY 2010 full time: $925/month.FY 2010 full time: $925/month. AD spouse: 20 year limit from DOD.AD spouse: 20 year limit from DOD. Children: normally age 26 limit. Children: normally age 26 limit. Apprenticeship programs authorized. Apprenticeship programs authorized.

Other Benefits handled by PSCOther Benefits handled by PSC

12 Mo. BAH/Gov’t Housing Combo.12 Mo. BAH/Gov’t Housing Combo. Unpaid Pay and Allowances.Unpaid Pay and Allowances. 60-day leave limit does not apply.60-day leave limit does not apply. TSP payback by designation form TSP payback by designation form

then spouse then spouse children children parents. parents.

Other Benefits handled by VAOther Benefits handled by VA

MGIB Payback. MGIB Payback. Home Loan Guarantee.Home Loan Guarantee. Bereavement Counseling. Bereavement Counseling.

DEERS, Tricare, and DentalDEERS, Tricare, and Dental

Dependents need new ID cards ASAP.Dependents need new ID cards ASAP. Make appointment with TRICARE rep. Make appointment with TRICARE rep. SP for 3 years under AD coverage. SP for 3 years under AD coverage. CH AD coverage until age 21/23. CH AD coverage until age 21/23. After 3 years, SP retiree rate: $230 for After 3 years, SP retiree rate: $230 for

spouse/$460 for family. spouse/$460 for family. Tricare Dental: eligible if enrolled Tricare Dental: eligible if enrolled

prior death unless OCONUS at time of prior death unless OCONUS at time of death then may enroll.death then may enroll.

Phase C: AdjustmentPhase C: Adjustment Phase C begins day after funeral. Phase C begins day after funeral.

After The FuneralAfter The Funeral

Take time off for yourself. Take time off for yourself. Regroup not Retreat.Regroup not Retreat. Ask for CISM de-brief. Ask for CISM de-brief. CACO is to be prepared for long-term CACO is to be prepared for long-term

relationship with family.relationship with family. Begin transition back to regular Begin transition back to regular

USCG duties. USCG duties.

PEREPERE Person Authorized to Receive Personal Person Authorized to Receive Personal

Effects under Effects under Government ControlGovernment Control. . All PE first belongs to CGI. All PE first belongs to CGI. Perishable goods auctioned to crew: Perishable goods auctioned to crew:

proceeds to family.proceeds to family. PE is sanitized for inappropriate and PE is sanitized for inappropriate and

classified material. classified material. If aboard cutter, consider wait until RTHP.If aboard cutter, consider wait until RTHP. CACO will personally deliver PE to PERE. CACO will personally deliver PE to PERE. NOK will decide to open now or later. NOK will decide to open now or later.

PE not under Gov’t Control. PE not under Gov’t Control.

PE under family control.PE under family control. PE not under family control: single PE not under family control: single

and on economy. Legal and and on economy. Legal and Decedent Affairs can work to act Decedent Affairs can work to act according to family wishes to gain according to family wishes to gain control of PE and return to family. control of PE and return to family.

Death Certificates/Autopsy ReportDeath Certificates/Autopsy Report

During Phase B, CACO requested 10 During Phase B, CACO requested 10 originals of death certificate.originals of death certificate.

Cost goes on funeral home bill.Cost goes on funeral home bill. Written request for Autopsy Report. Written request for Autopsy Report.

– Common for accidents on dutyCommon for accidents on duty– May be significant for violent deathMay be significant for violent death– Uncommon otherwiseUncommon otherwise

Survivor Home of SelectionSurvivor Home of Selection

Dependents choose HOS within 3 Dependents choose HOS within 3 years of date of death. years of date of death. – Was 1 year, now it’s 3 yearsWas 1 year, now it’s 3 years

Receive HHG move. Receive HHG move. – ““Bluebark TONO”Bluebark TONO”

BAH benefits for first 12 months. BAH benefits for first 12 months. – Usually paid as lump sumUsually paid as lump sum

Misc. Phase CMisc. Phase C

VA Tombstone/Marker. VA Tombstone/Marker. – ApplyApply– Estimate 2 monthsEstimate 2 months

Begin to receive Phase B benefits. Begin to receive Phase B benefits. – Confirm!Confirm!

VA Bereavement Counseling.VA Bereavement Counseling.– RemindRemind

Phase D: Case ManagementPhase D: Case ManagementOne Month Later . . . One Month Later . . .

Case ManagementCase Management

CACO provides copies of DA-1594 to CACO provides copies of DA-1594 to DAO for case file.DAO for case file.

CG Senior Officers brief family on CG Senior Officers brief family on investigations before public release. investigations before public release.

Congressional inquiries. Congressional inquiries. Your new family. Your new family. Use CACO checklistUse CACO checklist throughout case, throughout case,

send to DAO when done.send to DAO when done.

Known CACO Issues #1Known CACO Issues #1 Command wants to notify for mass casualtyCommand wants to notify for mass casualty

– Span of control issues. Span of control issues. – DAO issue, not CACO problemDAO issue, not CACO problem

Notification without CASREP message.Notification without CASREP message.– Beware of rushing. Can’t easily retract error. Beware of rushing. Can’t easily retract error.

Rush on SBP/DIC decision. Rush on SBP/DIC decision. – Avoid rush. Period. Get educated. Avoid rush. Period. Get educated.

Privacy Issues: Beneficiaries. Privacy Issues: Beneficiaries. – Don’t give toxic envy a chance to growDon’t give toxic envy a chance to grow

Coordination of simultaneous notifications. Coordination of simultaneous notifications. – Hard to do. Cell phones, etc. Time zones. Hard to do. Cell phones, etc. Time zones.

Know CACO Issues #2Know CACO Issues #2

LOD Determinations: PENDING . . . LOD Determinations: PENDING . . . Chapter 7 of Admin Invest. ManualChapter 7 of Admin Invest. Manual

Circuitous Routes for Reservists.Circuitous Routes for Reservists. 100 mile TRICARE rule for injured/ill 100 mile TRICARE rule for injured/ill

dependents.dependents. D13 “Courtesy” CACO services: D13 “Courtesy” CACO services:

injured dependent? D13 can get you injured dependent? D13 can get you to Harborview in 20 min. from to Harborview in 20 min. from SEATAC. SEATAC.

Your new best friendsYour new best friends Your DAO will keep you safe, keep you Your DAO will keep you safe, keep you

straight, teach you, help get paperwork straight, teach you, help get paperwork prepared, run interference with your prepared, run interference with your Finance shop, coordinate with SPO and HQ, Finance shop, coordinate with SPO and HQ, and keep you in touch with the Chaplain, and keep you in touch with the Chaplain, CISM, EAP, whatever. CISM, EAP, whatever.

Your new best friends are your Your new best friends are your DAODAO and and your your cell phone.cell phone.

““I don’t know but I will sure find out.” I don’t know but I will sure find out.”

Good reading…Good reading…Some good books may help you prepare for Some good books may help you prepare for this task. But also, they may help you this task. But also, they may help you prepare for your life. We all will face losses prepare for your life. We all will face losses and grief—perhaps already didand grief—perhaps already did

Randy Pausch, Randy Pausch, The Last LectureThe Last Lecture

Steen & Asaro, Steen & Asaro, Military WidowMilitary Widow

James & Friedman, James & Friedman, Grief Recovery HandbookGrief Recovery Handbook

James & Friedman, James & Friedman, When Children GrieveWhen Children Grieve