Veteran Casualty Assistance

There are a host of federal programs for the survivors of servicemembers who die during active duty, as well as for veterans who die from service-connected injuries or illnesses. Navy Mutual is here to help you:

  • understand your benefits;
  • build a strong foundation for family financial planning; and
  • achieve peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are financially secure.

Please contact our Veteran Services team for a list of additional benefits to which you may be entitled. Some of these general benefits include the following:

Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO)

Survivors of a U.S. servicemember who dies on active duty are assigned a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) to serve as their liaison with their branch of service. While not a subject matter expert, the CACO is trained to answer general questions, help survivors coordinate funeral arrangements, and apply for benefits and entitlements.

Here at Navy Mutual, Members and their families have a CACO for life – regardless of whether or not the servicemember dies on active duty. In the event of a casualty, you may find the Survivor Checklist and WebCACO Calculator helpful.

Active Duty Service Benefits

While survivor benefits vary based on several factors, some may include:
 

Veterans Administration Benefits

Your years of military service are valued by our nation, and benefits are available to your family to ensure you receive the final respect and memorial you deserve. To learn more, download the VA Survivors and Burial Benefits Kit.

Social Security Administration – Survivors Benefits

If you are insured by Social Security when you die, regardless of your age, your survivors may be entitled to monthly benefits on your behalf. For more information, contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 or online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Important Contact Information

In addition to the resources outlined above, here is a list of organizations* you may find helpful:

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
703-972-2650
www.afas.org

American Red Cross
202-303-4498
www.redcross.org

Arlington National Cemetery
877-907-8585
www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/funerals

Army Emergency Relief Services (AERS)
866-878-6378
www.aerhq.org

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance
800-881-2462
703-875-0404
www.cgmahq.org

Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
800-538-9552
www.dmdc.osd.mil

Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS)
800-321-1080
www.dfas.mil

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
800-827-1000
www.va.gov

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
800-829-1040
www.irs.gov
(For potential forgiveness of decedent’s tax liability, see IRS Publication 3 Armed Forces Tax Guide)

National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
866-900-6417
www.cem.va.gov

National Personnel Records Center
866-272-6272
www.archives.gov

Navy Gold Star
888-509-8759
www.navygoldstar.com

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)
800-654-8364
www.nmcrs.org

Office of Service Members Group Life
Insurance (OSGLI) – SGLI/VGLI
800-419-1473
www.benefits.va.gov/insurance/sgli.asp

Social Security Administration (SSA)
800-772-1213
www.ssa.gov

Survivor Outreach Services, Headquarters
855-707-2769
bit.ly/army-sos

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc. (TAPS)
800-959-8277
www.taps.org

Tricare
East: 800-444-5445
West: 844-866-9378
www.tricare.mil

United States Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center (USCG PPC)
866-722-8724
www.uscg.mil/ppc

*An organization’s listing on this page should not be interpreted as an endorsement by Navy Mutual, nor should it be construed as a guarantee of services.

Navy Mutual Aid Association’s Department of Education and Veteran Services does not endorse or favor any commercial financial product or service or promote the services of any specific financial institution. Further, Navy Mutual Aid Association and its accredited VSO Representatives do not charge or accept a fee or gratuity for representation services rendered to claimants before the Department of Veterans Affairs. 38 C.F.R. §14.628.