Gold Star & Surviving Family Members

The Defense Department Casualty Assistance program ensures that military families have support in their time of need, including understanding all benefits and other forms of assistance.

Military families face no greater challenge than dealing with the loss of a loved one who died while serving their country.

The military ensures that service members who die on active duty receive recognition and proper burial services, and that their survivors are provided support.

Joining the workforce after the death or disability of a loved one can ease financial strain and provide a way to find your new normal. When seeking employment with the federal government, military family members may be eligible for special preference programs. While these programs don’t guarantee a job, they provide a qualified candidate entry into the applicant pool.

The Defense Department established eligibility requirements and the process for requesting and validating a service member for inclusion on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance.