Financial Management for Surviving Spouses and Surviving Children

Learn how financial counselors can assist military spouses and children, both in the short and long term, following their service member’s death. Find out how they help survivors make money management decisions and learn the value of tax-effective, low-risk growth investments, as well as provide guidance on Social Security benefits and educational opportunities. You’ll also discover how they can connect survivors to other resources, such as the Military OneSource online survivor benefits reports.

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Resources

Listeners can find more information or support regarding financial counseling and assistance at the following:

• The Survivor Finances and Legal Affairs MilLife Guide provides information and connects you to resources to help you get your financial and legal affairs in order following the death of a loved one.
• This Military OneSource Financial Counseling benefit page connects military families to needed resources and support.
• The MilTax: Free Tax Services benefit page details the suite of free tax services available to eligible survivors.
• The HEART Act benefit page outlines the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008.
• Military OneSource’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program benefit page provides information about potential career paths for military spouses.
• The Online Survivor Benefits Report page offers information on how eligible survivors can access reports that tell them about the financial benefits they should be receiving as well as what to expect in terms of their future benefits.
• The Online Survivor Benefits Report MilLife Learning course details how survivors are connected to these reports and what they provide.
• The Social Security Administration Benefits page provides information about how Social Security survivors benefits can help a family financially.
• The Military Financial & Legal Resources landing page outlines information about experts and tools that can help with military finances or legal issues.
• The Office of Financial Readiness benefit page helps service members and their families by connecting them to the resources they need to develop and achieve their financial goals and address financial challenges.
• The Defense Department Survivor Symposium Series article offers information about past symposiums as well as upcoming ones.
• Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a financial benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.