DEATH OF AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBER

To report an active duty death, contact the 377th Air Base Wing Command Post at (505) 846-3777.

​A Survivor’s Guide to Benefits-Taking Care of Our Families, is intended to aid family members as they work through the difficulty and pain of losing a loved one who served in the military. The guide is designed to give family members a clear idea of how the Department of Defense will assist, starting with the first meeting with the Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR). It covers the planning and details of the funeral or memorial service and continues through the application and processing of all benefits and entitlements.

​We can also assist with locating resources to help with a variety of issues including general support, grief support, and financial counseling. We can connect you with experts on VA benefits, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), Survivors’ Pension, Service Member Group Life Insurance (SGLI), burial expenses, state benefits, military records, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), and Tricare.

​To request information or assistance regarding a relative or friend serving on active duty in the Air Force or the Space Force, whom you believe may be a casualty, please contact Casualty Services at (800) 515-0102 (Option 1, then Option 1). Upon verification of your identity and relationship to the service member, a Casualty Services representative will provide you with further information.

DEATH OF A RETIREE

If you are a surviving family member of a retired Air Force, Space Force, or any member of the Armed Forces residing in the United States, you can receive personal assistance in applying for eligible benefits on the member’s behalf.

To report the death of a retired Armed Forces Member, contact the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) at (800) 321-1080 and please have the following information available when making a notification:

• Retiree’s full name, grade, Social Security number, and date of retirement.
• Date, city, and state of death.
• Name, relationship, and phone number of next-of-kin.
• For general officers: Date and place of funeral, if known.

To make an appointment for assistance with filing for benefits contact the Casualty Assistance/Survivor Benefits Office at (505) 846-5508 or (505)846-0741

​To request information or assistance regarding a relative or friend serving on active duty in the Air Force or the Space Force, whom you believe may be a casualty, please contact Casualty Services at (800) 515-0102 (Option 1, then Option 1).

Upon verification of your identity and relationship to the service member, a Casualty Services representative will provide you with further information.

If you reside outside of the United States, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.