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MilLife Topics
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- Benefits & Resources
ARTICLEDefense Department Survivor Symposium Series
The symposium series underscores the Defense Department’s commitment to providing support for survivors of active-duty deaths. This virtual event focuses on educating surviving family members of service members who died while on active duty about their survivor benefits, entitlements and available resources — as well as addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
The first DOD Survivor Symposium was held June 21, 2024.
Sign up for The Survivor Connection eNewsletter to receive updates about future symposiums!
Missed the first symposium? View the recording below.
Inaugural event — June 21Topics for the inaugural event were based on survivor questions and feedback received through surveys, survivor events and submissions through the Surviving Family Member Inquiry Form.
Specifically, subject matter experts discussed:
- How survivor benefits change after remarriage
- How guardians can apply for the death gratuity on behalf of a surviving child
- How a beneficiary survivor annuitant keeps their account up to date with the Defense Finance Accounting Service and the Department of Veterans Affairs
The department intends to schedule recurring symposiums, with the frequency and topics to be determined based on participant feedback.
Survivor Symposium — Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
Q1: What is the purpose of the DOD Survivor Symposium?
A1: The Defense Department is committed to supporting survivors of active-duty deaths and wants to offer a platform to explore questions survivors may have about their benefits.
Q2: Who should attend these symposiums?
A2: The event is for surviving family members of active-duty deaths and service providers who assist surviving families.
Q3: Where are the events held?
A3: The symposiums are virtual, so eligible survivors only need an internet-connected device to attend, or they can dial in from a phone.
Q4: What is the registration process?
A4: Eligible survivors can register for the event by filling out and submitting a registration form, when it becomes available. Registration for previous events does not automatically include enrollment in future events. You must register for each symposium to participate.
Q5: What happens when I register?
A5: Registrants will receive a confirmation email that gives step-by-step instructions for how to attend the event.
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