All military personnel have what is referred to as G.I. life insurance. It used to be $10,000 when I was in (late 60's). Got to believe it is higher now. KIA's also get a larger burial benefit than non combat fatalities, again not sure of the dollars. Dependents also are eligible for monthly retirement benefits depending on lenghth of service of the deceased member. Many dependents can continue to make use of military PX, hospital, and other base facilities with a dependent ID card. Bottom line when an American takes the step forward and volunteers to defend his or her country they know the risks. Unfortunately sometime the rewards are not worth the costs, which was very much the case in Viet Nam, and history will tell us if Iraq is also a waste of young American lives.
wil.
wil.
The US Government only pays 6K direct death benfit to survivors (half of which is taxable) unless GI is covered by SGLI which is deducted from their military pay. Additionally, $1,750 is allotted for burial costs. A surviving spouse can get $833/month until remarried and a child can get $211/month until age 18.
A GI w/ SGLI (Servicemen's Group Life Insurance) is eligible up to $250K assuming that they purchased the max amount of insurance that the military offers. The GI would purchase the insurance in $10K increments up to the max.
Most states offer other benefits to the veteran and family. Here in NY you get some $, a flag and a marker.
Semper Fi,
Lt. Dan
A GI w/ SGLI (Servicemen's Group Life Insurance) is eligible up to $250K assuming that they purchased the max amount of insurance that the military offers. The GI would purchase the insurance in $10K increments up to the max.
Most states offer other benefits to the veteran and family. Here in NY you get some $, a flag and a marker.
Semper Fi,
Lt. Dan
