Reporting a retiree's death
Surviving family members of retired Air Force personnel residing in the United States may report the death of a member, and receive personal assistance in applying for eligible benefits on their behalf by contacting:
- The Casualty Assistance Representative (CAR) at the nearest Air Force Base Military Personnel Flight, Customer Service.
- Buckley's CAR phone number at 720-847-6946.
- Headquarters, Air Force Personnel Center toll-free at 1-877-353-6807. This system will connect your phone call directly to the CAR that will assist you. Voice mail is available after duty hours. Family members who leave a message will be called back the next duty day
- DFAS-Indianapolis Customer Service at their toll-free number 1-888-332-7411
- The nearest U.S. embassy or Consulate for overseas families
NOTE: If telephone notification is impossible, you may send the information to HQ AFPC/DPWCS, 550 C Street West, Suite 14, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4716. Enclose a copy of the death certificate and the information below. This information will be forwarded to the CAR nearest you for them to assist you.
Please have the following information available when making the notification
- Retiree's full name, grade, Social Security number, date of retirement
- Date and place (city and state) of death
- Cause (layman's terms) of death
- Name, relationship, phone number, and address of the next of kin
- Date and place of funeral, if known (General officers only)
End of Life Planning Checklist
Reporting Death of Service Member/Spouse
Receiving military retired or annuitant pay
Air Force, Army, Marine, Navy
Call Defense Finance Accounting Agency (DFAS) 800-321-1080 or 216-552-5955
Coast Guard
Call Coast Guard Personnel Center 800-772-8724
Reserve Gray Area Retirees/Spouse
Air Force: Call Air Reserve Personnel Center (ARPC) 800-525-0102
Army: Call Army Human Resources Command (AHRC) 888-276-9472
Marines: Call Marine Personnel Center 800-847-1597
Navy: Call Navy Personnel Center 866-827-5672
Coast Guard: Call Coast Guard Personnel Center 800-772-8724