SBP has changed.

[broncovet]

SBP criteria has changed.  It may mean your family is now eligible for SBP.  If you dont know what SBP is, you should probably read about it.  

https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/provide/sbp/

https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/provide/sbp/SBP-Withdrawal-due-to-VA-Disability/

[Carl the Engineer]

Thanks for the information.  I learned something today.

I really don't understand why anyone would stop thier SBP payment, just because thier spouse is going to get DIC, but who knows.

For an example only, if my wife where to get $1500 DIC and $1500 Mil/Ret (after 1/2023) and after I die, why would I want her to forgo the Mil/Ret $1500, so I can save $160 a month until I die.

Good luck getting her to sign up for that, and she has to sign,

Any new thing to get out of paying!  I suppose there is a situation where it pays to stop the SBP payments, but I don't see it.

Maybe I am missing something, it would not be the first time,

Carl

Edited April 2, 2022 by Carl Bacon

[broncovet]

As (the linked website) states:

Quote

You might consider the relationship between the cost of the program and its benefits.  To earn an even return on your investment, your beneficiary typically must receive payment for seven months for every five years you pay SBP premiums.. 

   It sounds like this would vary based on age of the spouse, age of the Veteran (thus, how long each is likely to survive), as well as the health of each.  

     And, of course, it likely would depend on the amount of applicable SBP, which is related to the rank the Veteran obtained while in service.  

      To decide which is best, each couple should "do the math" to see which is more advantageous.  

      And, of course, "$160 per month NOW", can be significant, especially based on the area where you live.  If you are retired where housing and other costs are low, you may be able to easily afford the $160 per month premium, while people who live in very expensive areas, such as many parts of California, may not be able to pay that 160 per month easily.