Program Overview

The Casualty Assistance representative (CAR) will assist the next-of-kin (NOK) in filing for government benefits.

MISSION STATEMENT:

Providing prompt reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough, and compassionate assistance to family members.

The Casualty Assistance Office provides services for surviving next-of-kin and beneficiaries in the event of a death of an active-duty Air Force or Space Force service member or Air Force/Space Force retiree.

DEATH OF AN ACTIVE DUTY MEMBER

To report an active duty death, contact the 316th Wing Command Post at (301) 981-5058.

​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 or Space Force member 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 Air Force or Space Force member and/or to make an appointment for assistance with filing for benefits contact:

Maryland residents call (301) 981-9362 or (301) 981-7087.

Virginia or Washington, DC residents call (202) 767-5651/9807 or (703) 697-1080.

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

​Please have the following information available when making a notification:
​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.

• 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.

External Links Disclaimer

The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense of the external web site, or the information, products, or services contained therein.

For other-than-authorized activities such as military exchanges and Services/Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sites, the Unites States Air Force does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations.

Such links are provided consistent with the purpose of the web site.