Free Dd 2656 8 Form in PDF

Instructions on Writing Dd 2656 8

Filling out the DD Form 2656-8, also known as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) - Automatic Coverage Fact Sheet, is crucial for ensuring that your retired pay account reflects accurate SBP coverage and premiums. This form is used to list all eligible members of your family as potential beneficiaries under the SBP. It’s important to provide this information to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service to prevent any incorrect SBP deductions from your retired pay or to avoid adjustments to survivor's annuity payments. Below are the steps needed to correctly fill out this form.

1. Start by entering your full name (last, first, middle initial) in the MEMBER'S NAME section.
2. Next, provide your Social Security Number in the designated space.
3. Fill in your Date of Birth using the YYYYMMDD format.
4. Indicate your marital status by selecting YES or NO under the question, "ARE YOU MARRIED?" If you are married, proceed to complete item 6.
5. Answer whether you have any dependent children by selecting YES or NO. If you have dependent children, you will need to complete item 7.
6. For those married, provide your spouse's name, their Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Date of Marriage, and Place of Marriage (including city, county, state).
7. If you have dependent children, list each child’s name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, and their relationship to you (Natural, Step, Adopted, Foster). Make sure to indicate if any child is over age 22 and incapable of self-support due to a disability.
8. Finally, the retiree must sign and date the form in the designated Signatures section. A witness is also required to sign and date the form.

After completing these steps, review the form to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Then, submit the original copy of this form to the address provided: Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retirement Pay, 8899 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200. Timely and accurate completion of your DD Form 2656-8 helps ensure that your SBP coverage accurately reflects your family situation, safeguarding the intended benefits for your loved ones.

What is the DD Form 2656-8?

The DD Form 2656-8, also known as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) - Automatic Coverage Fact Sheet, is used by military retirees to provide information about their marital status and dependents. This ensures accurate SBP coverage and premium costs in their retired pay account.

Why do I need to complete the DD Form 2656-8?

Completing the DD Form 2656-8 helps to ensure that your retired pay account reflects the correct SBP coverage and premium costs based on your current marital status and dependents. Failure to provide this information may result in incorrect SBP deductions and affect survivor annuity payments.

What happens if I don't complete the DD Form 2656-8?

If you do not complete and return the DD Form 2656-8, your retired pay account may reflect incorrect SBP coverage and premium costs, potentially affecting the amounts deducted from your retired pay and adjustments to survivor's annuity payments.

Is submitting my Social Security Number (SSN) required on the DD Form 2656-8?

Yes, providing your SSN is required to correctly identify your member/annuitant account, which ensures that the correct SBP coverage and costs are applied.

What should I do if I had no spouse or dependent children as of the effective date of my entitlement to retired/retainer pay?

If you had no spouse or dependent child(ren) as of the effective date of your entitlement or had previously declined SBP coverage or elected coverage before the entitlement date, you should notify the U.S. Military Retirement Pay office immediately to adjust your account accurately.

How can I make changes to my SBP coverage?

The DD Form 2656-8 is not an election form for SBP coverage. To make changes to your SBP coverage, you must complete the appropriate forms and procedures specific to changing SBP elections, which are available through the U.S. Military Retirement Pay office.

Where do I send the completed DD Form 2656-8?

The completed DD Form 2656-8 should be returned to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retirement Pay, at the address: 8899 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46249-1200.

What is the OMB Control Number for the DD Form 2656-8?

The OMB Control Number for the DD Form 2656-8 is 0704-0569. This number indicates the form's approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), ensuring it meets federal standards for public reporting.

What is the authority for collecting information on the DD Form 2656-8?

The collection of information via the DD Form 2656-8 is authorized under several U.S. Codes and Public Laws, including but not limited to 5 U.S.C. 301, 10 U.S.C. Chapters 53, 61, 63, 65, and various specific sections, as well as DoDI 1342.24 and the DoD Financial Management Regulation 7000.14-R, Volume 7B. These authorities establish the legal basis for collecting and using the information provided on the form.

Common errors occur when individuals attempt to complete the DD Form 2656-8, which can lead to complications in establishing the correct Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage and cost. One significant mistake is not providing complete information regarding marital status and dependents. This oversight may result in the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) defaulting to maximum coverage, which might not accurately reflect the retiree's current family situation or intentions. It's crucial for service members to thoroughly document their current marital status and any dependents to ensure accurate SBP coverage.

Another prevalent error is the incorrect listing of dependents. The form requires that all eligible family members be identified as potential beneficiaries under the SBP. However, individuals often omit necessary details such as the correct dates of birth for children or fail to list all eligible dependents. This incomplete information can lead to potential delays or errors in future SBP payments to beneficiaries.

Failing to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) for both the service member and their dependents is also a common mistake. The SSN is critical for accurately identifying an account and applying the appropriate coverage and costs. This information is not only required for the service member but also for their spouse and any dependent children to ensure that the DFAS can correctly process the form.

Another frequent oversight is not signing the form or missing other critical items such as the date of marriage or place of marriage for spouses. The absence of such signatures and data can invalidate the form, necessitating its resubmission and potentially delaying the adjustment of the retired pay account. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that service members review the form thoroughly before submission to confirm that all required sections are completed and accurate.

Lastly, service members sometimes do not notify the DFAS if there has been a change in their marital status or dependents since the form was last submitted. Changes such as marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or death can affect SBP coverage and costs. It is the responsibility of the retiree to inform the DFAS of any changes to ensure that the SBP elections are up to date and reflect their current personal situation correctly.

When handling military retirement and benefits, several forms and documents complement the DD Form 2656-8, facilitating a comprehensive approach to managing a retiree's benefits and ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulations. These documents are essential for a seamless transition into retirement and the ongoing management of benefits.

• DD Form 2656: Retirement Application - Data for Payment of Retired Personnel. This form is pivotal as it collects the retiree's personal and direct deposit information, ensuring the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) can correctly process retirement pay.
• DD Form 2656-6: Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Election Change Certificate. This document allows retirees to make changes to their initial SBP elections, helping them to adjust their plan based on changing life circumstances or decisions.
• DD Form 214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty. This document serves as evidence of a service member's military status, including dates of service, awards, and the character of service. It's vital for accessing veteran benefits, including retirement benefits.
• SF 1174: Claim for Unpaid Compensation of Deceased Member of the Uniformed Service. This form is used to claim benefits owed to the deceased member's beneficiary or estate, ensuring that any unpaid compensation is correctly distributed.
• SF 2800: Application for Death Benefits (Civil Service Retirement System). Although specifically for civil service retirees, this form mirrors the process for military retirees in that it manages the distribution of benefits in the event of the retiree's death, ensuring financial support for the surviving beneficiaries.

The integration of these forms with the DD Form 2656-8 ensures that every aspect of a retiree's benefits, from basic retirement pay to survivor benefits and changes due to life events, is meticulously managed. By carefully completing and submitting these documents, retirees and their families can secure their financial futures and adhere to the requisite legal and procedural standards.

The DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, shares similarities with the DD Form 2656-8 in its purpose to provide critical information for military members transitioning to civilian life. Both forms are essential for managing benefits and entitlements tied to military service. The DD Form 214 outlines a service member's career, including dates of service, rank at discharge, and reasons for leaving, which are pivotal in determining eligibility for various veterans' benefits. Similarly, the DD Form 2656-8 captures essential dependency and marital information crucial for calculating Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) coverage and costs, ensuring service members' families are adequately provided for after retirement.

The Standard Form 3108, Application to Make Service Credit Payment for Civilian Service, resembles the DD Form 2656-8 in its function to secure future benefits. The SF 3108 enables federal employees to make payments for prior civilian service to count towards their retirement benefits. Likewise, the DD Form 2656-8 acts to ensure correct SBP coverage for military retirees, directly affecting the financial security of their survivors. Both forms necessitate personal information that influences the calculation and provision of benefits, underlining their crucial role in the planning and management of post-service advantages.

The W-4 Form, Employee's Withholding Certificate, although used in a different context, shares a connection with the DD Form 2656-8 through the collection of personal information to adjust financial transactions. The W-4 helps determine the correct amount of tax withholding from an employee's paycheck, affecting take-home pay and annual tax liabilities. Similarly, the DD Form 2656-8 gathers dependency and marital status information to accurately calculate SBP deductions from a retiree's pay, influencing their financial well-being and that of their survivors.

The VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents, is akin to the DD Form 2656-8 in its use by military veterans to report family dynamics affecting benefit allocations. This form is critical for veterans seeking to adjust their compensation based on the number and status of dependents, impacting monthly payments from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The DD Form 2656-8 serves a similar purpose within the context of military retirement, requiring retirees to provide updated dependency information to ensure accurate SBP coverage, directly affecting survivor annuities.

The Health Insurance Marketplace Application shares objectives with the DD Form 2656-8 by collecting personal and family information to determine eligibility for health insurance plans and potential subsidies. Both are pivotal in ensuring individual or family members' access to essential benefits. While the Marketplace Application focuses on health insurance affordability and access, the DD Form 2656-8 centers on securing financial protection for military families through SBP, underscoring their role in safeguarding against future uncertainties.

Filling out the DD 2656-8 form, officially known as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) - Automatic Coverage Fact Sheet, is critical for ensuring your retired pay account reflects correct SBP coverage and premium costs. Here are essential dos and don'ts to consider:

Dos when filling out the DD 2656-8 form:

• Review the instructions carefully before starting the form to avoid any mistakes that could potentially result in incorrect SBP deductions or difficulties in establishing eligibility for future payments.
• Ensure your personal information is accurate, including your name, social security number, and date of birth. Accuracy is crucial for identifying the correct member/annuitant account.
• Provide complete and updated dependency information. This includes current marital status and dependent children's information, such as names, social security numbers, dates of birth, and the relationship to the retiree.
• Sign and date the form where required. Your signature verifies that the information provided on the form is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
• Send the original copy of the form to the address provided (Defense Finance and Accounting Service, U.S. Military Retirement Pay) to ensure your SBP coverage and premium costs are updated as needed.

Don'ts when filling out the DD 2656-8 form:

• Don’t leave any required fields blank. Incomplete forms can result in incorrect SBP coverage and premium costs.
• Avoid guessing information when uncertain. If you’re unsure about specific details, such as the exact date of birth for a dependent, verify the information before submitting the form to avoid errors.
• Do not ignore the form’s submission deadline. Delaying or forgetting to submit the form might lead to incorrect SBP deductions from your retired pay and adjustments to your survivor's annuity payments.
• Resist altering the form structure or adding unnecessary information. Stick to the requested details to ensure processing is smooth and accurate.
• Don’t use pencil or erasable ink to fill out the form. Use black or blue ink to ensure the information is permanent and legible.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your form is completed accurately and processed efficiently, securing the appropriate SBP coverage for your eligible family members.

There are several misconceptions about the DD Form 2656-8, also known as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) - Automatic Coverage Fact Sheet. Understanding these misconceptions is essential for service members and their families to accurately navigate their SBP coverage and make informed decisions. Below are eight common misconceptions detailed and clarified:

• Misconception 1: DD Form 2656-8 is an election form. In reality, this form is used to provide information on eligible family members for SBP coverage, but it is not used to make or change an SBP election.
• Misconception 2: Completing DD Form 2656-8 is optional without consequences. While technically voluntary, failure to provide the information requested can lead to incorrect deductions from retired pay and adjustments to survivor annuity payments.
• Misconception 3: The form only needs to be submitted if there are changes in family status. However, service members are advised to complete and return the form to ensure their retiree account reflects accurate SBP coverage and premium costs.
• Misconception 4: The form is only for those with dependents. Even if a service member does not have dependents, they should notify the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to ensure their retired pay account is accurately adjusted.
• Misconception 5: SBP coverage is optional and can be declined at any time. In fact, service members are automatically covered at the maximum rate unless they elected otherwise before retirement or transferring to the Reserves.
• Misconception 6: Only spouses and children are eligible for SBP coverage. While the form primarily focuses on these dependents, there could be special considerations for other dependents under certain circumstances.
• Misconception 7: SBP elections are permanent and cannot be changed. Though changes are restricted, there are specific life events and timelines where alterations to SBP coverage are allowed.
• Misconception 8: Providing a Social Security Number (SSN) on the form is optional. The SSN is required to ensure the correct member/annuitant account reflects the appropriate coverage and costs.

Understanding the purpose and requirements of the DD Form 2656-8 is paramount for service members and their families to ensure they have the correct SBP coverage. Misconceptions can lead to financial implications and stress, making it critical to seek accurate information and assistance when needed.

Filling out the DD Form 2656-8, known as the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) - Automatic Coverage Fact Sheet, is an essential step for military retirees to ensure their families are protected financially after they're gone. Here are key takeaways to remember when dealing with this form:

• Timeliness is crucial: Submitting the form promptly after retirement or transfer can prevent any delays or discrepancies in your retired pay account and ensure your SBP coverage reflects accurately.
• The form is not an election form but a necessary step to provide the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) with the correct information regarding your marital status and dependent children, ensuring the right SBP coverage.
• Accuracy of information regarding your dependents and marital status is vital to avoid incorrect SBP deductions from your retirement pay and ensure potential survivor annuity payments are accurately adjusted.
• Voluntary disclosure of personal information is emphasized, yet not providing the required information may result in incorrect SBP coverage and premium costs.
• The provision of your Social Security Number (SSN) is mandatory for the identification of your member/annuitant account to apply correct coverage and costs.
• It’s important to verify the SBP coverage assumed by the Retired Pay Operations, particularly if it was based on incomplete information about your current marital status and dependents.
• If your family situation changes (e.g., marriage, birth of a child) after retirement or SBP coverage decision, updating your information with a new submission of DD Form 2656-8 is necessary to ensure SBP coverage reflects your current family status.

Understanding the correct use and completion of the DD Form 2656-8 is instrumental for military retirees to secure the financial well-being of their family members through the Survivor Benefit Plan. It's not just about filling out a form; it's about taking a responsible step towards safeguarding the future of one’s family.