Legacy Planning Guide
Legacy Planning for Military Veterans and Active Duty Service Members
We know this isn't the most comfortable topic to sit down with. But if you've taken the time to open this page, you're already ahead of most people. Military service creates unique financial benefits — and unique complexities. From Survivor Benefit Plans to VA education benefits, your legacy planning must account for the full picture of your service.
Why Veterans face unique challenges
Every profession has its own blind spots when it comes to legacy planning. Here are the ones that come up most often for veterans — and the ones that tend to catch people off guard.
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) election is irrevocable and must match estate plan
VA disability compensation does not pass to heirs but DIC benefits do
SGLI coverage must be designated properly and updated after family changes
VA home loan benefits and property planning considerations
Military retirement pay vs. disability pay interaction affects survivor income
Documents every veteran should have
You don't need to have everything perfect from day one — but having these documents in place means your family won't be left guessing when it matters most.
- 1
SGLI (Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance) beneficiary designation
- 2
Survivor Benefit Plan election documentation with explanation for family
- 3
DD-214 discharge papers stored securely with instructions for family
- 4
VA benefit summary including disability rating and active claims
- 5
Letter to family explaining your service, sacrifices, and what they meant to you
Mistakes that cost families the most
These aren't meant to scare you — they're meant to protect you. Each one is a real scenario we've seen play out, and each one is completely avoidable.
SGLI beneficiary not updated after divorce — ex-spouse receives the payout
SBP election not coordinated with the overall estate plan
DD-214 cannot be located — family struggles to claim burial benefits
VA benefits not claimed — uncollected disability, education, and home loan benefits
No letter explaining military service history to grandchildren who never knew you in uniform
Your first 3 steps as a veteran
Don't know where to start? These are the three most impactful moves for veterans who are just beginning to think about legacy planning.
Review your Survivor Benefit Plan election and explain it to your spouse
Ensure your SGLI/VGLI beneficiary designations are current
Create a 'military benefits guide' documenting all VA, SBP, and SGLI contacts for your family
Frequently asked questions for veterans
What survivor benefits does the military provide?
The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides up to 55% of retirement pay to eligible survivors. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) provides additional benefits for survivors of service members who die from service-connected causes.
How do VA benefits affect estate planning?
VA benefits are not inheritable — they stop at death. However, Aid & Attendance benefits can help fund long-term care costs during your lifetime, preserving more estate assets for your heirs.
What is SGLI and do I still need additional life insurance?
SGLI provides up to $500,000 in coverage on active duty. For most military families with dependents, additional private life insurance fills significant coverage gaps, particularly for spouses who don't work outside the home.
Are there special estate planning rules for military families stationed overseas?
Yes — the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides important protections. Military families overseas should have valid wills and powers of attorney executed under US law, and plan for foreign assets separately.
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Where to start on My Loved Ones
Our AI-guided tools walk you through each document step by step — no legal jargon, no blank pages staring back at you. Here's what we recommend for veterans:
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Important disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. It was created with the assistance of AI and may contain inaccuracies. Laws and regulations change frequently — always consult a qualified attorney or financial advisor before making estate planning decisions.