Survivor Benefit Plan

The Survivor Benefit Plan, or SBP, was established by Congress effective Sept. 21, 1972 (Public Law 92-425) to provide a monthly income to survivors of retired military personnel upon the member's death when retired pay stops. Survivors of members who die while on active duty, and survivors of members recalled to active duty from retirement who die while on active duty, may also be protected by the SBP.  Air Force Manual 36-3006 governs the SBP program.