Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            Defense Finance and Accounting Service
                    Providing payment services for the U.S. Department of Defense
                Defense Finance and Accounting Service
        Search
                    Search Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS):
                        Search
                Search Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS):
                    Search
    Military Member

    Retired Military & Annuitant

    Civilian Employee

    Contractor & Vendor  Home
  RetiredMilitary
  survivors
  1174RetireeAOP
 **Customer Service** 800-321-1080
M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET **Quick ToolsaskDFAS****FormsFrequently Asked Questions**
 News and EventsNewsPosted 01/27/2020Upcoming Retiree EventsPosted 01/27/2020Retiree NewsletterPosted 01/27/2020Retiree Newsletter ArchivePosted 01/27/2020About R&A PayWho We Are, What We DoPosted 01/27/2020How Long Does It Take?Posted 01/27/2020Who Should I Contact: DFAS, the VA or the Military?Posted 01/27/2020Plan for RetirementTypes of RetirementPosted 01/27/2020EligibilityPosted 01/27/2020Recall to Active DutyPosted 01/27/2020Estimate Your PayPosted 01/27/2020Separation PaymentsPosted 01/27/2020Apply for RetirementHow to ApplyPosted 01/27/2020Transfer AllotmentsPosted 01/27/2020Receiving Your PayPosted 01/27/2020Managing Your RetirementPay SchedulePosted 01/27/2020Change of AddressPosted 01/27/2020Direct DepositPosted 01/27/2020International Direct DepositPosted 01/27/2020Using myPayPosted 01/27/2020Retiree Account StatementPosted 01/27/2020AllotmentsPosted 01/27/2020Pay VerificationPosted 01/27/2020TaxesPosted 01/27/2020Powers of Attorney/Third Party Representatives for RetireesPosted 01/27/2020Disability EntitlementsDisability RetirementPosted 01/27/2020CRSC and CRDP PaymentPosted 01/27/2020Combat Related Special CompensationPosted 01/27/2020Concurrent Retirement Disability PayPosted 01/27/2020Comparing CRSC and CRDPPosted 01/27/2020Applying for CRSCPosted 01/27/2020VA Waiver and Retired PayPosted 01/27/2020Provide for Loved OnesTwo Ways to PreparePosted 01/27/2020Survivor Benefit PlanPosted 01/27/2020Arrears of PayPosted 01/27/2020Reserve Component SBPPosted 01/27/2020Secondary DependencyPosted 01/27/2020Branch Contact InformationPosted 01/27/2020Survivors and BeneficiariesStart an SBP AnnuityPosted 01/27/2020Manage Your SBP AnnuityPosted 01/27/2020Report SBP Annuitant's DeathPosted 01/27/2020Report a Retiree's DeathPosted 01/27/2020Survivor Benefit and Arrears of Pay Frequently Asked QuestionsPosted 01/27/2020Understanding SBP, DIC and SSIAPosted 01/27/2020Starting SBP for Gray-Area ReservistPosted 01/27/2020School CertificationsPosted 01/27/2020SBP-DIC NewsPosted 01/27/2020Powers of Attorney/Third Party Representatives for AnnuitantsPosted 01/27/2020Secondary Dependency
 **How to Claim a Retiree’s Arrears of Pay Using the SF 1174** Arrears of Pay (AOP) is a one-time payment, usually less than one month’s pay, made to the AOP beneficiary after the death of a retiree. Arrears of Pay (AOP) is not a death benefit. The Arrears of Pay payment to the beneficiary is: *The pro-rated amount of the retiree’s final month’s pay. And, if applicable, any other money owed to the retiree at the time of their death.* To make a claim for money due to a retiree after their death, complete and submit an SF 1174 with a copy of the death certificate listing the cause of death. Please send a COPY of the death certificate, not the original. We are unable to return original documents. You can **download the SF 1174 form from our Forms webpage**. We also have a Form Wizard to help you complete the form correctly. **Get the Form Wizard on our Forms webpage.** The SF 1174 should be used by those who either (1) are the designated beneficiary on file with our agency, or (2) are entitled under the **Order of Precedence**. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * **Helpful tools for surviving spouses and children** If you are the spouse (widow/widower) or child(ren) of the deceased retiree, we have new, helpful tools to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily. Up to two claimants can use one SF 1174. If there are two claimants on one form, both must sign on the same date in front of the witnesses. If there are more than two claimants, or the claimants are not signing together, please submit separate forms. **Direct deposit for Arrears of Pay payments** We can now deposit an Arrears of Pay (AOP) payment directly to an eligible claimant’s bank account instead of mailing a check. Direct deposit can reduce the time it takes to receive the payment. To have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account, send a completed **Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059)** with your SF 1174. **Use the SF 1174 Form Wizard to fill in your form** The SF 1174 Form Wizard will help you fill out the SF 1174 Arrears of Pay form. The form wizard will ask you a series of questions and fill in your answers in the appropriate areas of the form. When you have finished answering the questions, you can click a button to generate a ready-to-print PDF with your answers. G**et the Form Wizard on our Forms webpage** Please remember you will need to **sign and date this form in front of two witnesses**, and then submit it to DFAS, along with a copy of the death certificate that lists the cause of death. **How to use the Form Wizard** You can download the entire SF 1174 Form Wizard  to your Windows or MAC computer. You will need compatible PDF software, such as the free Adobe Acrobat DC software, available at adobe.com. We do not recommend saving the Form Wizard to a shared computer, because it contains personally-identifiable information. **Get the Form Wizard on our Forms webpage** **Use the Form 1174 Retiree AOP Checklist to fill out your form** The **Form 1174 Retiree AOP Checklist**provides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form. **Watch the Form 1174 Retiree AOP How-To Video on YouTube** The **1174 AOP how-to video** provides a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily. **Submit your completed SF 1174 and copy of death certificate online using our new askDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil** You can now upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the **askDFAS online upload tool** on DFAS.mil. **Use the DD 2790 Checklist to fill out your 2790 form (if applicable)** **The DD 2790 Checklist** provides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the DD 2790 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form. **Watch the Annuitant DD 2790 How-To Video on YouTube** The **DD 2790 How-To Video** provides a walk-through to help you fill out the DD 2790 correctly and easily. If you have additional questions about claiming retiree Arrears of Pay, please contact your Branch of Service Retiree Service Organization or call our **Customer Care Center** at 800-321-1080. *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   * **Instructions for common claimants - retiree Arrears of Pay** **Order of Precedence**
 **Submitting the SF 1174 and death certificate** Send the completed SF 1174 for a retiree’s Arrears of Pay with a copy of the death certificate that lists the cause of death; include a completed **Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059)** with your SF 1174 to have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account: **A.**Upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via the **askDFAS online upload tool**on DFAS.mil**B.**OR, mail to: Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1200 Remember to keep a copy of your signed form. **C.** OR, fax to: 800-469-6559 **Claimants with special circumstances** At the end of this page, there are additional instructions for those claimants with special circumstances; additional documentation or steps may be required. If you are filling out an SF 1174 to request the arrears of annuity for an **SBP ANNUITANT** rather than a retiree, please refer to the following instructions:**Beneficiary of an SBP Annuitant** **Supplemental Instructions – SF 1174 Retiree Arrears of Pay** The following instructions outline how to complete an SF 1174 for the following: Designated Beneficiary (Not Estate or Trust)
 Designated (Estate or Trust)
 Not Designated (Spouse, Children, Parents)
 Not Designated (Estate)
 Not Designated (Siblings, Children of Siblings) **Designated Beneficiary (Not Estate or Trust)** **Example of a completed form** If an organization is designated as beneficiary, i.e. "Salvation Army," a representative from the designated organization must complete an SF1174 on behalf of the organization. **Part**
   **Instructions**
   **Reminder or Tips****A**
   Complete Sections # 1- 6 with your information and,

   Complete Sections # 7-10 with information of the decedent
   If claimant is minor, complete form DD 2790 (available on our **Forms webpage**)

   If claimant does not have a "Social Security Number," please complete **IRS Form W-7**.**B**
   Respond "Yes" if claimant was married to member at time of death
   n/a**C**
   Complete with N/A
   n/a**D**
   Complete with N/A
   n/aPart E - Funeral Expenses – do not complete/no longer used
   1. Claims must be signed, include mailing address, dated, and witnessed by two disinterested parties to be considered valid.

   2. If claimant has a Power of Attorney/attorney in fact please see supplemental instructions at the end of this page.

   3. If claimant is not a child and is not a US Citizen, please complete **IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding**. Otherwise, if claimant is not a child and is a US Citizen please complete **IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification**Sign & Date where it indicates "signature of claimant." Under your signature provide your mailing address and phone number.Enter your name in the witness section where it says "Name(s) of claimant(s)."

   Have two witnesses sign their name and enter their address. **Back to top** **Designated (Estate or Trust)** Any claims made on behalf of an Estate must be accompanied with a court ordered appointment naming the Executor of the Estate
 Any claims made on behalf of a Trust must be accompanied by a court-ordered appointment naming the Trustee(s) of the Trust and documentation from trust naming trustee(s). **Part**
   **Instructions**
   **Reminder or Tips****A**
   Complete Sections # 1- 6 with information of "Estate of"/Executor or "Trust of"/Trustee and,
   Complete Sections # 7-10 with information of the decedent
   Claims made on behalf of an Estate or Trust requires an **Employer Identification Number (EIN)** instead of a Social Security Number.**B**
   Complete with N/A
   n/a**C**
   Complete with N/A
   n/a**D**
   Complete by listing information regarding the Estate or Trust and provide contact information for the executor/trustee or those whose behalf the Executor or Trustee are acting.
   Court appointed documentation is required as proof of your authorityPart E - Funeral Expenses – do not complete/no longer used
   1. Claims must be signed, include mailing address, dated and witnessed by two disinterested parties to be considered valid.

   2. If co-executors/trustees exist, both parties must sign the SF1174 claim formSign & Date your name where it indicates "signature of claimant." Under your signature provide your address and phone number. **Back to top** **Not Designated (Spouse, Children, Parents)** **Example of completed form** **Part**
   **Instructions**
   **Reminder or Tips****A**
   Complete Sections # 1- 6 with your information and,

   Complete Sections # 7-10 with information of the decedent
   If claimant is minor, complete form DD 2790 (available on our **Forms webpage**)

   If claimant does not have a "Social Security Number," please complete **IRS Form W-7**.**B**
   Respond "Yes" if claimant was married to member at time of death
   n/a**C**
   Complete by listing **all** Next of Kin information, following the **Order of Precedence** , until you've reached the relationship which your claim is being made.
   If next of kin do not exist, which take precedence to your relationship, please indicate this.

   **Example:** If you are a parent making claim, then "Spouse - Deceased"

   "Children - N/A"**D**
   Complete with N/APart E - Funeral Expenses – do not complete/no longer used
   1. Claims must be signed, include mailing address, dated, and witnessed by two disinterested parties to be considered valid.

   2. If claimant has a Power of Attorney/attorney in fact please see instructions at the end of this page.

   3. If claimant is **not a child** and is not a US Citizen please complete **IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding**. Otherwise, if claimant is not a child and is a US Citizen please complete **IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification**Sign & Date where it indicates "signature of claimant." Under your signature provide your address and phone number.Enter your name in the witness section where it says "Name(s) of claimant(s)."

   Have two witnesses sign their name and enter their address. **Back to top** **Not Designated (Estate)** Any claims made on behalf of an Estate must be accompanied with a court- ordered appointment naming the Executor of the Estate **Part**
   **Instructions**
   **Reminder or Tips****A**
   Complete Sections # 1- 6 with information of "Estate of"/Executor or and,

   Complete Sections # 7-10 with information of the decedent
   Claims made on behalf of an Estate require an **Employer Identification Number (EIN)** instead of a Social Security Number.**B**
   Complete with N/A
   n/a**C**
   Complete by listing **all** Next of Kin information, following the **Order of Precedence** , until you've reached the relationship which your claim is being made.
   If next of kin do not exist, which take precedence to your relationship, please indicate this.

   **Example:** If you are a parent making claim, then "Spouse - Deceased"

   "Children - N/A"**D**
   Complete by listing information regarding the Estate and provide contact information for the executor or those whose behalf the Executor are acting.
   Court appointed documentation is required as proof of your authorityPart E - Funeral Expenses – do not complete/no longer used
   1. Claims must be signed, include mailing address, dated, and witnessed by two disinterested parties to be considered valid.

   2. If co-executors exist, both parties must sign the SF1174 claim formSign & Date your name where it indicates "signature of claimant." Under your signature provide your address and phone number. **Back to top** **Not Designated (Siblings, Children of Siblings)** **Example of completed form** **Part**
   **Instructions**
   **Reminder or Tips****A**
   Complete Sections # 1- 6 with your information and,

   Complete Sections # 7-10 with information of the decedent
   If claimant is minor, complete form DD 2790 (available on our **Forms webpage**)

   If claimant does not have a "Social Security Number," please complete **IRS Form W-7**.**B**
   Complete with N/A
   n/a**C**
   Complete by listing **all** Next of Kin information, following the Order of Precedence , until your reached the relationship which you're claim is being made.
   If next of kin do not exist, which take precedence to your relationship, please indicate this.

   **Example:** If you are a parent making claim, then "Spouse - Deceased"

   "Children - N/A"**D**
   Complete by listing information regarding the Estate and provide contact information for the executor or those whose behalf the Executor are acting.
   If you are the court appointed Executor of the estate, please follow instructions for "**Not Designated Estate**" - as the Estate takes precedence over siblings/children of siblings.Part E - Funeral Expenses – do not complete/no longer usedSign & Date your name where it indicates "signature of claimant." Under your signature provide your address and phone number.
   1. Claims must be signed, include mailing address, dated, and witnessed by two disinterested parties to be considered valid.

   2. If claimant has a Power of Attorney/attorney in fact please see supplemental instructions the end of this document.

   3. If claimant is **not a child** and is not a US Citizen please complete **IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding**. Otherwise, if claimant is not a child and is a US Citizen please complete **IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification**Enter your name in the witness section where it says "Name(s) of claimant(s)."

   Have two witnesses sign their name and enter their address. **Back to top** **Supplemental Instructions for Claimant with Special Circumstances** **Minor Child or Beneficiary with Legal Guardian (GDN)** Your claim **must** be accompanied by a completed copy of DD 2790 (available on our **Forms webpage**)
 Your form **must** be signed by your Legal Guardian with their contact information **Beneficiary with a Power of Attorney (POA)** Your claim **must** be accompanied by your **Power of Attorney** paperwork
 Your form **must** be signed by your Power of attorney with their contact information **Beneficiary with Foreign Address** Children of retiree's do not need to fill out a citizenship affidavit
 All Non-US Citizens with an address outside of the United States are required to submit an **IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding**. Otherwise, if claimant is not a child and is a US Citizen please complete **IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification**
 If you do not have a social security number you will need to obtain one from the IRS by completing the **IRS Form W-7** prior to filling out the IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding **Multiple Beneficiaries Using the Same Form** **Example of completed form** Both names and SSN should be provided in PART A
 All beneficiaries should be listed in PART C
 A maximum of two beneficiaries can be used on each form
 Both names should be listed in the witness section   Page last updated Sept 1 2023
 Stay Connected
                
                
                Department of Defense     Department of Veterans Affairs     Military Employment Verification     Warrior Care Website     Defense Contract Mgmt Agency  DoD Forms   
 Department of State    Civilian Personnel Mgmt Service   DTS Travel Center     System for Award Mgmt (SAM)   Congressional/LegislationPersonnel Force Innovation     Freedom of Information Act     DFAS Hotline   Contact Us     Accessibility / Section 508    EEO / No Fear Act
            

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil