Lifetime benefit information support for dependents of service members who die on active duty The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides a grant for lifetime benefits information assistance for a surviving spouse (or child if there is no spouse) of a service members who died while on active duty after January 1, 2004. The benefit is provided on behalf of NMCRS by the Armed Forces Service Corporation (AFSC) and entitles the surviving spouse or guardian to a lifetime of no cost federal benefits information support. No charges ever accrue to the survivor. The Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) provides surviving spouses with a letter from the NMCRS President, and an application offering the service. As soon as the surviving spouse accepts this no-cost NMCRS benefit, they will receive an immediate analysis of the federal benefits available that is tailored to the specific family situation. AFSC is also available to help with claim processing and to answer questions about survivor benefits and family assistance needs. Each year for the rest of the surviving spouse’s life, or as long as there are any federal entitlements, AFSC sends updated entitlement information and notifies the spouse of any changes in law or programs. AFSC does not market any products to the surviving family. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is a private non-profit organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to Sailors and Marines and their eligible family members. Society assistance is available to eligible survivors who are confronted with financial hardships that cannot be met with their current income, savings, insurance proceeds or other sources. The application for membership for AFSC may be obtained through the family Casualty Assistance Calls Officer (CACO) or through the NMCRS Headquarters. If you would like additional information on this program please email caseworkers@nmcrs.org. This page last updated April 12, 2010 Return to the "Services" page