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One copy to the member’s service record
SUMMARY
One copy to BUPERS
Delivery of the Death Gratuity Check
The casualty assistance calls officer (CACO) or
some other representative of the CO will personally
deliver the death gratuity check to the payee. This
should be accomplished within 24 hours, if possible. At
the time of delivery, the payee will sign the original of
the DD 397, certifying receipt of the payment and his
or her status as a beneficiary. Two witnesses who
personally know the payee must also sign the original
form. The original is then returned to the DO.
Reports Confirming Payment of Death
Gratuity
In addition, a Navy DO must report the payment of
a death gratuity by message to DFAS—CL with
information copies to BUPERS and the commandant of
the naval district where the payee lives. This message
must refer to the original casualty message and include
the name, social security account number (SSAN), and
organization of the deceased; the name, relationship to
the deceased, and address of the payee; and the amount
and date of the payment.
Separations, discharges, and retirements are not
really difficult; but, they do involve considerable
coordination, timing, and paper work. Everyone must
work together to make sure all documents are properly
prepared in time to allow for orderly processing. It is
especially important that all documents are received
and processed before final payments are made.
Inadequate documentation, bad timing, and sloppy
processing will result in overpayments, underpayments,
and accounts that are out of balance. Put yourself in the
shoes of a service member who is being separated or
discharged. This person is dealing with a lot. The DOD
is counting on you to do your part to ease the strain.
Any member making the transition from active duty is
entitled to adequate support from the disbursing office.
This person should not have to feel bitter and
disillusioned because of problems in his or her pay and
benefits. The death gratuity, because of the situation,
requires special sensitivity along with quick and
accurate action on the part of all concerned. The
processing of the DD 397 and preparation of the gratuity
check must be done without delay to meet the desired
deadline of delivery to the payee within 24 hours. The
key to all these procedures is coordination and attention
to detail.
9-12
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