Most Military SBP Annuitants Get Increases

Thousands of military survivors who were losing Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) funds because of their spouses’ Social Security earnings on active duty got their first of four breaks this month. As part of a three-year phase-in, SBP payments to annuitants drawing less than 40 percent of the base amount were jumped to 40 percent on Oct. 1. This was reflected in the beneficiaries’ November payments. The amount rises to 45 percent June 1, 2006, 50 percent June 1, 2007 and 55 percent June 1, 2008. Survivors who already were receiving 40 percent or more saw no increase.