Providing prompt reporting, dignified and humane notification, and efficient, thorough, and compassionate assistance to family members.

The branch provides guidance to commanders, casualty assistance representatives, family assistance representatives, and many other support agencies to ensure members and their families are taken care of as expeditiously as possible in a family emergency.

A Survivor's Guide to Benefits is intended to aid family members as they work through the difficulty and pain of losing a loved one who served in the military.

The guide is designed to give family members a clear idea of how the Department of Defense will assist with the first meeting of the casualty assistance officer. It covers the planning and details of the funeral or memorial service, and continues through the application and processing of all benefits and entitlements.

If you have a relative or friend serving on active duty in the Air Force, who you believe may be a casualty and are requesting additional information or assistance, please contact Casualty Services. Upon verification of your identity and relationship to the Air Force member, a Casualty Services representative will provide you with further information.

If you are a surviving family member of a retired Air Force member residing in the United States you can receive personal assistance in applying for eligible benefits on his or her behalf. You may contact one of the following organizations for assistance:

The nearest Air Force base military personnel section customer service.

The Air Force Casualty Assistance Representative Locator at 877-353-6807. Voicemail is available after duty hours and individuals who leave a message will be called back the next duty day.

The Defense Finance and Accounting Service at 800-321-1080 or visit them online at http://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors/Retiree-death.html.

The nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for families overseas.

Please have the following information available when making a notification:

• Retiree's full name, grade, Social Security number and date of retirement. 
• Date, city and state of death.
• Name, relationship and phone number of next of kin. 
• For general officers - date and place of funeral, if known.