Survivor Benefit Plan Calculator

Calculate military Survivor Benefit Plan costs and annuity payments.
$

SBP Cost

$195.00

Survivor Payment

$1,650.00

SBP Details

Retired Pay$3,000.00
SBP Premium (6.5%)$195.00
Net After SBP$2,805.00
Survivor Receives (55%)$1,650.00

Use the Survivor Benefit Plan Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

This calculator helps you understand the financial implications of the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), specifically for those retiring in 2026. It estimates your monthly SBP premium and the potential annuity your beneficiaries would receive, providing clarity for a crucial retirement decision. Understanding these figures is vital for ensuring your loved ones are financially protected after your passing.

The SBP premium is calculated based on a percentage of your elected base amount. For those retiring in 2026, the premium is 6.5% of the chosen base amount, which can be any amount from $300 up to your full retired pay. The annuity payment to your beneficiaries is typically 55% of the elected base amount, assuming the beneficiary is a spouse or eligible child.

A common mistake is underestimating the long-term cost of SBP or overestimating the immediate need for a large base amount. Remember that SBP premiums are deducted from your gross retired pay, and the annuity is subject to taxation. It's also important to consider other life insurance policies you may have and how they integrate with SBP benefits.

Example: Colonel John Doe's 2026 SBP Decision

  1. 1 Colonel John Doe retires in 2026 with a monthly retired pay of $8,000. He wants to ensure his spouse receives a substantial benefit and elects a base amount of $5,000.
  2. 2 His monthly SBP premium would be 6.5% of $5,000, which is $325. His spouse's potential annuity would be 55% of $5,000, equaling $2,750 per month.
  3. 3 Colonel Doe's monthly SBP premium: $325. His spouse's potential monthly SBP annuity: $2,750.
  4. 4 This means Colonel Doe's retired pay will be reduced by $325 each month, but in the event of his passing, his spouse would receive $2,750 per month for life, adjusted for cost-of-living increases.

Source: DFAS · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Survivor Benefit Plan cost?
SBP premiums are 6.5% of your base amount (chosen retirement pay level). For a retiree receiving $3,000/month who selects full coverage, the premium is $195/month. Premiums stop after 30 years of payments and reaching age 70.
How much does SBP pay to the surviving spouse?
SBP pays the beneficiary 55% of the selected base amount. If you select full retired pay as your base and receive $3,000/month, the survivor receives $1,650/month. This annuity is adjusted for COLA and continues for the life of the spouse.
Is SBP worth the cost?
SBP provides guaranteed, inflation-adjusted income for life at a subsidized rate. The government pays about 40% of the true cost. Compared to a commercial annuity providing equivalent benefits, SBP is generally a better value, especially for longer-lived survivors.

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