Benefits Extended for Same-Sex Military Spouses

Today, about three years after the repeal of DADT same-sex military souses and partners are finally getting some of the benefits heterosexual spouses receive. The 14 benefits identified for members to designate whomever they wish as beneficiaries are: -- Service Members Group Life Insurance beneficiary; -- Post Vietnam-era Veterans Assistance Program beneficiary; -- All-volunteer Force Educational Assistance Program – Active Duty Death Benefit beneficiary; -- Death Gratuity beneficiary; -- Final Settlement of Accounts; -- Wounded Warrior Designated Caregiver; -- Thrift Savings Plan beneficiary; -- Survivor Benefit for retirees; -- Casualty Notification; -- Escorts for Dependents of Deceased or Missing; -- Designation of Persons Having Interest in Status of a Missing Member; -- Veterans’ Group Life Insurance beneficiary; -- Person Eligible to Receive Effects of Deceased Persons; and -- Travel and Transportation Allowance: attendance at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration events. While this is a step in the right direction and a big win for equality, until DOMA is repealed our LGBT family in the army will continue to be denied the rights they deserve. For the full article please visit http://www.advocate.com/politics/military/2013/02/11/sec-panetta-announces-benefits-same-sex-military-spouses-and-partners For the official announcement from The Department of Defense please visit http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=65857