Death Gratuity benefit offers new service Published Aug. 16, 2007 By Airman Samantha S. DeVries 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) -- Servicemembers have until Sept. 30 to designate a second beneficiary to receive a portion of their death gratuity payable upon the military member's death. The Death Gratuity benefit is given to a member's surviving beneficiary if the member dies while on active duty. Currently set at $100,000, the full amount goes to the primary beneficiary unless members add a second person to receive a partial amount. The optional, secondary person includes anyone of the member's choosing. This person receives a chosen percentage in increments of 10 percent, not to exceed 50 percent. Airmen make changes and designate beneficiaries of the death gratuity on their record of emergency data located on the virtual Military Personnel Flight system. Members assign death gratuity designations under this new authority using Item 13, "continuations/remarks." Making a designation is strictly voluntary and ensures the person identified receives the percentage indicated. The remaining gratuity percentage is paid in accordance with section 1477 of Title 10 in the United States Code. Title 10 states the order of precedence is spouse, child and if a member has neither, an eligible beneficiary chosen by the member like a parent or sibling. The death gratuity is a tax-free, lump sum gratuitous payment made by the Air Force to eligible beneficiaries and individuals designated by the active duty service member. This includes Reserve or Guard members who die while on active duty or full-time National Guard duty. The benefit helps survivors readjust and lets them meet immediate expenses incurred. To update the vRED, can be access the virtual MPF on the Air Force Portal at https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp.