How to Claim Retiree AOP Using the SF1174 (2024)

How to Claim a Retiree’s Arrears of Pay Using the SF 1174

Arrears of Pay (AOP) is a one-time payment, usually less than one month’s pay, made to the AOP beneficiary after the death of a retiree. Arrears of Pay (AOP) is not a death benefit.

The Arrears of Pay payment to the beneficiary is:

The pro-rated amount of the retiree’s final month’s pay. And, if applicable, any other money owed to the retiree at the time of their death.

To make a claim for money due to a retiree after their death, complete and submit anSF 1174with a copy of the death certificate listing the cause of death. Please send a COPY of the death certificate, not the original. We are unable to return original documents. You can download the SF 1174 form from our Forms webpage. We also have a Form Wizard to help you complete the form correctly. Get the Form Wizard on our Forms webpage.

The SF 1174 should be used by those who either (1) are the designated beneficiary on file with our agency, or (2) are entitled under theOrder of Precedence.

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Helpful tools for surviving spouses and children

If you are the spouse (widow/widower) or child(ren) of the deceased retiree, we have new, helpful tools to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily.

Up to two claimants can use one SF 1174. If there are two claimants on one form, both must sign on the same date in front of the witnesses. If there are more than two claimants, or the claimants are not signing together, please submit separate forms.

Direct deposit for Arrears of Pay payments

We can now deposit an Arrears of Pay (AOP) payment directly to an eligible claimant’s bank account instead of mailing a check. Direct deposit can reduce the time it takes to receive the payment. To have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account, send a completed Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059) with your SF 1174.

Use the SF 1174 Form Wizard to fill in your form

TheSF 1174 Form Wizardwill help you fill out the SF 1174 Arrears of Pay form. The form wizard will ask you a series of questions and fill in your answers in the appropriate areas of the form. When you have finished answering the questions, you can click a button to generate a ready-to-print PDF with your answers.Get the Form Wizard on our Forms webpage

Please remember you will need tosign and date this form in front of two witnesses, and then submit it to DFAS, along with a copy of the death certificate that lists the cause of death.

How to use the Form Wizard

You candownload the entire SF 1174 Form Wizard to your Windows or MAC computer. You will need compatible PDF software, such as the free Adobe Acrobat DC software, available at adobe.com. We do not recommend saving the Form Wizard to a shared computer, because it contains personally-identifiable information.Get the Form Wizard on our Forms webpage

Use the Form 1174 Retiree AOP Checklist to fill out your form

TheForm 1174 Retiree AOP Checklistprovides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form.

Watch the Form 1174 Retiree AOP How-To Video on YouTube

The1174 AOP how-to videoprovides a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the SF 1174 correctly and easily.

Submit your completed SF 1174 and copy of death certificate online using our new askDFAS online upload tool on DFAS.mil

You can now upload a PDF of your completed/signed form and supporting documents via theaskDFAS online upload toolon DFAS.mil.

Use the DD 2790 Checklist to fill out your 2790 form (if applicable)

The DD 2790 Checklistprovides quick tips and a walk-through of the form to help you fill out the DD 2790 correctly and easily. You can download and print the checklist, or use it on your computer or tablet to assist you in filling out the form.

Watch the Annuitant DD 2790 How-To Video on YouTube

TheDD 2790 How-To Videoprovides a walk-through to help you fill out the DD 2790 correctly and easily.

If you have additional questions about claiming retiree Arrears of Pay, please contact your Branch of Service Retiree Service Organization or call our Customer Care Center at 800-321-1080.

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Instructions for common claimants - retiree Arrears of Pay

Submitting the SF 1174 and death certificate

Send the completed SF 1174 for a retiree’s Arrears of Pay with a copy of the death certificate that lists the cause of death; include a completed Direct Deposit Authorization (DFAS-CL Form 1059) with your SF 1174 to have an AOP payment direct deposited to your bank account:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service
U.S. Military Retired Pay
8899 E 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46249-1200

Remember to keep a copy of your signed form.

C. OR, fax to: 800-469-6559

Claimants with special circ*mstances

At the end of this page, there areadditional instructions for those claimants with special circ*mstances; additional documentation or steps may be required.

If you are filling out an SF 1174 to request the arrears of annuity for anSBP ANNUITANTrather than a retiree, please refer to the following instructions:
Beneficiary of an SBP Annuitant

Supplemental Instructions – SF 1174 Retiree Arrears of Pay

The following instructions outline how to complete an SF 1174 for the following:

• Designated Beneficiary (Not Estate or Trust)
• Designated (Estate or Trust)
• Not Designated (Spouse, Children, Parents)
• Not Designated (Estate)
• Not Designated (Siblings, Children of Siblings)

Designated Beneficiary (Not Estate or Trust)

Example of a completed form

If an organization is designated as beneficiary, i.e. "Salvation Army," a representative from the designated organization must complete an SF1174 on behalf of the organization.

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Designated (Estate or Trust)

• Any claims made on behalf of an Estate must be accompanied with a court ordered appointment naming the Executor of the Estate
• Any claims made on behalf of a Trust must be accompanied by a court-ordered appointment naming the Trustee(s) of the Trust and documentation from trust naming trustee(s).

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Not Designated (Spouse, Children, Parents)

Example of completed form

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Not Designated (Estate)

Any claims made on behalf of an Estate must be accompanied with a court- ordered appointment naming the Executor of the Estate

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Not Designated (Siblings, Children of Siblings)

Example of completed form

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Supplemental Instructions for Claimant with Special Circ*mstances

Minor Child or Beneficiary with Legal Guardian (GDN)

1. Your claimmustbe accompanied by a completed copy ofDD 2790(available on our Forms webpage)
2. Your formmustbe signed by your Legal Guardian with their contact information

Beneficiary with a Power of Attorney (POA)

1. Your claimmustbe accompanied by yourPower of Attorneypaperwork
2. Your formmustbe signed by your Power of attorney with their contact information

Beneficiary with Foreign Address

1. Children of retiree's do not need to fill out a citizenship affidavit

2. All Non-US Citizens with an address outside of the United States are required to submit an

   IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding

   . Otherwise, if claimant is not a child and is a US Citizen please complete

   IRS Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

3. If you do not have a social security number you will need to obtain one from the IRS by completing the

   IRS Form W-7

   prior to filling out the IRS Form W-8, Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding

Multiple Beneficiaries Using the Same Form

Example of completed form

1. Both names and SSN should be provided in PART A
2. All beneficiaries should be listed in PART C
3. A maximum of two beneficiaries can be used on each form
4. Both names should be listed in the witness section

Page last updated Sept 12023