Analysis of the Death Gratuity Program: History, Current Issues and Future Implications

摘要

The purpose of this project is to analyze the most recent changes to the death gratuity program under Public Law 109-13. Specifically, the project reviews the initiation of the death gratuity program as well as the changes during the program's history. It also analyzes the various issues that influenced the enactment of Public Law 109-13 and the implications that have occurred as a result of it. In addition to the death gratuity, there are also a number of other benefits available to families and beneficiaries upon the death of a servicemember. An entire chapter is dedicated to covering these other benefits. Finally, this project analyzes an alternative method of funding the death gratuity program and presents the advantages and drawbacks of such an alternative.