The Department of Defense requires detailed information from you in order to fully assist you in the settlement of your loved one’s personal affairs and financial accounts, as well as the initiation of any survivor benefits that may apply to you. You are not required to provide this information; however, without it, your casualty assistance officer may not be able to assist you in settling your loved one’s personal affairs or applying for certain benefits. This information may also be used by other government agencies, as well as other selected agencies, such as an insurance company or bank, to process or disburse benefits and entitlements. The Department of Defense will store some or all of this information in the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS), which is a controlled access information system that the Services use to manage each casualty case.

Because the Department of Defense receives many requests from private individuals, organizations, federal and state elected members of government, and other reputable sources asking for family member contact information, you may also be asked whether you consent to have certain information provided to interested elected officials or to third-party benefactors who may wish to extend their condolences or provide support such as gifts, monetary assistance, or scholarships. This decision is entirely up to you; U.S. privacy laws bar the government from releasing your private information to third-parties without your written consent. Additionally, while there may be many offers to families of deceased service members, each organization has its own criteria and receipt of such gifts or offers is not automatic.