MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Do you realize the value in your record of emergency data card? A RED card provides information on primary next-of-kin, secondary next-of-kin and other persons the Air Force will notify in case of death, injury or an emergency. It also serves as the official document, required by law, for designating beneficiaries of death gratuity pay and unpaid pay and allowances. Lastly, using this form individuals will indicate who they want to make mortuary arrangements. Let’s take a moment to outline some of the primary benefits designees are authorized to receive.
Death gratuity
This is a tax-free $100,000 benefit paid by electronic funds transmittal within 7-14 days of the member's death. The death gratuity is for next of kin to use for emergency expenses until other benefits start coming in. This payment is not intended for funeral expenses.
Unpaid pay and allowances
This includes pay due since the last payday to the date of death and is comprised of basic pay, payment for up to 60 days accrued leave and basic allowance for housing 365 (paid in quarterly increments for married service members). Additionally, it covers reimbursement for costs associated with expenses for travel and per diem of eligible family members. Lastly, the arrangement of shipment of household goods and unpaid installments of a variable reenlistment bonus or any portion not paid are designated using the RED.
PADD
The person authorized to direct disposition is an essential designation. Due to conflicts that may exist within the extended family, the Department of Defense provides service members a choice in selecting a PADD among their immediate family members. On the DD Form 93, Record of Emergency Data instruction page it states, “Only the following persons may be named as a PADD: surviving spouse, a blood relative of legal age, or adoptive relatives of the decedent. If neither of these three can be found, a person standing in loco parentis may be named.” The most important piece is that individuals discuss their desires should something happen to them with whomever is designated.
Every service member raises their right hand and pledges an oath to lay down their life, if necessary, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and does so knowing that fatalities are a likelihood of war and service to the military. What the member does not always understand is what happens after they are deceased. Take time to review the RED on the virtual military personnel flight (vMPF) site, ensuring the form indicates correct information. Additionally, assigning a reoccurring calendar reminder, such as a birthday, will help remind individuals to update this vital form on an annual basis.
For questions or more information, contact your unit's casualty assistance representative.