Updated 31 March 2023.

NDAA 2023 Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Open Season

Congress provided for a Survivor Benefit Plan Open Season in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The SBP Open Season began on December 23, 2022 and ends on January 1, 2024.

SBP Open Season Enrollment Information

The SBP Open Season allows for retirees receiving retired pay, eligible members, or former members awaiting retired pay who were NOT enrolled in SBP or RCSBP (Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan) as of December 22, 2022 to enroll. For a member who enrolls during the SBP Open Season, the law generally requires that the member will be responsible to pay retroactive SBP premium costs that would have been paid if the member had enrolled at retirement (or enrolled at another earlier date, depending on the member’s family circumstances).

SBP Open Season Discontinuance Information 

The SBP Open Season also allows eligible members and former members who were enrolled in SBP or RCSBP (Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan) as of December 22, 2022 to permanently discontinue their SBP coverage. The law generally requires the covered beneficiaries to concur in writing with the election to discontinue. Previously paid premiums will not be refunded.

Link to new page for SBP Open Season Enrollment Information:

SBP Open Season Enrollment Information

Here is a link to SBP & RCSBP Open Season 2023 Letter of Intent (LOI)

Here is a link to SBP & RCSBP Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a link to SBP & RCSBP Open Season 2023 Enrollment Form 

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Open Season allows eligible retirees, reserve (Ret 1 and Ret 2) retirees who, on December 22, 2022, were not participating in SBP or RCSBP to enroll in the Plan.

For a member who enrolls during the SBP Open Season, the law generally requires that the member will be responsible to pay retroactive SBP premium costs that would have been paid if the member had enrolled at retirement (or enrolled at another earlier date, depending on the member’s family circumstances).

The SBP Open Season runs from December 23, 2022 to January 1, 2024. Enrollment in SBP during the Open Season is a four-step process.

STEP 1. Submit the Letter of Intent (LOI), including all required information and the type of enrollment.

STEP 2. PPC/RAS will send you an estimate of your monthly premium costs going forward, as well as the one-time “buy-in premium,” based on the information provided.

STEP 3. After considering the costs, if you want to officially enroll, submit the enrollment form, including your choice for how you will pay for the buy-in premium.

STEP 4. PPC/RAS will confirm your enrollment, including your final costs, and provide instructions on how to submit payment or start deductions. You are allowed 30 days from the date you sign your enrollment form to cancel enrollment – cancellation must be in writing and received within the 30 days.

PLEASE NOTE: Reserve and Gray Area Retirees (not yet receiving retired pay) should submit their Letter of Intent and enrollment form to PPC/RAS.

Link to new page for SBP Open Season Discontinuance Information:

SBP Open Season Discontinuance Information

Here is a link to SBP & RCSBP Discontinue Coverage Form

Here is a link to SBP & RCSBP Discontinue Coverage Frequently Asked Questions

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Open Season allows Retirees and Reserve (RET-1 and RET-2) Retirees to stop (discontinue) their SBP or RCSBP coverage during the Open Season (through January 1, 2024).

The member:

1. must obtain concurrence from their spouse plus any beneficiary covered by SBP who is 18 or over
2. must understand that no premiums are refunded
3. the current RCSBP (RSV Premium) deduction will continue