Retired Military Wife Benefits: Essential Guide for Spouses in 2025

Being married to a retired military service member comes with numerous benefits that can greatly enhance your quality of life. From healthcare coverage to financial support, these benefits recognize the sacrifices that military families make throughout active duty careers. As a retired military spouse, you have access to TRICARE health insurance, commissary and exchange privileges, and potential survivor benefits through programs like the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP).

Military retirement benefits extend well beyond the service member to provide support for the entire family. You may qualify for free legal assistance and even property tax discounts in some states. The Survivor Benefit Plan is particularly important as it ensures continued financial support after your spouse passes away.

Key Takeaways

• You retain access to TRICARE healthcare coverage, which provides comprehensive medical insurance for retired military families.
• Military commissaries, exchanges, and recreational facilities remain available to you with significant savings on everyday purchases.
• If enrolled, the Survivor Benefit Plan provides you with continuous lifetime financial support after your military retiree spouse passes away.

Eligibility Requirements for Retired Military Wife Benefits

Qualifying for military spouse benefits depends on several key factors related to your spouse’s service and your marriage. Understanding these requirements will help you navigate the benefits system effectively.

Understanding Military Service and Retirement Status

Your eligibility for benefits as a military spouse largely depends on your husband or wife’s military retirement status. For you to receive full benefits, your spouse must have completed at least 20 years of creditable service in the military. This is the standard requirement for regular retirement.

Reserve and National Guard spouses face different eligibility rules. If your husband or wife served in these components, he or she needs to reach age 60 and have accumulated 20 “good years” of service to qualify for retirement benefits that extend to you.

Different retirement types affect available benefits. Medical retirements (also called Chapter 61 retirements) may provide different benefit packages compared to standard retirements.

Marriage Duration and Benefit Eligibility

The timing and duration of your marriage affects your eligibility for certain military spouse benefits. Understanding these requirements helps you plan for your financial security.

Current Marriage Benefits

As long as you remain married to your retired military spouse, you maintain access to the full range of benefits outlined in this guide – including TRICARE healthcare, commissary privileges, and other family support services.

Your benefits continue regardless of how long you’ve been married, as long as the marriage remains intact and your spouse meets the military retirement requirements.

Divorce and Retirement Pay Division

If you’re going through a divorce, military retirement pay may be divided as marital property. The “10/10 rule” affects how these payments are processed:

The 10/10 Rule requires:

• Your marriage lasted at least 10 years
• Your spouse performed at least 10 years of military service during the marriage

This rule only determines whether you can receive payments directly from the military pay system. It doesn’t determine whether you’re entitled to a portion of the retirement pay – that’s decided by state divorce courts based on marital property laws.

Without meeting the 10/10 rule, any awarded portion would need to be paid directly by your ex-spouse rather than through the military pay system.

Note: ProVet Legal supports veterans in marriage disputes, but we do not represent partners that are divorcing veterans.

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) – A Separate Decision

The Survivor Benefit Plan is essentially life insurance that military retirees can purchase to provide ongoing income to surviving spouses. This is a completely separate benefit from divorce-related retirement pay division.

Key points about SBP:

• Your spouse must enroll at retirement and pay monthly premiums
• Premiums are deducted from retirement pay (typically 6.5% of the base amount)
• Provides up to 55% of retirement pay to surviving spouses for life
• You must be married at the time of your spouse’s retirement for automatic coverage
• Remarrying before age 55 after your spouse’s death may affect SBP payments

Important: SBP involves significant monthly costs and long-term financial planning. Many financial advisors recommend comparing SBP to commercial life insurance options to determine what makes the most sense for your family’s situation and risk tolerance.

ID Cards and Documentation

A valid military ID card is your key to accessing virtually all military spouse benefits. This identification serves as proof of your eligibility status for healthcare, commissary access, and other military privileges.

To obtain your ID card, you’ll need to:

• Present your marriage certificate
• Show government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Provide your spouse’s retirement orders
• Have your spouse present or complete a DD Form 1172-2

Your ID card must be renewed periodically. Typically, for spouses under 75, renewal occurs every four years. For those over 75, the ID card may be issued with an “indefinite” expiration date.

Keep important documents organized in a safe location, including marriage certificates, your spouse’s DD-214, and retirement orders. These documents may be needed to prove eligibility for various benefits programs.

Healthcare Benefits for Retired Military Wives

As a retired military spouse, you have access to comprehensive healthcare coverage through military-sponsored insurance programs. These programs offer various options to meet your specific needs while providing quality care at affordable rates.

Overview of TRICARE Coverage

TRICARE is the primary health insurance program available to military retirees and their families. As a retired military spouse, you remain eligible for TRICARE benefits after your service member leaves active duty.

TRICARE offers several key advantages:

• Comprehensive coverage for preventive care, hospital stays, prescription medications, and emergency services
• Low out-of-pocket costs compared to many civilian health insurance plans
• Worldwide coverage options that allow you to receive care even when traveling
• No exclusions for pre-existing conditions once enrolled

You can typically choose from network providers or military treatment facilities depending on your location and plan. Your specific costs will vary based on your sponsor’s retirement date and which TRICARE option you select.

The stability of TRICARE coverage is one of the most significant benefits of being a retired military spouse.

TRICARE Prime vs. Other Options

As a retired military spouse, you have several TRICARE plan options to consider:

TRICARE Prime:

• Managed care option similar to an HMO
• Lowest out-of-pocket costs but requires staying within network
• Assigns a primary care manager who coordinates your care
• Annual enrollment fee required for retiree families
• Best for those living near military treatment facilities
• Also often best if you have complex medical problems or children who need on-going care

TRICARE Select:

• Fee-for-service option offering more provider flexibility
• Higher out-of-pocket costs than Prime
• No referrals needed for specialty care
• Annual enrollment fee and deductible
• Good for those needing wider provider choices, or who live farther away from military treatment facilities

TRICARE For Life:

• Available when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Parts A and B
• Serves as Medicare supplement
• Covers most out-of-pocket costs not paid by Medicare
• No enrollment fees (but requires Medicare Part B premiums)

Your choice should depend on your location, health needs, and budget priorities.

Open Enrollment and Ongoing Coverage

Understanding enrollment periods and maintaining your healthcare coverage is crucial as a retired military spouse.

TRICARE implements an annual open enrollment period from early November to early December each year. During this time, you can:

• Switch between TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select
• Enroll in a plan if you previously decided not to participate
• Make changes to your coverage options

If you miss the open enrollment period, you’ll need a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) to make changes outside this window. QLEs include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Moving to a new location
• Loss of other health insurance
• Death of a sponsor or family member

Keep your information current in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to avoid coverage gaps. You should update DEERS promptly when experiencing any life changes that might affect your eligibility for military benefits.

Financial Benefits and Compensation

Retired military spouses are entitled to several financial advantages that can provide security and stability. These benefits often include portions of military retirement pay, survivor benefits, and potential property division rights during divorce.

Military Pension and Retirement Pay

As the spouse of a military retiree, you may be entitled to a portion of your spouse’s military retirement pay, particularly in divorce situations. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) allows state courts to treat military retirement pay as marital property that can be divided.

If you were married to your service member for at least 10 years overlapping with 10 years of military service, you can receive payments directly from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS).

The “10/10 rule” doesn’t determine whether you’re entitled to a portion of retirement pay – it only determines how payments are processed. State courts ultimately decide the division percentage based on their marital property laws.

Remember that these benefits are not automatic. You must obtain a court order specifying your entitlement and submit it to DFAS for processing.

Survivor Benefit Plan

The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides critical financial protection for you if your military spouse passes away. SBP creates a lifetime annuity that pays up to 55% of your spouse’s retirement pay.

The Department of Defense subsidizes this program, making premiums lower than comparable commercial insurance. These premiums are deducted from the retirement pay before taxes, offering additional tax advantages.

Military retirees must decide whether to enroll in SBP when retiring. This decision requires spousal consent – if your spouse chooses not to enroll, you must sign a form acknowledging this choice.

SBP coverage can be adjusted during certain life events like divorce or remarriage. The base amount can range from as little as $300 to the full retirement pay amount.

Annual cost-of-living adjustments help protect your benefits against inflation, ensuring continued support regardless of economic conditions.

Division of Marital Property

During divorce, military benefits become part of marital property division negotiations. Besides retirement pay, several other assets may be considered:

• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions during the marriage
• Military healthcare benefits through Continued Health Care Benefit Program
• Base housing or housing allowances
• Commissary and exchange privileges

If you were married for at least 20 years, with 20 years overlapping military service (20/20/20 rule), you retain full military benefits including TRICARE and commissary privileges.

The 20/20/15 rule (marriage of 20 years, 20 years service, with 15 years overlap) provides one year of transitional health benefits.

State laws vary significantly regarding property division. Some states follow “community property” rules with equal division, while others use “equitable distribution” focusing on fairness rather than equality.

Consulting with an attorney familiar with military divorce is essential to understand your specific entitlements.

Veteran Affairs and Government Assistance Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers several valuable benefits to spouses of retired military personnel. These programs provide essential support for healthcare, financial assistance, and educational opportunities.

VA Health Care and VA Pension

As a military retiree’s spouse, you may qualify for healthcare coverage through the VA. The Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) serves spouses who cannot access TRICARE and whose veterans have permanent, service-connected disabilities.

You may also be eligible for VA pension benefits if your veteran spouse has wartime service. For surviving spouses, the VA Survivors Pension provides monthly payments to qualified low-income unremarried surviving spouses.

If you’re caring for a veteran with serious injuries or illnesses, the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers offers:

• Monthly stipends
• Healthcare insurance access
• Mental health counseling
• Caregiver training
• Respite care

These benefits ensure you have financial support while caring for your veteran spouse.

VA Education Benefits

Military spouses can access significant educational opportunities through the VA. The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training to eligible spouses of veterans who are permanently disabled due to service-related conditions.

You may qualify for up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used for:

• College degrees
• Certificate programs
• Apprenticeships
• On-the-job training

The Fry Scholarship extends similar benefits to surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 11, 2001. This scholarship covers full tuition at public universities, plus a monthly housing allowance and book stipend.

Many states also offer additional education benefits specifically for military spouses, complementing the federal programs.

VA eBenefits Access

VA eBenefits provides a secure online portal for accessing and managing your benefits. As a military spouse, you can create your own account to apply for benefits, check claim status, and access important documents.

Through eBenefits, you can:

• Apply for spouse and survivor benefits
• View payment history
• Update direct deposit information
• Generate benefit verification letters
• Access VA letters and documents

The Milconnect feature within eBenefits allows you to view your DEERS enrollment status, manage TRICARE information, and update contact information. This centralized system simplifies benefit management by providing 24/7 access to your information.

For assistance navigating eBenefits, VA regional offices offer free counseling services with trained representatives who can guide you through the portal.

Legal Considerations for Retired Military Wives

Understanding your legal rights as a retired military spouse can impact your financial security and access to benefits. There are specific laws and resources designed to protect your interests during challenging times.

Military Divorce and Family Law

Military divorces involve unique factors that civilian divorces don’t address. The Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) governs how military retirement pay can be divided during divorce.

It’s important to understand that there is no automatic entitlement to a portion of military retirement pay. A court must specifically award this division in your divorce decree.

The “10/10 rule” is critical – you must have been married to the service member for at least 10 years while they served 10 years of military duty to receive direct payments from DFAS.

For maximum benefit protection, the “20/20/20 rule” applies. If you were married for 20+ years, your spouse served 20+ years, and there was a 20-year overlap, you may qualify for continued healthcare, commissary, and exchange privileges.

Alimony and Child Support

Military service members must comply with support obligations just like civilians. However, military policies add extra enforcement mechanisms when service members fail to meet these requirements.

The military can take disciplinary action against service members who neglect family support obligations. Each branch has specific guidelines regarding support payments before court orders are established.

When seeking alimony, courts consider several factors:

• Length of marriage
• Spouse’s earning capacity
• Contributions to the military member’s career
• Sacrifices made (relocations, career interruptions)

One of the big questions we get is whether VA disability benefits are divisible in divorce- the answer is that they are typically not divisible as marital property, the way retired pay can be – but it does count as income when courts are calculating alimony and child support.

Accessing Free Legal Assistance

You have access to valuable legal resources as a military spouse. Military legal assistance offices provide free services to eligible family members, including retired spouses in many cases.

These offices can help with:

• Document review
• Legal advice
• Preparation of powers of attorney
• Simple wills
• Basic estate planning

The American Bar Association’s Military Pro Bono Project connects military families with free civilian attorneys for cases beyond what military legal assistance can provide.

Commissary, Exchange, and Other Privileges

Military spouses of retirees maintain access to valuable shopping benefits that can significantly reduce household expenses. These privileges include tax-free shopping and discounted goods that continue even after your spouse retires from active duty.

Commissary Shopping Benefits

As the spouse of a military retiree, you retain full commissary privileges at installations worldwide. Commissaries offer groceries and household items at cost plus a small surcharge, typically saving you 25-30% compared to civilian stores. These savings can add up to thousands of dollars annually.

You’ll need a valid military ID card to access these facilities. The Department of Defense expanded these benefits in January 2020 to include more veterans and their families.

Commissaries stock both name brands and military-exclusive products. Many locations now offer online ordering and curbside pickup options for added convenience.

Shopping hours vary by location, but most commissaries are open six to seven days a week.

Exchange Privileges

Military exchanges function like department stores with significant tax advantages. As a military retiree spouse, you maintain exchange privileges indefinitely as long as you hold a valid military ID.

Exchanges offer tax-free shopping on clothing, electronics, appliances, and more. Many locations also include specialty shops like optical centers, flower shops, and food courts.

The online Military Exchange also provides shopping access from anywhere with shipping options worldwide.

Your exchange benefits include access to services like gas stations, movie theaters, and recreation centers on base. These facilities often offer lower prices than civilian alternatives.

Military exchanges regularly run special promotions and sales events specifically for military families.

Educational and Career Support

Retired military spouses have access to various education and career benefits that can help with professional development and financial assistance for schooling. These programs recognize the sacrifices made by military families and provide pathways to meaningful careers.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill can be a valuable resource for retired military spouses under certain conditions. If your service member transferred their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to you before retirement, you can use these benefits for your education.

Transferred benefits cover:

• Tuition and fees (paid directly to the school)
• Monthly housing allowance
• Books and supplies stipend (up to $1,000 per year)

To be eligible for transferred benefits, your spouse must have requested the transfer while still on active duty. The transfer process requires at least 6 years of service completed and an agreement to serve 4 additional years.

Remember that GI Bill benefits typically must be used within 15 years of your spouse’s separation from active duty for older versions of the benefit.

Readjustment Counseling and Resources

As a retired military spouse, you have access to readjustment counseling services that can help with the transition to civilian life. These services address the unique challenges military families face.

VA family member benefits include counseling through Vet Centers nationwide. These centers offer confidential help with:

• Adjusting to post-military life
• Family relationship challenges
• Stress management techniques
• Financial transition guidance

Many of these services are available at no cost and don’t require enrollment in VA healthcare. You can access these resources for up to 180 days post-retirement.

Educational and Career Counseling

The Department of Defense offers comprehensive career guidance specifically for military spouses through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program.

SECO provides:

• Free career coaching with professionals who understand military life
• Resume help and interview preparation
• Scholarship information specific to military spouses
• Professional license transfer assistance

These services remain available to you for 180 days after your spouse’s retirement date. The MySECO website offers self-assessment tools, portable career information, and education resources.

Additionally, the National Military Family Association’s spouse scholarship program provides financial assistance for education regardless of your spouse’s rank.

Housing and Homeownership Assistance

Military spouses have access to several housing benefits that can make homeownership more affordable and accessible. These programs offer financial advantages that regular civilian loans typically don’t provide.

VA Loan Eligibility for Military Wives

As the spouse of a retired service member, you may qualify for VA home loans with significant benefits. These loans require:

• No down payment in most cases
• No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
• Lower interest rates than conventional loans
• Limited closing costs

To be eligible as a spouse, your veteran must have served the minimum required time and received an honorable discharge. If your spouse passed away, you might still qualify as a surviving spouse if they died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability.

The VA loan benefit doesn’t expire and can be used multiple times. You’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to verify your eligibility to lenders.

Home Refinancing Options

If you already own a home, several refinancing programs are available to help you manage your mortgage more effectively:

• VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL): Also called a “streamline refinance,” this option lets you refinance an existing VA loan with minimal paperwork and often without a new appraisal.
• Cash-Out Refinance: Allows you to tap into your home’s equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other needs.
• Conventional to VA Refinance: If you currently have a conventional loan, you may be able to refinance into a VA loan with better terms.

The DoD Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) can provide financial help if your family faced financial losses when selling a home due to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move.

Support for Veterans Buying Homes

Beyond basic VA loan benefits, additional support exists for families of retired military members purchasing homes:

Financial Assistance Programs:

• VA grants for home modifications if your spouse has service-connected disabilities
• State-specific veteran housing programs offering additional benefits
• Protection against foreclosure through VA-provided counseling

Housing Education Resources:

• Free housing counseling through military family support centers
• Assistance understanding housing markets near military installations

If facing potential foreclosure, the VA offers special assistance including loan modification options and dedicated foreclosure counselors. These services help protect your family’s investment and maintain housing stability during financial challenges.

The Military OneSource program provides additional resources to help you navigate these benefits effectively.

Support Services and Family Programs

Military families have access to various support services designed to make life easier and more stable. These programs address everyday needs like childcare and also provide assistance during difficult times when housing security is at risk.

Childcare and Family Services

Military OneSource offers a range of services for military spouses including childcare assistance. You can access personalized help with finding quality childcare options near your base or home.

Child Development Centers – Limited Access for Retirees

Retired military families may be eligible to use on-base Child Development Centers (CDCs) on a space-available basis – meaning active duty families have priority, and retirees can enroll only if there is capacity.

Priority Tiers: The DoD uses a priority system for CDC enrollment:

• Active duty single parents and dual military
• Active duty with working spouses
• DoD civilian employees
• Others, including retirees – lowest priority tier

Reality check: As a retired military spouse, you’ll be in the lowest priority category. Even active duty spouses often wait months for CDC spots, so retired families may face very long wait times or may not secure placement when needed.

Rates: When eligible, CDC fees are based on total family income, so retired families may receive reduced rates – though this can vary by installation.

Other Family Support Services

Family support extends beyond childcare. You can also use:

• Education assistance for spouses pursuing degrees or certifications
• Counseling services for family adjustment issues
• Youth programs for children of all ages

Reservist families qualify for many of these same benefits when the service member is activated or during drill weekends.

Burial and Memorial Benefits

Military spouses and family members have access to several important burial benefits. These include options for burial in prestigious military cemeteries and unique ceremonies that honor their connection to military service.

Burial and Inurnment in Arlington National Cemetery

As the spouse of a retired military member, you may be eligible for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. This benefit extends to surviving spouses of eligible veterans, even if they remarry.

To qualify, your military spouse must meet eligibility requirements, which typically include:

• Being a retired military member
• Having died while on active duty
• Being a recipient of certain military decorations

For inurnment of cremated remains, the same eligibility rules apply. You can be inurned in the Columbarium or Niche Wall at Arlington if your military spouse qualifies.

The process requires submission of DD Form 214 (discharge papers) and death certificate documentation. Space limitations make Arlington highly selective, so applying early is recommended.

Burial at Sea Options

As a military spouse, you may also be eligible for burial at sea, a dignified ceremony conducted by the U.S. Navy. This option is available to all honorably discharged veterans and their family members.

Two main options exist:

• Full body burial – requires a special casket and preparation
• Cremated remains – scattered at sea or in a burial urn

The ceremony includes military honors with the presentation of the national flag. The Navy handles all arrangements once eligibility is confirmed.

Request forms must be submitted through the Navy Mortuary Affairs office. While there’s no cost for the service itself, you’re responsible for preparation and transportation expenses to the designated port.

Final Thoughts

Being the spouse of a retired military service member means you have access to a wide range of benefits – some obvious, others easily overlooked. From lifelong healthcare to financial support and educational opportunities, these benefits exist to support the sacrifices you’ve made along the way.

But the key is knowing what’s available and how to access it. Understanding the rules, the timelines, and the programs ensures you’re not missing out on something that could make life easier or more secure.

If you’re unsure where to start or want help navigating your options, ProVet Legal is here to guide you. We focus solely on helping military families and veterans claim the benefits they’ve earned. Let’s make sure you’re getting everything you deserve.