Contact the Chapter's Survivor Assistance Team at moaacc.survivorsassist.report@gmail.com

Survivor Assistance Support - Work in Progress – Updated Webpage Under Development

The MOAA Cape Canaveral Chapter’s Survivor Assistance Program provides timely support to the families of deceased members, spouses, and auxiliary members. The program also helps members and their spouses or family members prepare in advance for the inevitable transition that occurs upon the death of a spouse or parent. 

This important chapter service is provided by specially screened and trained volunteers within the MOAACC community.

Purpose of the Program

The Survivor Assistance Program has three primary goals:

1. Monitor, report, and process membership deaths.
2. Provide assistance to surviving spouses and family members.
3. Help prepare the general membership for the transition of benefits upon the death of a member.

The passing of a spouse or parent is significant and challenging experience. During this time, surviving family members often need to take prompt action, make important decisions, and complete required notifications that may affect survivor benefits. This period can also leave families more susceptible to scams or other improper activity.

The Survivor Assistance Committee exists to help guide families through this process with compassion, experience, and practical support.

How the Survivor Assistance Team Helps

The team provides information, resources, and guidance in several key areas, including:

• Planning steps and survivor preparation resources.
• Guidance for members and families before a death occurs.
• Assistance with immediate actions following the death of a member.
• Support with required notifications to military service branches, the VA, DFAS, OPM, and other agencies.
• Help identifying and completing military benefit forms.
• Access to useful survivor benefit forms, contact lists, and quick links.
• Chaplain support, when requested or needed.

Planning Ahead

One of the most important things members can do for their families is to plan ahead. The Survivor Assistance Committee maintains helpful resources to assist members and spouses in preparing essential information before it is needed.

Members are encouraged to review these materials with their spouse or family members and keep key documents in a safe, accessible location.

Reporting and Recognition

MOAACC maintains a record of the deaths of members, spouses, and auxiliary members. When appropriate, information is shared at the weekly Thursday Morning Breakfast meeting, in the monthly newsletter, The Intercom, and in the annual report to the Florida Council of Chapters.

This helps ensure chapter members are aware of the loss and that proper recognition is provided.

Survivor Assistance Website Components

The Survivor Assistance website was developed to help manage the Committee efficiently and effectively. It complements the main MOAACC chapter website and is designed for use on computers, tablets, and smartphones so Survivor Assistance representatives can access key information in the field.

The website currently includes four major components:

1. Surviving Spouse Checklist for Military Veteran
2. Veteran Funeral Arrangements Guide for Surviving Spouses and Families (Florida-Focused)
3. Military & VA Benefits
4. Planning Resources



Each section may be accessed through the website navigation menu or by using the appropriate hyperlink once updated. Members may find it helpful to use the Surviving Spouse Checklist while waiting for the Military & VA Benefits and Planning Resources components to be updated.

Volunteer Support

The Survivor Assistance Program depends on trained volunteers who are willing to serve fellow chapter members and their families during a difficult time. Members who are interested in supporting this important mission are encouraged to contact the chapter once a Survivor Assistance point of contact is appointed.

You may also contribute ideas, resources, or recommendations to help improve this important MOAACC community service.