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Deployment: The Worst-Case Scenario
HMForces.co.uk
It’s not good to think about, but it must be prepared for.
If your partner dies while on duty, you will want to make sure that you are taken care of, financially and legally. Be sure to take care of these steps before your partner is deployed:
Get your family care plan in order: This includes writing your will, taking care of power of attorney, should you need to have authority in legal affairs in your partner’s absence. For more, see our guide to producing a Family Care Plan..
Be listed as the Emergency Contact (EC): Your partner is required to provide details of someone they wish to be contacted should they become injured, killed or involved in an incident of public interest. This does not have to be you, but you should know who your partner has chosen.
The Emergency Contact does not any legal rights so issues like funeral arrangements can be covered by their will, or by you if you are the next of kin (a spouse or civil partner if you are married, or their eldest child, parent, sibling, or other relative). It is the next of kin who has rights concerning the funeral or inheritance unless it is stated otherwise in your partner’s will. The MoD provides support and assistance following a service member’s death and this will be directed towards your next of kin, unless you direct otherwise. Having a will prevents a lot of stress for the people who care about the deceased.
What happens for me if my partner dies on duty?: The MoD will appoint a Visiting Officer (VO) who will visit you if you are the Emergency Contact or next of kin and offer advice about important issues like funerals, accommodation, pension entitlements, benefits and allowances and issues concerning your estate.
If your partner dies overseas their body will be brought back to the UK by the MoD and if you live in a country other than the UK it will be transported to your home country at your request.
The MoD pay for the funeral within certain limits and it can involve a full military ceremony or be a private funeral. The MoD pay a grant towards the cost of a private funeral.
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