DAF Form 2037: SBP Spouse Concurrence Waiver 2026 – The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides eligible survivors of military members—Active Duty (Regular), National Guard, Reserve, and retired—with a monthly, cost-of-living-adjusted annuity after the service member’s death. For retiring Airmen, Guardians, and other DoD members, the primary election happens via DD Form 2656 (Data for Payment of Retired Personnel).
DAF Form 2037, titled “Request for Waiver of Spouse Concurrence in Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Election”, addresses a specific situation: when a member wants to elect less than maximum SBP coverage for their spouse but cannot obtain the required notarized spouse concurrence.
This official Air Force (Department of the Air Force) form allows the waiver process under certain exceptional circumstances, ensuring the election can proceed while protecting spousal rights under law (10 U.S.C. Chapter 73).
Who Needs DAF Form 2037 and When?
You typically complete DAF Form 2037 alongside or attached to your DD Form 2656 during the retirement process. Submit it to HQ AFPC/DPPTR (or the current equivalent address listed on the form: 550 C Street West, Suite 11, Randolph AFB, TX 78150-4713) no later than 60 days prior to your retirement effective date. Late submission risks defaulting your account to maximum spouse (or spouse-and-children) coverage with corresponding premiums deducted from retired pay.
The form applies to:
- Regular (Active Duty) members retiring from the Air Force or Space Force.
- Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members transitioning to retired status.
- Retired members in situations requiring a waiver for SBP adjustments (though most elections occur at initial retirement).
Spouse concurrence is mandatory for any election providing less than maximum coverage for the spouse (or spouse and children). Maximum coverage generally means 55% of the elected base amount for the surviving spouse. Without concurrence or an approved waiver, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) defaults to full coverage.
When Can You Request a Waiver on DAF Form 2037?
The form allows a waiver request in two main scenarios:
- Spouse is physically or mentally incapable of providing concurrence — Attach a physician’s statement or court documentation (e.g., guardianship papers).
- Spouse’s whereabouts are unknown for at least 90 days — Provide the date and location of last contact. You must either:
- Attach a copy of a filed missing persons report, or
- Explain why no report was filed, detail efforts to locate the spouse (agencies contacted, dates), and include two notarized affidavits from disinterested third parties (e.g., neighbors, clergy, or civil authorities) confirming the situation.
Supporting documentation is critical. Incomplete submissions cause delays.
Key Sections of DAF Form 2037
- Member Information: Grade, name, retirement date, SSN, spouse’s name.
- Reason for Waiver Request: Select and document Item a (incapable) or Item b (whereabouts unknown).
- Member’s Understanding and Certifications: You acknowledge that if the waiver is not approved before retirement, maximum SBP coverage will be established, with premiums deducted. False statements can lead to retroactive full coverage plus costs/interest and are punishable under 18 U.S.C. 1001 (fines up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 5 years, or both).
- Signatures: Member signature, optional SBP counselor input, and approving official signature.
The form includes a detailed Privacy Act Statement outlining authority, purpose (processing retired pay and survivor annuities), routine uses, and warnings about voluntary but necessary disclosure.
Download the current DAF Form 2037 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf2037/daf2037.pdf
Note: Always use the latest version from the official e-Publishing site, as previous editions are obsolete.
Understanding the Broader Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Context
SBP is not free life insurance but an annuity program funded by premiums deducted from retired pay (taxable income reduction provides some tax advantage). The annuity pays up to 55% of the elected base amount to eligible survivors (spouse, former spouse, or children). The base amount can range from a minimum ($300) to your full gross retired pay.
Premium costs (approximate, as of recent data):
- Spouse-only coverage: Typically 6.5% of the base amount for post-1990 entrants (flat rate). Older members or disability retirees may qualify for an “old formula” (2.5% of a threshold amount + 10% of the excess), which can be lower in some cases. The low-cost threshold adjusts annually with COLA (e.g., recent updates around $1,096 threshold in 2026 examples).
- Child-only or spouse-and-child: Uses age-based cost factors (consult DFAS or your Retirement Services Officer for exact calculations).
- Premiums increase with Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA) applied to retired pay and annuities.
Eligibility highlights:
- Active Duty/Regular: Automatic SBP coverage (no cost) if death occurs in the line of duty; retirees elect at retirement.
- Guard/Reserve: Often involves the Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP) with elections possible upon notification of retirement eligibility (20 qualifying years). Coverage can bridge to age 60 when retired pay begins.
- Retired: Continues or elects SBP; changes are limited after the initial election window.
Elections are generally irrevocable after retirement, with limited exceptions (e.g., divorce, death of beneficiary, or rare open seasons authorized by Congress). A one-year window often exists for adding coverage after marriage or birth of a child.
Former spouse coverage uses separate forms like DD Form 2656-1 and may be court-ordered.
Important Considerations and Next Steps
- Mandatory Counseling: Attend a one-on-one SBP briefing with a certified Retirement Services Officer (RSO) or SBP counselor before finalizing elections.
- Default Risk: No valid election on DD Form 2656 typically results in automatic maximum spouse-and-child coverage.
- Tax and Financial Planning: SBP premiums reduce taxable retired pay. Annuities are taxable income to the survivor. Many members combine SBP with life insurance, VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC—now paid concurrently in full since 2023 changes), and other benefits.
- Changes and Termination: Limited 25–36 month post-retirement window to terminate coverage (with spouse concurrence). Direct remittance payers (e.g., when VA offsets retired pay) should monitor DFAS updates for billing changes.
Consult official sources for personalized calculations:
- DFAS (dfas.mil) for premiums, worksheets, and annuity processing.
- myAirForceBenefits or your installation RSO/Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC).
- Military OneSource or legal assistance for divorce/former spouse issues.
DAF Form 2037 ensures fairness when standard concurrence is impossible due to incapacity or absence, while upholding the spousal protection built into the SBP. Review your situation carefully with a qualified counselor, gather all required documentation, and submit timely to avoid unintended maximum coverage and premiums.
For the most current details on costs, COLAs, and procedures, visit DFAS.mil/RetiredMilitary, militarypay.defense.gov, or contact your local Retirement Services Office. Laws and thresholds adjust annually, so verify with primary sources.