DAF Form 969: Request Payment for Deceased Transport Costs

DAF Form 969: Request Payment for Deceased Transport Costs – Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult, and dealing with the financial and logistical aspects of transporting their remains adds unnecessary stress during an already overwhelming time. For families of Air Force retirees or deceased dependents, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Form 969 provides a way to request reimbursement for authorized transportation expenses related to moving the remains.

This official form, prescribed by DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (certified current as of 2025), helps eligible next of kin recover costs for specific transportation services. Below is everything you need to know about DAF Form 969, including who qualifies, how to complete it, what expenses are covered, and where to download the latest version.

What Is DAF Form 969?

DAF Form 969 is titled “Request for Payment of Transportation Expenses for Deceased Dependent or Retiree.” It is a one-page form used exclusively within the Department of the Air Force (including the U.S. Space Force) to claim reimbursement for costs incurred in transporting the remains of:

  • An Air Force or Space Force retiree, or
  • A dependent of an active duty member, retiree, or other eligible person.

The form is divided into clear sections:

  • Section I: Completed by military authorities (provides details about the deceased and next of kin).
  • Section II: Next of kin reimbursement for local transportation expenses (e.g., removal to funeral home, delivery to carrier, etc.).
  • Section III: Reimbursement for shipping costs paid by the next of kin to a common or private carrier.
  • Section IV: Certification and signature by the next of kin.

The current version is DAF Form 969, 20220308 (March 8, 2022). Previous editions are obsolete.

Download the official DAF Form 969 PDF here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/form/daf969/daf969.pdf

Who Is Eligible for Reimbursement?

Eligibility stems from Department of the Air Force policy under DAFI 34-160 and related DoD guidance (such as 10 USC §1490 for certain retired members and dependents who die in military medical facilities).

Generally, the Department of the Air Force (DAF) may pay or reimburse transportation of remains:

  • From the place of death to a location for preparation, cremation, or interment.
  • Limited to a destination no farther than the decedent’s last place of permanent residence (not necessarily the home of record). If the family chooses a farther location (e.g., a national cemetery), reimbursement is capped at the cost to the last permanent residence.

Authorized expenses typically include:

  • Removal of remains from place of death to the preparing funeral home.
  • Delivery by the funeral home to the common carrier loading point.
  • Transportation from the carrier terminal to the receiving funeral home.
  • Delivery from the receiving funeral home to the cemetery or final place of disposition.
  • One authorized shipping container (e.g., lightweight wooden).
  • Consular fees for international shipments (if applicable).
  • Actual shipping costs paid to common or private carriers (rail, air, or hearse).

Note: These entitlements are administered by the DAF Mortuary Affairs Program. Not all funeral or interment costs are covered—DAF Form 969 is specifically for transportation expenses. Separate claims (such as DD Form 1375 for funeral/interment expenses) may apply in some cases.

How to Fill Out and Submit DAF Form 969? (Step-by-Step)

  1. Section I – Deceased Dependent or Retiree Information
    Military authorities (usually at the mortuary affairs office or installation services) complete this section. It includes the deceased’s name, date and place of death, next of kin contact information, and receiving funeral director details.
  2. Section II – Next of Kin Reimbursement of Expenses for Transportation of Remains
    The Primary Next of Kin (PNOK) or authorized person lists itemized local transportation costs. Enter N/A for items 11 and 12 if a private carrier was used instead of a common carrier.
  3. Section III – Reimbursement for Shipping Remains
    Complete this only if the next of kin paid shipping costs directly to a carrier. Provide shipped-from/to addresses (with ZIP codes) and mode of shipment (rail, air, or hearse).
  4. Section IV – Statement of Next of Kin
    Certify that:

    • You have not filed (and will not file) a duplicate claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or any other government agency without disclosure.
    • You have paid or incurred the listed expenses.
    • Indicate who should receive the payment (if different from the next of kin listed earlier).
      Sign and date the form.

Important Tips:

  • Attach all supporting documentation: funeral director invoices, airline tickets, baggage checks, carrier receipts, etc.
  • Accuracy speeds up processing.
  • Mail the completed form to the address in Item 2 (military activity receiving the form).
  • The form references the Privacy Act of 1974. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is protected and will not be shared without written consent of the next of kin.
  • DAFI 34-160, Mortuary Affairs Program (March 3, 2022, certified current 18 November 2025): The primary instruction governing this process. It details authorized transportation expenses, CONUS vs. OCONUS rules, and modes of transportation.
  • DAFPAM 34-162: Provides helpful information for retirees and their families regarding mortuary entitlements.
  • Contact your local Air Force Mortuary Affairs office, Military Personnel Section (MPS), or the Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC) for case-specific guidance.
  • For retirees, review the Retiree Survivor’s Guide for broader benefits context.

Transportation entitlements for remains are also addressed in federal law (e.g., 10 USC §1490) and Joint Travel Regulations where applicable.

Final Thoughts

While no form can ease the pain of losing a family member, DAF Form 969 ensures that eligible Air Force and Space Force families can recover authorized transportation costs without additional financial burden. Acting promptly, gathering receipts, and working with the installation mortuary affairs team will help expedite reimbursement.

Download DAF Form 969 now: Official PDF Link

If you need assistance, reach out to your nearest Air Force installation Services squadron or mortuary affairs representative. They are trained to support families during this difficult process.

This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official Department of the Air Force publications as of 2026. Policies can be updated; always verify with official sources or your servicing military personnel office for the most current guidance.