What is MILPERSMAN 1770-280?
MILPERSMAN 1770-280 is a Navy regulation that provides guidelines for the payment of a death gratuity.

Who is eligible to receive the death gratuity?
The death gratuity is payable to the designated beneficiary of a Navy service member who dies on active duty.

How much is the death gratuity?
The death gratuity amount is equal to 12 months of the member's basic pay at the time of death, subject to certain limitations.

Is the death gratuity taxable?
No, the death gratuity is not taxable and is paid in a lump sum.

How is the beneficiary of the death gratuity determined?
The service member designates the beneficiary through a valid record of emergency data or the member's official military records.

Can the designation of the death gratuity beneficiary be changed?
Yes, the service member has the ability to change the beneficiary designation at any time.

When is the death gratuity paid out?
The death gratuity is usually paid out within days of the service member's death, once a valid beneficiary has been identified.

What if the service member did not designate a beneficiary for the death gratuity?
If no beneficiary is designated, the death gratuity will be paid to the surviving spouse, children, or other next of kin according to the legal order of precedence.

Is the death gratuity available to all Navy service members, regardless of rank?
Yes, the death gratuity is available to all active-duty Navy service members irrespective of their rank or classification.