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                 tNFORMATIOt~ ~OR S~(Vt'7~P'j     .`gsAsr~D -ATtVE DUTY
                             MARINE C~RPS PEr~sCNNEL


GENERAL INFORMATION

This Booklet iS a guide to  ~aws and decedent affairs that affect Survivors of
deceased Marine Corps Personnel.   ?ieadquarters Mar~ne r;orps furnishes a Report of
Casualty (DO Form 1300) to government off ices and commerc~al agencies having
cognizance over payment of oenef~ts to survivors of deceased active riuty ~ar~ne
Corps personnel.   On th~s report ~s listed data regarding death,   service and next
of kin.   Examples of agencies receiving this report are credit unions, commercial
insurance companies (as listed in official records), Veterans' Administration and
the Social Security Administration.   .~ive copies of the (DO Form 1300) are auto-
matically furnished the next of kin.   The aforementioned documents are acceptable
proof of death for all purposes and contain the "Official Marine Corps Seal" at
the bottom of each copy.   tf add~t~onal copies are required, requests should be
directed to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Code ~P-lO,       eadquar~ers b.O.

Marine Corps, Washington, DC 20380-0001.
NEXT OF KIN

Next of Kin is the nearest living relative of the deceased in the following
order; widow, children,  father, mother, brother and sister.     Normally the primary
next of kin is that person highest on the preceding list.

BENEFICIARIES

Beneficiaries are those persons who are entitled by law to certain benefits such
as insurance, dependency and indemnity compensation, arrears of pay, gratuities,
etc.   A beneficiary's entitlement to a specific benefit is not binding for other
benefits accruing as a result of the deceased's military service.      For example a
"friend or uncle" cannot qualify for death gratuity unless parental control has
been exercised for a period of not less than one year at anytime prior to entry
in the service.   Any beneficiary designated by a Marine must also be eligible as
determined by law.   Certain requirements o~ the la~ providing for death benefits
must be met before claims can be certified for payment.      Therefore, prompt
compliance with any request for clarifying information or documents will enable
the office adjudicating the claims to expedite settlement.      The services of an
attorney or claims agent to secure authorized benefits are not normally required.
If assistance is needed in securing any of the benefits mentioned herein,
completing forms or initiating inquiries,     the next of kin or beneficiary should
call on their Casualty Assistance Officer1     local Marine Corps representative, the
local chapter of the American Red Cross, Navy Relief Society, or the County
Veterans'  Service Officer.  Additionally, Marine Corps Family Service Centers
have been established at all major Marine Corps installations for the purpose of
providing information, assistance and guidance to military families.      Of the
various functions performed, providing information and referrals remains the
focal point of each center's operation.      Beneficiaries or next of kin can seek
the assistance of a family service center by either contacting the established
local center or calling the appropriate regional family service center:      If
calling from east of the Mississippi River, dial toll-free B00-336-4663 (Virginia
residents call collect 703-640-2650);   if calling from west of the Mississippi
River,   including the state of Wisconsin, dial toll-free 800-854-2131 (California
residents call collect 714-725-5361).

FUNERAL EXPENSES       -

When the Naval Service makes necessary arrangements,     the remains are prepared,
encased and shipped to the place designated at no expense to the next of kin.

When the next of kin makes arrangements for preparation and encasement of. the
remains,  the sum allowed the next of kin is the amount these services would have
cost the Government if provided by a funeral director under an armed services
contract.   If such contract services are not available     n the area where death

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