How To Report A Retirees Death

We know this will be a trying time, a time of emotion, tears and fear, but it is important for the surviving spouse to have an understanding of expectations and general procedures. There are different scenarios in reporting a death, many depend on where the death occurred, such as at home or in a Korean hospital.  But, the end result in any scenario should always be the same: quick contact with the USFK Casualty Assistance Office (CAO) to inform them of the death.  CAO plays a huge role in the entire process, and is "your friend" when it comes to assisting you through this trying time. It cannot be emphasized enough to contact the USFK Casualty Assistance Office (see POC list)  ASAP.

If the death occurs in an off-base Korean home:

• Report the death to local authorities.  Contact the Korean Medical Emergency Services 1-1-9 and Police Emergency at 1-1-2.  This will result in an ambulance, police and probably forensic personal coming to your home to collect the body and transport to a local Korea hospital. Do not move the body. There may be an investigation by the local authorities. This may also lead to the hospitals or local police notifying the U.S. Embassy or consulate of the death ref: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/death-abroad1.html, but do not take it as gospel truth they will - contact the Embassy yourself (see below)
• While this is happening, or very soon after, contact the USFK Casualty Assistance Office (see POC list) and inform them of the situation.  They will then be there to assist you throughout the process.
• Contact the U.S. Embassy: Call the 24-hour switchboard at +82 (0)2 397-4114, or Email SeoulinfoACS@state.gov  (if requesting a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA), sending an email is the only method to make the request as of Dec 2024)

If the death occurs in a Korean Hospital:

• Your first call is to the USFK Casualty Assistance Office (see POC list). Ask for a for a Casualty Assistance Officer (CAO) who will assist with everything from that point on. It is critical to contact them immediately so they can advise you through any financial situation that may be occurring due to already being in the hospital.
• The hospital may notify the U.S. Embassy or consulate of the death ref: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/death-abroad1.html, but do not take it as gospel truth they will - contact the Embassy yourself (see below)
• Contact the U.S. Embassy: Call the 24-hour switchboard at +82 (0)2 397-4114, or Email SeoulinfoACS@state.gov (if requesting a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRODA), sending an email is the only method to make the request as of Dec 2024)

If the death occurs while admitted in a U.S. Military Hospital:

• The hospital will begin all the notifications to begin the process.
• However, it is always best to contact USFK Casualty Assistance Office (see POC list) directly as well.  Chances are good they will already have been notified, have arrived at the hospital and are beginning the process.  But, for piece of mind, call them anyway.

Reporting a Death to the U.S. Embassy

Notify the U.S. Embassy by calling their 24-hour switchboard at +82 (0)2 397-4114.

If requesting a Consular Reports of the Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad (CRODA), as of December 2024, U.S. Embassy Seoul Republic of Korea only issues Consular Reports of the Death of a U.S. Citizen Abroad (CRODA) electronically. You must email them at SeoulinfoACS@state.gov. The Embassy does not offer in-person appointments for this service. If you require a cremation letter, CRODA, and/or Consular Mortuary Certificate for imminent air travel, you must send the Embassy an email.  Information on the electronic CRODA is available at [https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/while-abroad/death-abroad1/consular-report-of-death-of-a-u-s--citizen-abroad.html]. CRODA contains both the digital signature of the Consular Officer and the digital seal of the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.  You may print out as many copies as you need, at time of receipt or at any time in the future.  Read more about reporting a death to the U.S. Embassy at https://kr.usembassy.gov/services-death-of-a-u-s-citizen/

What to do After The Death Has Been Reported

Read and reference the KOREA MILITARY RETIREE SURVIVOR GUIDE

Overview of Things-To-Do

• Contact Family Members (if known)
• Notify the DFAS / Survivor Benefits Plan (SBP) Casualty Care Team at 1-800-321-1080
• As stated above, notify Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213, or contact the U.S. Embassy Manila FBU by email at FBU.Manila@ssa.gov
• Report the retiree's death to Veteran's Affairs at 1-800-827-1000 and inquire about benefits
• If the deceased was a current or retired federal civilian employee, contact Office of Personnel Management at 888-767-6738
• Reference the KOREA MILITARY RETIREE SURVIVOR GUIDE for a complete list and guide to everything you should do after your loved one is gone.