Shutdown halts death benefits for military families

A growing number of military families are facing temporary denial of the $100,000 death gratuity benefit the Defense Department typically provides after service members are killed while on active duty.

At least 17 troops have died — including six killed in Afghanistan — since the government shutdown began Oct. 1. But their family members have not immediately received the lump sum payments known as a “gratuity benefits.”

Read more: http://www.armytimes.com/article/20131008/BENEFITS/310080023/Shutdown-halts-death-benefits-military-families