• A surviving spouse and do not remarry (If you remarry, TRICARE eligibility cannot be regained later, even if you divorce or your new spouse dies.)
• An unmarried child under age 21 (or age 23 if enrolled in college full time and if the sponsor provided at least 50 percent of the financial support)       

Note: Children with disabilities may remain eligible beyond normal age limits. Check DEERS for eligibility criteria.

Surviving Spouse: You remain eligible as a “transitional survivor” for three years following your sponsor’s death and will have ADFM benefits and costs. After three years, you remain TRICARE-eligible as a “survivor” and will pay retiree rates and enrollment fees.

Surviving Children: Surviving children whose sponsor died on or after October 7, 2001, remain eligible as ADFMs. Unlike spouses, eligibility will not change after three years, and children remain covered as ADFMs until eligibility ends due to the age limits previously noted or for another reason (e.g., marriage).

Upon the death of a sponsor, you will receive a letter from DEERS telling you about your program options and how your benefits will eventually change. Visit TRICARE's web site if you have any questions.