Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is a voluntary program that provides the survivors of participating retirees a monthly income that starts when the member dies and retired pay stops, although election, at any level, to include declination, is mandatory. Although you may not be aware of it, automatic SBP spouse coverage became effective 10 September 2001 under the National Defense Authorization Act of 2002. While on active duty, the government provides this protection at no cost to your spouse. Before retiring from the Air Force, however, you must decide whether or not to continue the SBP.