---
title: "Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section B Certificate of Permanent and Total (P&T) Disability for Discontinuation of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) Participation"
document: "M-21-1"
section: "Part XIII, Subpart ii, Chapter 5, Section B"
canonical: "https://veteranai.co/va-regulations/m21-1/xiii.ii.5.b-certificate-of-permanent-and-total-p-and-t-disability-for"
source: "https://www.knowva.ebenefits.va.gov/system/templates/selfservice/va_ssnew/help/customer/locale/en-US/portal/554400000001018/content/554400000173816/M21-1-Part-XIII-Subpart-ii-Chapter-5-Section-B-Certificate-of-Permanent-and-Total-PT-Disability-for-Discontinuation-of-Survivor-Benefit-Plan-SBP-Participation"
updated: "2026-09-07T14:38:14.738077Z"
---

February 3, 2011  

### XIII.ii.5.B.1.a. Requirements for Discontinuing Participation in the SBP

_Public Law (PL) 96-402_ , enacted October 9, 1980, allows a uniformed service retiree to discontinue participation in the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) if they have a service-connected disability rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as totally disabling for

  * 10 or more years, or
  * continuously for a period of not less than 5 years from the date of discharge.

Upon receipt of a retiree’s request to withdraw from SBP under _PL 96-402_ , the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) contacts VA for certification of total disability. **Important:** A total rating based on individual unemployability with no future examination meets the total disability requirement.  

### XIII.ii.5.B.1.b. Action Taken to Notify DFAS Upon a Reduction in Disability

If the Veteran’s disability is reduced below the total disability requirement, DFAS is automatically notified.