What action is required to decline the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when preparing for retirement?

To decline the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) when preparing for retirement, it is necessary for your spouse to sign a spousal concurrence statement. This requirement is in place to ensure that the spouse is fully aware of the decision and its potential implications. The SBP is designed to provide financial support to the surviving spouse in the event of the servicemember's death, so obtaining the spouse's consent is crucial in making such a significant decision.

The spousal concurrence statement is a key element in the process because it acknowledges that the spouse understands the choice to decline the benefits and agrees to the decision. This ensures that both parties are informed and have participated in the decision-making process, preventing misunderstandings or disputes later on.

Other options, while they may involve steps in retirement processing, do not address the specific requirement of spousal notification and consent that is mandated for the SBP decision.