Skip to main content

[Proper Method of Settlement for Claim for Damage to Household Goods]

B-208101 Apr 22, 1983
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

A decision was requested as to the proper method for the settlement of a claim due to a deceased Fleet Marine Corps Reserve member for damage incurred in his shipment of household goods. The household goods were shipped from the member's last duty station to his retirement location. After they arrived, he filed a damage claim with the Marine Corps for loss and damage to his household goods during the shipment. Prior to the settlement of his claim, the member was shot and killed by his wife and she was later convicted of murder and sentenced to prison. Although the damage claim had been approved by the Marine Corps, it was questioned whether payment of the claim, or any part thereof, should be made to the member's widow, since part of the property damaged was hers. Although most of the amount due on the member's claim covered joint property, payment of the claim was authorized by the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act. Under the act, but for the fact that the widow murdered the member, the entire claim would be payable to her as his surviving spouse. GAO found that the claim was a Government-provided benefit in the nature of free insurance covering damage claims. Accordingly, in view of the act's prohibition of payment of benefits to one who unlawfully caused the death of the member, payment of the claim should not be made to the widow but should be paid to the member's children, since they are next in order of priority of claimants.

Downloads

GAO Contacts

Office of Public Affairs