Thank you for the question.
Just to clarify, whether it is the death benefit or the residual amount of the disability award, both payments are under the same program, the disability award program. The amount is the same for both, just to be clear. If it pays as a death benefit, it's $276,000. If it pays as a disability award to a survivor, it is $276,000. The amount is the same. It is not taxable under either scheme. The death benefit is intended for immediate death as a result of service. As you know, that was defined in the authority as a 30-day period.
The difference between the two is that the death benefit pays irrespective of any amounts that may have been paid to the veteran. Beyond the 30-day period, the same amount pays, and the family has the same opportunity to invest it. If they wish to invest it where they can receive an annuity, the same situation applies. The difference is that if the veteran had survived long enough to actually receive part of the disability award before death, the full amount doesn't pay. The residual amount pays. That's the difference between the two benefits.
In terms of the total amount that can go to the family at the time of death, it starts at the same amount, $276,000.