TAPS COVID-19 Response
The need continues
Our survivors need ongoing support as the pandemic continues. TAPS has maintained, enhanced, and modified programming to meet the needs of the military survivor community as they grieve the loss of their loved one and cope with the changed landscape of daily life due to the pandemic.
At TAPS, we’re no stranger to challenging times, and we’re continuing to do our part to support one another and get through these difficult times together. As always, TAPS is here 24/7, and our team is working hard to provide resources, services and support to surviving military families as they navigate the challenges of COVID-19. Please find additional facts below. Grieving families need your support now more than ever as additional hardships emerge from the continuing pandemic..
For more information or questions, please email us at info@taps.org.
Provide Feedback
Grief is a difficult journey at any stage in life but we recognize that it can be especially difficult now. In order to better serve you in these unprecedented times, please share how COVID-19 has impacted you as a military survivor. View our Survivor Fast Facts from others who have already taken the survey.
TAPS Response to COVID-19
Emergency Financial Assistance
TAPS is providing immediate emergency financial assistance to surviving military families after all other options have been exhausted.
Government and Partner Resources
TAPS is ensuring all survivor benefits are protected during this national emergency.
Maintaining 24/7 Operating Hours
TAPS is providing life saving support whenever and wherever it is needed.
Increased Support for Survivors
TAPS is providing support to survivors in crisis through our Care Team, Peer Support and more.
TAPS Institute
Webinars hosted by subject matter experts in grief and stress management offer a variety of topics for coping with loss, the pandemic and general information on grief and trauma.
Suicide Loss Support
TAPS provides gentle, understanding support as we work through the complicated emotions associated with suicide loss.
New Virtual Meetups
TAPS is connecting survivors and conducting virtual events that were previously in-person.
Young Adult Programming
TAPS created a all-new programming online to help maintain positivity during difficult times.
Online Community
TAPS has expanded the number of online video and text chats to address survivor needs.
TAPS Outdoors
TAPS has created a special interactive series to provide tips and inspiration on simple ways you can find healing and calm through nature.
Hope and Guidance
TAPS is sharing inspiring articles by surviving family members, staff and grief experts to help others during times of crisis.
COVID-19 Impact Survey of Military Survivors
Military survivors are typically one-income families, even with a government stimulus check, many are struggling to pay basic living expenses during COVID-19. 25% of respondents reported an income of less than $27,000 a year.
An active duty surviving spouse with two children receives $27,241 in benefits; the poverty guideline for a three-person family is $21,330.
39% have lost income either due to layoffs, a reduction in hours, or have lost income because they are small business owners.
62% are not receiving monthly benefits following the death of their military loved one.
61% of TAPS surviving spouses not receiving monthly benefits have at least 2 or more dependents under the age of 18 living in the home.
72% of military survivors reported an increase in grief for themselves and their family members due to the disruption in grief rituals, increased stress, and isolation of COVID-19.
57% report a noticeable increase in the anxiety and depression of themselves and their family members as a result of COVID-19.
47% of military survivors with children under the age of 18 have noticed a decrease in their child's school performance.
33% of military survivors with children under the age of 18 have lost or had to make significant adjustments to their childcare.
The top three most requested resources by military survivors are: 1) mental health resources, 2) financial assistance and 3) resources for parenting, homeschooling and education.
The map above shows the location of TAPS Survivors who shared how COVID-19 has impacted them as of April 10. Select image to enlarge.
Why Support TAPS During COVID-19?
As a nation we will rise to the challenge COVID-19 is presenting. While we support our own loved ones, we must remember that there are families who have already sacrificed so much for our nation and they need our support. Please assist those grieving the death of their military loved one with a donation to TAPS.
Banner Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class John Hightower; Image Courtesy of DVIDS