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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)?

TAPS is a U.S. nonprofit organization, founded in 1994, that provides comfort, care, and support to all those who have lost a loved one who served in the U.S. military. Compassionate TAPS staff members provide resources, including peer-based support, grief counseling, casework assistance, and connections to community-based care. TAPS helps survivors cope with the profound loss of their military or veteran loved ones and provides a supportive network of understanding individuals who have experienced similar tragedies. 

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Who can access TAPS services?

TAPS services are available to anyone who is grieving the death of someone who served in the U.S. armed forces, regardless of the relationship to the deceased. This includes spouses, children, parents, siblings, extended family members, battle buddies, and friends.

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What types of services does TAPS provide?

TAPS provides a wide range of services and support to military and veteran survivors. Key TAPS services include:

  • Grief Support — TAPS offers grief counseling and emotional support in the form of one-on-one counseling, support groups, and specialized grief camps for children, teens, and families to help survivors cope with the loss of their loved ones.
  • Peer Support — TAPS connects survivors with peer-support networks, where they can interact with others who have experienced similar losses. These connections help create a sense of understanding and camaraderie among those who share the same journey.
  • Casework Assistance — The organization provides practical assistance in navigating administrative and financial matters related to the loss of a service member or veteran, including benefits coordination, legal support, and help with paperwork.
  • Survivor Seminars and Retreats — TAPS organizes seminars and retreats where survivors can come together for healing, personal growth, and coping strategies.
  • Good Grief Camps — TAPS hosts specialized camps for children and teenagers to support them in their grieving process. These camps provide a safe and understanding environment where young survivors can express their emotions and find support.
  • Online Resources — TAPS offers an extensive collection of online resources, including articles, videos, and educational materials on trauma, grief, and coping strategies across all ages, relationships to the deceased, and manners of death.
  • 24/7 Military Survivor Helpline — Since 1994, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline has provided immediate support and assistance to all callers grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
  • Care and Connections — TAPS helps survivors connect with community-based resources, support services, and other organizations that can offer additional help and understanding.

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How much do TAPS services cost?

All core services provided by TAPS are free of charge for survivors. With the help of generous donors, TAPS is committed to ensuring that all who are grieving a military death receive the support they need.

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What is the TAPS 24/7 Helpline?

The TAPS 24/7 Helpline is staffed by trained professionals who provide emotional support, resources, and information. The Helpline is available around the clock for anyone who has been impacted by a military death.

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How can I get involved with TAPS as a volunteer or mentor?

There are many opportunities to serve as a TAPS volunteer or mentor. Volunteers can organize events, provide administrative help, facilitate support groups, and more. Peer Mentors, survivors ready to support another survivor of a similar loss, and Military Mentors, service members and veterans who support surviving children, are both critical volunteer roles. Visit Ways to Volunteer or Military Mentor to learn more or call 800-959-TAPS (8277).

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Are TAPS services only available to families of service members who died in combat?

No, TAPS is there for all who are grieving a military death. Whether the service member died in combat, in an accident, by suicide, from illness, or other causes, TAPS provides support regardless of the circumstances of the death, the length of time since loss, the relationship to the deceased, or the duty status at the time of death.

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Does TAPS provide any services specifically for children or young adults?

Yes, TAPS offers the Good Grief Camp for children and teens and a Young Adults Program for survivors ages 18 to 30. These programs provide age-appropriate grief education and peer support.

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Can TAPS help with understanding and obtaining military benefits or resources?

Yes, TAPS caseworkers can provide information about and assistance with navigating military benefits and resources. They can assist with understanding and applying for Department of Defense and VA benefits. Caseworkers can also connect survivors with other financial and practical support resources.

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My company is interested in getting involved with TAPS. Who should I contact with additional questions?

To learn more about becoming a partner or supporter, call 800-959-TAPS (8277) or email development@taps.org.

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I would like to use the TAPS name and logos. How do I obtain permission?

The TAPS name and logos are registered trademarks of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Use of the name or logos without written permission of TAPS is prohibited. Approval for use of the TAPS logos must be requested by emailing communications@taps.org. See our Name and Logo policy for more information. 

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I would like to reuse content posted on the TAPS website. How do I obtain permission?

Please contact communications@taps.org.

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How is TAPS funded and supported?

TAPS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is funded by the generosity of the American public, which provides donations to support the organization’s work. 

While TAPS has a close relationship with the military service branches, ongoing TAPS programs do not receive financial support from the government or the military. TAPS has official Memorandums of Understanding/Agreement or protocols with all the service branches related to caring for survivors.

In addition, TAPS is the beneficiary of thousands of donated hours through our robust volunteer program. If you’re interested in supporting the TAPS mission of providing hope and healing to the families of the fallen, learn more about how to get involved.

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How can I donate?

We gratefully accept donations online or via regular mail. Please mail your donations to:

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
3033 Wilson Blvd., Third Floor
Arlington, VA 22201

Find other ways to give at Ways to Support TAPS.

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If I donate, how will my money be used?

86 cents of every dollar spent provides direct and immediate support to TAPS survivors.

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Is my contribution deductible?

Contributions to TAPS may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. TAPS TAX ID# is 92-0152268.

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Monthly giving is easy.

Click the ‘Donate’ button at the top-left corner of your screen. Select the donate button on the page. In the popup window, select the recurring and gift amount buttons and the subsequent frequency and gift duration dropdowns to indicate you would like your gift to be processed each month and complete the form. Once the form is submitted, the monthly gift will be processed automatically with the credit card information you have provided.

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For recurring gifts, when will my credit card first be charged?

Your first gift will be charged immediately when you create it online. Subsequent gifts will be charged each month on the same or next closest business date to your initial sustaining donation date. Monthly sustaining gift requests received by mail or phone will be processed 24 - 48 business hours after receipt.

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Will I receive verification of my donations for tax purposes?

Each month after your recurring donation is processed, or after a one time gift, you will receive an email with your donation receipt. Please print or save these emails as your gift substantiation. If you don’t see these notifications in your email Inbox, please check your Spam or Junk folders. If still not found, email development@taps.org.

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How do I stop or change my recurring donation?

With an email message or phone call, you can change your monthly giving amount. Please contact TAPS Development via email at development@taps.org or by calling our toll-free line 1-800 959 TAPS (1-800-959-8277). TAPS Development department is available Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern, excluding holidays.

You may cancel at anytime. A cancellation request will be honored the same month as received, provided notification was received prior to the monthly charge.

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How can I contact TAPS?

You can reach TAPS by calling their toll-free helpline at 800-959-TAPS (8277). You can also contact them through the Contact TAPS submission form or by email at info@taps.org.

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