DAFI36-167 — Civilian Survivor Assistance

DAFI36-167 governs civilian survivor assistance, including responsibilities and procedures after the death of a Department of the Air Force civilian employee.

Search DAFI36-167

  • Publication number: DAFI36-167
  • Title: CIVILIAN SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE
  • Date: 2023-04-18

View DAFI36-167 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers PNOK notification, survivor assistance, personal effects, emergency contacts, and coordination among offices. It also addresses installation-level guidance, civilian death responsibilities, and procedures for emergency contact and PNOK notification.

Applies to: This publication applies to appropriated fund (APF) civilian employees of the Regular Air Force, United States Space Force (USSF), and Title 5 Department of Air Force (DAF) employees of the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard.

Topics covered

  • Civilian employee deaths
  • PNOK notification
  • Survivor assistance
  • Emergency contact information
  • Deceased employee personal effects
  • Coordination of services

Questions and answers

What does DAFI36-167 require when a civilian employee dies?

The DAF will handle the death of a civilian employee, to include PNOK notification, assistance to survivors, and handling of the deceased employee’s personal effects with thoughtfulness, professionalism, and confidentiality.

How should civilian emergency contact information be maintained?

Employees are highly encouraged to provide and keep their emergency contact information updated.

What happens when the emergency contact and PNOK are different?

When the deceased employee has listed an emergency contact other than the PNOK, except when specified on the DD Form 93 to not contact an individual, the party responsible for performing notification duties will ensure that the PNOK is also notified of the civilian death.

What should offices do when coordinating civilian death services?

Each office should be aware of its own responsibilities as well as familiar with those of the coordinating offices so as to appropriately advise and refer the PNOK/survivor, when necessary.

How must supplements to DAFI36-167 be approved?

All Major Command (MAJCOM), Field Command (FLDCOM) or corresponding Secretariat, Air Staff and Office of the Chief of Space Operations level supplements must be approved by the Human Resource Management Strategic Board prior to certification and approval.

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