TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS

TAPS is the national non-profit organization providing comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. TAPS honors our military men and women by caring for all those they loved and left behind. Since 1994, TAPS has been ready 24/7 with connections to a nationwide network of survivors regardless of how or where their service member died or the duty status at the time of death. TAPS is the place where all grieving the death of a military loved one can find comfort and connections to resources to support them through the most difficult journey ahead.

TAPS programs and services are available to anyone who grieves the death of a service member, all are welcomed into the TAPS family. Through a comprehensive set of services and programs, TAPS stands shoulder to shoulder with all branches of the military to include the National Guard and Reserve to welcome survivors and support their navigation of the journey ahead.

TAPS provides peer-based emotional support, grief and trauma resources, grief seminars for adults, Good Grief Camps for children, casework assistance, connections to community-based care, and a 24/7 resource and information helpline for all who have been affected by a military loss. TAPS receives no government funding; our services are free to the surviving loved ones we serve.

TAPS was created to offer support not available through other service organizations, the military, or the government. The heart of our organization is survivors helping survivors heal; this peer-based emotional support is one of the most effective strategies to assist the bereaved. TAPS provides assistance to all those affected by the loss of the military member, not just those defined as dependents or beneficiaries by the Department of Defense.

The foundation of TAPS service and program delivery is based on research-informed best practices from bereavement studies and response to the growing needs of military survivors. Experienced professionals within their respective fields lead the comprehensive programs and services. TAPS has PhDs, licensed mental health providers, and staff of peer professionals with significant experience and education working with the bereaved across all manners of death and all relationships to the deceased.

TAPS professionals are members of national organizations that provide ongoing professional development and monitor licensure requirements.

TAPS Helpline is answered live by professionals and peer professionals 24/7/365. Calling our National Military Survivor Helpline will immediately connect all callers with comfort and care from peer professionals who ensure the caller has open access to all that TAPS provides, including casework assistance and community-based resources.

TAPS hosts programs at the community level, regionally, and nationally across the country to bring surviving loved ones together in a healing environment through facilitated activities focused on coping tools and peer connections.

This core service of TAPS brings together a national family of all who are grieving to share their pain and connect for hope and healing. The majority of staff at TAPS are survivors of military loss who have first-hand knowledge of the uniqueness of losing a loved one who served our country in uniform.

TAPS provides compassionate assistance for all the needs a family may have, including access to pro bono legal assistance, emergency financial resources, information on state and federal survivor benefits, and connections to private social service support.