WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has changed its death benefits policy after the father of dead sailor was mistakenly jailed for trying to cash his benefit check, officials say.
A U.S. Defense Department spokeswoman told The (Norfolk) Virginian-Pilot the Navy has implemented a new policy allowing families that lose a Navy service member to receive their $100,000 death gratuity benefits electronically.
"This is an improved process we've been working to put in place to help families during a time of great grief, and we're glad to be able to implement this positive change," Lt. Karen Eifert said.
The issue received attention when John Mayberry of Harlingen, Texas, was jailed on suspicion of fraud while trying to deposit his death gratuity check. The newspaper said the bank wasn't able to verify the check because of a delay in the U.S. Treasury's reporting database.
Mayberry's son, Seaman Daniel Mayberry, died May 27 after a car crash in Virginia Beach.
