Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Their Mission

TAPS provides comfort, care and resources to all those grieving the death of a military loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nation and worldwide. The National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world.

Survivors

TAPS offers help, hope and healing to all who are grieving the death of a military loved one, regardless of the relationship to the service member or the circumstances or cause of death.

TAPS is a family. A family of care, compassion and hope. TAPS is here for you, whether you need someone to listen, a shoulder to cry on, a connection to resources, or an opportunity to remember and honor your loved one.

Your loss may be recent, or it may have been years ago. Grief is a journey; it has its own timetable — you do not have to face it alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a military loss, connect with TAPS 24/7 via the National Military Survivor Helpline at 800-959-TAPS (8277).

Suicide Loss Support

TAPS has supported thousands of survivors of military suicide loss by offering them hope, healing, and renewed opportunities for personal growth. TAPS understands that suicide grief is different and survivors struggle with a range of powerful emotions and wrestle with very complicated questions. 

Fortunately, suicide survivors are not alone on this journey. TAPS is a family of survivors who have been down the road the newly bereaved are now traveling. TAPS provides special resources, programming and compassionate care to all survivors of military suicide loss. 

Suicide Survivor Seminar

Each fall, TAPS suicide loss survivors gather to share their experiences and honor their fallen loved ones. The National Military Suicide Survivor Seminar includes peer-to-peer grief support, access to resources and experts, grief workshops, art therapy, family entertainment, and LOVE.

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Survivor Care Team

The TAPS Survivor Care Team, who are trained and caring survivors, reach out to newly bereaved family members as peer professionals. The TAPS team is available around the clock to help.

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Peer Mentor Program

Adult military survivors are paired with peer mentors who have experienced a similar loss. TAPS peer mentors are available to listen when you need someone to talk to, to be a friend when you're feeling lonely, and to help honor your fallen hero along the way.

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Connect Online

TAPS hosts a live online chat the 2nd Monday of each month for just suicide loss survivors that is moderated by the TAPS Suicide Postvention team. Join us to learn more.

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Casework

TAPS Casework Team provides resources to survivors navigating military survivor benefits and finances. 

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Grief Counseling

At TAPS, we rely on a large network of strong community partners, and can connect military survivors with grief and trauma resources in your community.

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Education Assistance

TAPS Education Support coordinators can help explain benefits, identify scholarships, work to align resources and education goals, and provide talking points on navigating grief and trauma to schools, colleges, and universities.

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