What TAPS Is and Who It Serves

TAPS (Tragedy information Program for Survivors) is a national nonprofit organization that provides grief support specifically to people who have lost a family member in military service or a military-connected death. TAPS does not charge for its services. The organization operates a 24/7 crisis line, runs peer support groups, holds annual retreats, and connects grieving people with trained volunteers who have experienced similar losses.

TAPS serves active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, and their families. It also serves survivors of Department of Defense civilian employees who died in the line of duty. The death does not have to be combat-related; TAPS supports people grieving deaths from illness, accident, or suicide that occurred during military service or as a result of service.

The organization was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. TAPS receives no government funding and operates through donations and grants. You do not need to be referred by anyone to contact TAPS, and there are no forms to fill out before you can reach someone.

Key Takeaways

  • TAPS operates a 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277) where you can speak to someone when ready, at any time of day or night.
  • The organization offers peer support groups that meet in person in many cities and online, led by volunteers who have lost someone in military service.
  • TAPS holds an annual Good Grief Camp for children and an annual Survivor Seminar for adults, both held in Washington, D.C., with travel and lodging covered.
  • You can also reach TAPS through their website at taps.org, by text, or through their social media channels if calling is not comfortable for you.
  • All TAPS services are free, and the organization does not require you to provide personal information beyond what is necessary to connect you with support.

The 24/7 Crisis Line and when ready Support

The TAPS crisis line is staffed by trained volunteers and professional counselors who answer calls, texts, and online chats around the clock. When you call 1-800-959-TAPS (8277), you reach someone who can listen, provide crisis support, and connect you to longer-term resources. You do not need to know what to say; the person answering will guide the conversation.

The crisis line is not only for emergencies. Many people call to talk about their grief, ask questions about how to move forward, or straightforward have someone listen who understands military loss. The line also handles calls from people who are concerned about a grieving friend or family member and want to know how to help.

If you prefer not to call, TAPS accepts text messages at the same number and offers online chat through their website. Response times for text and chat vary depending on volume, but the organization aims to connect you within a few hours during business hours and within 24 hours at other times.

Peer Support Groups in Your Area and Online

TAPS runs peer support groups in more than 50 cities across the United States, as well as online groups that meet by video conference. These groups are led by trained volunteers who have themselves lost a family member in military service. Groups typically meet monthly and are organized by type of loss — for example, groups for people who lost a spouse, groups for adult children who lost a parent, and groups for parents who lost a child.

The groups are free and open to anyone grieving a military-connected death. You do not have to speak if you do not want to; many people attend their first meeting just to listen and see if the group feels right for them. TAPS staff can help you find a group near you or connect you with an online group that matches your schedule.

To find a group, visit taps.org and use the group locator tool, or call the crisis line and ask for a referral. Online groups run on a regular schedule, so you can join from anywhere and attend as often as you need to.

Annual Retreats and Seminars for Adults and Children

TAPS holds two major annual events in Washington, D.C. The Survivor Seminar takes place each spring and brings together adult survivors for three days of workshops, peer support, and social activities. The Good Grief Camp is held each summer and serves children and teens ages 5 to 18 who have lost a family member in military service.

Both events are free, and TAPS covers travel costs, lodging, and meals for all attendees. You do not pay anything out of pocket. The events are designed to reduce isolation, connect survivors with others who understand their loss, and provide tools for moving forward with grief.

At the Survivor Seminar, adults attend sessions on topics like managing holidays and anniversaries, rebuilding identity after loss, and navigating relationships. At Good Grief Camp, children participate in age-appropriate activities, grief education, and peer support while also having time for recreation and friendship-building.

Registration for both events opens several months in advance. You can register through taps.org or by calling the crisis line. Spots fill up, so registering early is important if you want to attend.

Specialized Support for Different Types of Loss

TAPS recognizes that grief is different depending on your relationship to the person who died and the circumstances of the death. The organization offers specialized resources and groups for parents who lost a child, spouses who lost a partner, adult children who lost a parent, and siblings who lost a brother or sister. TAPS also has specific support for people grieving a death by suicide and for those grieving sudden, traumatic losses.

The organization publishes free written materials on topics like grief after military suicide, supporting a grieving child, and managing grief during holidays. These materials are available on the TAPS website and can also be requested by mail or phone.

TAPS also maintains a database of mental health professionals who specialize in military grief and can provide longer-term counseling if you want individual therapy. The crisis line can provide referrals to therapists in your area.

How to Reach TAPS and What to Expect

There are multiple ways to contact TAPS depending on what feels most comfortable for you. The 24/7 crisis line is 1-800-959-TAPS (8277). You can also visit taps.org to find information about groups, events, and resources, or to start an online chat. TAPS is active on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms where you can send a private message if you prefer.

When you first contact TAPS, you will be asked basic information like your name, the relationship to the person you lost, and how you heard about TAPS. You are not required to share details you do not want to share. The person you speak with will listen to your situation and suggest resources that might help — whether that is the crisis line, a peer support group, an event, or a referral to a counselor.

TAPS does not require you to commit to anything. You can call once, attend one group meeting, or use TAPS services regularly over time. The organization is designed to meet you where you are in your grief.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a certain amount of time into my grief to contact TAPS?

No. TAPS supports people at any point in their grief journey — whether the loss happened last week or many years ago. Some people contact TAPS when ready after a death, while others reach out months or years later when grief resurfaces or feels overwhelming. There is no "right time" to seek support.

What if I am not sure if TAPS serves my situation?

Call the crisis line or visit the website and describe your situation. TAPS staff can tell you whether the organization can help. TAPS serves a broad range of military-connected deaths, including deaths that happened during service, deaths of retirees, and deaths of National Guard and Reserve members. If TAPS cannot help, they can often refer you to another organization that can.

Are peer support groups only for people who want to talk a lot?

No. Peer support groups include people who share their story and people who listen without speaking. You can attend a group, sit quietly, and just be around others who understand. Many people find value in listening to others' experiences even if they do not share their own.

Can I bring a family member or friend to a TAPS event or group?

TAPS groups and events are designed for people who have experienced a military-connected loss. However, TAPS recognizes that supporters play an important role in healing. The organization offers resources specifically for friends and family members of grieving people, and some events include sessions for supporters. Call the crisis line to ask about options for your situation.

What if I am in crisis and need help right now?

Call the TAPS crisis line at 1-800-959-TAPS (8277) when ready. If you are in danger or having thoughts of harming yourself, also call 988 (the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room. You can reach both services at the same time — they are not mutually exclusive.