Survivors
of any person who was an active or retired member of the military
at time of death, or an honorably discharged veteran, could be eligible
for a number of benefits, including:
-
An American flag (usually drapes the casket).
- Burial
in a National Cemetery.
- A
bronze or granite marker.
- A
lump sum payment of $300.00 is usually available to families of
those veterans that were entitled to receive VA compensation or
pension at time of death (such as retirees), or veterans who died
while a registered patient in a VA hospital or other accredited
VA facility. If one of these circumstance's apply and a National
Cemetery is not utilized, up to $150.00 could be reimbursed as
a plot or interment allowance (requires proof of payment to a
non-VA cemetery. Private cemeteries usually assist you by filing
this benefit in your behalf). For veterans who die of a service
connected disability, the VA could pay an allowance to reimburse
funeral costs of $1500.00 or less (no additional VA death benefits
would be available). Active duty military personnel are usually
entitled to a greater amount, which can vary.
- If
not remarried, the surviving spouse is eligible for burial in
the National Cemetery. Dependent children of the veteran are also
eligible.
- Claims
for Veteran's Benefits must be filed within 2 years of death by
the veteran's family, a non-family member who can prove that the
veteran's funeral services are paid, or the funeral director.
We will be pleased to make application for these benefits on your
behalf if you will provide us with the veteran's Honorable Discharge
papers. For VA Assistance and Information, phone 1-800-827-1000
or visit their website at www.va.gov
|
