 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 circumstances 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
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