VETERANS’ DEATH BENEFITS
42
All Veterans honorably discharged from the military are entitled to certain death benefits. Veterans and their loved ones should be aware of the burial benefits before they are needed. Family should prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the Veteran’s military information, and most im - portantly the proof of military service (DD 214), and discussing preferences. This should be kept with all of the Veteran’s important papers. The DD-214 can be requested from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/ Burial Benefits Any Veteran, except those dishonorably discharged, are eligible for burial in a Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery. • Veterans are entitled to burial in a Veteran’s cemetery where space is available. It is important to discuss preferences with the Veteran, so their wishes are honored. • Veterans may be entitled to a one-time death benefit that goes toward the cost of burial. The VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. • A government head stone or marker will be issued for burial in a Veteran’s or private cemetery. • Veterans may select “burial at sea,” through the US Navy Mortuary Affairs. • The VA provides an American flag for services to be given to the next of kin or close individual at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of the Veteran. If an extra flag is needed, some service groups such as the VFW may provide one. • A Presidential Memorial Certificate honoring the Veteran’s service (signed by the current Presi - dent) is provided to the family. • Spouses can be buried next to the Veteran. Dependents may also be eligible. Burial with Military Honors The rendering of Military Funeral Honors for a Veteran is free of charge and mandated by law. The honor detail will perform a ceremony which includes folding and presenting of the flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. The funeral director will contact the appropriate Military Service to arrange for a funeral honors detail. How do I access the Benefits? Visit va.gov/find-forms to locate & download the following forms, or talk to your Social Worker: • Government Headstone/Marker, American Flag: VA form 40-1330 • Monetary Death Allowance: VA form 21-530 • Presidential Memorial Certificate: VA form 40-0247 More information about the following can be found here: • Military Honors Funeral: va.gov/burials-memorials/what-to-expect-at-military-funeral • Family Member Benefits: va.gov/family-member-benefits • National List of Veterans Cemetery Locations: cem.va.gov/find-cemetery/all-national.asp • Burial at Sea: va.gov/burials-memorials/burial-at-sea You can find answers to all your questions about Veterans’ Burial Benefits at va.gov To speak with a VA agent, call (800) 827.1000.
FourSeasonsCare.org
866.466.9734
Four Seasons
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs