Losing a veteran in the family hits hard. Beyond the emotional side, there are benefits from the VA that can help with burial costs and ongoing support for survivors. These aren't always automatic, so knowing what is available and how to apply makes a big difference. I have helped friends navigate this, and it is worth the effort to honor their service while easing some financial burdens. Let us break it down simply, with steps and resources straight from official sources.
Why These Benefits Matter
Veterans earned these through their service, and they extend to families too. Burial benefits cover things like cemetery plots or markers, which can save thousands. Survivor benefits provide monthly payments or education help, offering stability when it is needed most. Reporting the death promptly ensures everything processes smoothly without delays or denials.
Burial Benefits: Honoring Their Service
The VA offers several ways to assist with final arrangements for eligible veterans. Here is what you can expect:
- National Cemetery Burial. Free burial in a VA national cemetery for the veteran, plus space for spouses and dependents in some cases. Includes a headstone or marker, perpetual care, and a burial flag.
- Headstones and Markers. Provided at no cost for graves in private cemeteries too.
- Burial Allowance. Up to $2,000 for service-connected deaths, or $300 for non-service-connected if the veteran was hospitalized by VA at time of death.
- Military Funeral Honors. Available upon request, including a flag-folding ceremony and taps.
To apply, contact the VA or a national cemetery directly. Start here for details: VA Burial Benefits (https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/).
If you need to schedule honors, reach out to the Department of Defense: Military Funeral Honors (https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/mfh/).
Survivor Benefits: Ongoing Support
Survivors like spouses, children, or dependent parents might qualify for financial help. Key options include:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). Monthly payments for surviving spouses or children if the veteran's death was service-related or they had a total disability rating.
- Survivors Pension. Income-based aid for low-income surviving spouses or unmarried children.
- Education and Training. Programs like the Fry Scholarship or Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) for college or vocational training.
- Home Loans and Health Care. Eligible survivors can access VA-backed loans or CHAMPVA health coverage.
Eligibility depends on the veteran's service and your relationship. Check the full list: VA Survivor Benefits (https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/).
How to Report a Death and Apply
Do not wait. Reporting starts the process. Here is how:
- Notify the VA. Call 1-800-827-1000 (TTY 711) to report the death. Have the veteran's service details and death certificate ready.
- Apply Online or by Mail. Use VA forms for specific benefits. For DIC, it is Form 21P-534EZ. Submit through the VA website or at a regional office.
- Visit a VA Office. Find one near you with the locator: VA Facility Locator (https://www.va.gov/find-locations/).
- Get Help if Needed. Veterans Service Organizations like the American Legion can assist for free.
For application forms and instructions: Apply for VA Benefits (https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/veterans-burial-allowance/) for burial, and DIC Application (https://www.va.gov/family-member-benefits/apply-for-dependency-indemnity-compensation-survivor-benefits/form-21p-534ez).
Tips from Experience
Gather all military records early, like the DD-214 discharge papers. Applications can take months, so apply soon. If the veteran was getting VA pension or disability, those payments stop upon death, and you might need to return any after that date. Also, check if state benefits add to these – some offer extra cemetery options.
Final Thoughts
These VA benefits are a way to recognize a veteran's sacrifice and support those left behind. It might feel like a lot, but taking it one step at a time helps. If you are stuck, the VA hotline folks are trained to guide you kindly. You are not alone in this.
