VETERAN'S AFFAIRS
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. (A copy of the veteran’s discharge papers is required.) Potential benefits include the following:
- An American Flag
- Military Honors consisting of a minimum of a two-man detail who will fold and present the flag and play taps.
- Flat bronze, flat marble, flat granite, or upright marble marker for placement in a national or private cemetery (subject to cemetery regulations). There is no time limit for when a family may apply for a marker.
- Burial in a National Cemetery at no charge. The spouse of a veteran is also eligible for this benefit, as are dependent children of the veteran.
- 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 $300.00 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.
White Emerson is available to assist you in filing for any of the above listed benefits. For VA Assistance and Information, phone 1-800-827-1000 or visit their website at www.va.gov.