VETERANS

Upon The Death of A Veteran it is Important to…

  1. Contact your funeral director for burial arrangements.
  2. Contact the Pastor of your church.
  3. Furnish the funeral director with a copy of the veterans discharge, separation notice DD-214, Veterans Administration Claim Number (if known), and the Veteran’s Social Security Number.
  4. The funeral director will apply the amount allowed from the Veterans Administration toward burial expenses and also the allowed amount from social security for burial.
  5. The funeral director will apply for the U.S. Flag to drape the casket or contact the local postmaster.
  6. When the veteran is a member of a Veterans Organization, that Veterans Organization should be contacted for a ritual service. It is now mandated by law if the family requests it that the veteran gets full honors by the U.S. Military and the funeral director will make the arrangements.
  7. The Service Officer will inform you of the benefits you may be entitled to through the Veterans Administration, such as:
    1. Widow or Children compensation.
    2. Widow or Children pension.
    3. Veterans Administration death benefits – $300 death benefit, $150 burial plot allowance, headstone.
  8. When contacting your Social Security Office the following information will be needed:
    1. Discharge and DD Form 214
    2. Proof of Marriage (License)
    3. Proof of age and birth of children
    4. Divorce Papers (if applicable)
    5. Adoption Papers (if applicable)
  9. Important documents to have available when applying for assistance:
    1. Honorable Discharge from the armed forces or DD Form 214, Report of Separation from Service
    2. Marriage License
    3. Birth Certificates of Children
    4. Death Certificate
    5. Veterans Social Security Card and Claim Number with VA
    6. Divorce Papers (if applicable)
    7. Adoption Papers (if applicable)
  10. Insurance – a death certificate is always required to receive payment. The Service Officer can offer assistance in supplying and completing forms for G.I. Insurance. Many veterans carry life insurance on an individual basis under Veterans Organizations; if insurance is carried with other commercial companies, contact the agent of that company.