SECTION 5:  IN THE EVENT OF DEATH                                                        

5-1  What A Spouse Should Do

When a veteran dies, the spouse or family must take care of certain arrangements. The following is a suggest guideline for doing this:

·        Contact Funeral Director

·        Contact your Clergy

·        Furnish the funeral director a copy of the veteran's discharge, DD 214, Veterans Administration claim number, if known, and the veteran's social security number.

·        The funeral director will apply for the amount allowed from the VA toward burial expenses and also the allowed amount from Social Security for burial.

·        The funeral director will apply for the US Flag to drape the casket or contact local postmaster for a flag. Under certain circumstances, replacement flags can be issued. Contact a VA Regional Office for the proper form.  Or go online at:

https://www.vaforms.vba.va.gov/VBARF/getformharness.asp?formName=vba-21-2008-form.xft

·        Funeral director will request military honors if the family desire.

·        Spouse can use a Veterans Benefits Counselor, a Post Service Officer for assistance to apply for the following if appropriate:

·        Widow or children compensation

·        Widow or children pension

·        VA Death benefits:

·

-Death Benefit

-Burial Plot allowance

-Headstone or Grave Marker

Note: There are details on these programs in this book, or check at your local Regional Office for more information.  If the veteran is drawing Compensation or NSC Pension from the VA, you will want to contact the VA immediately.  To do this phone:

1 800 827 1000

Important documents to have available for the VA and Social Security:

·        DD 214

·        Marriage License

·        Birth Certificate

·        Death Certificate

·        Veterans social security card and number, VA claim number

·        Divorce papers (if applicable)

·        Adoption papers (if applicable)

·        Proof of age.

(See earlier section on Social Security to see what they require in filing).

Social Security Hotline:  1 800 772 1213

County or State benefits: This varies from state to state and county to county. Individual must check in the area of residence.

Insurance: A death certificate is always required to receive payment.

Note: If Veteran is drawing Retired Duty Pay from the Department of Defense there is a need to contact DOD.  You may need to contact the following Departments:

Defense Finance and Accounting Service

Cleveland Center Retired Pay Department (Code FRCCBB),

PO BX 99191

Cleveland, OH 44199-1126

1 800 321 1080

If there is a death notify:

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