Introduction
Veterans Affairs (VA) death benefits are provided to eligible family members of deceased veterans as a way to honor their service and provide financial support during difficult times. This post aims to explore the VA death benefits to help you gain a better understanding of this important topic when considering it as a way to pay for your final expenses.
While the VA does some incredible things for our veterans, this benefit falls short of covering the actual expenses of a funeral / burial, and all the related costs. A funeral today, making just the standard selections, can cost about $15,000.
VA Death Benefit amounts are really quite small, they are only paid on a reimbursement basis. So the family of the deceased must pay for the funeral expenses and then produce receipts for reimbursement from Veterans Affairs.
According to the VA, non-service-connected death benefits are currently $300. If the veteran is hospitalized at the time of death, there is a benefit of $796.
For a death connected to military service, the benefit amount is $2,000.
As with other VA benefits, there are qualifications that must be met.
Eligibility Requirements
- You paid for a Veteran’s burial or funeral, AND
- You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased Veteran’s employer, AND
- The Veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, AND
- The Veteran died because of a service-related disability, OR
- The Veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, OR
- The Veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, OR
- The Veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility, OR
- The Veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care, OR
- The Veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date or death, OR
- The Veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.
Exclusions. The VA will not offer any benefits if the veteran:
- Died during active military service, OR
- Was a member of Congress who died while holding office, OR
- Was a Federal prisoner
Please see the VA website for details and links to forms and other related information.
Relying on VA benefits alone will leave your family to bear the financial burden of paying for your final expenses. Contact me. I’ll help you find an affordable plan that will give you peace of mind that your expenses are covered.