How to Notify the Veterans Administration When a Veteran Dies

By Kristine Brite

The death of a veteran is a trying time for friends and family. Amid mourning, family members must navigate the forms and benefits available, which can be difficult when in deep grief. The Department of Veterans Affairs -- which offers several benefits to survivors and helps with expenses surrounding the death of the veteran -- must be notified in a timely manner. With the help of a capable funeral director, the family has to do little of the work.

Tell the funeral director that the deceased person was a veteran. Often, the funeral director contacts the Department of Veterans Affairs directly. To receive payment for burial and other costs, a family must ensure a funeral home official completes the "Application for Benefits" form.

Gather identification documents -- for the veterans and immediate survivors -- including social security cards, the death certificate and marriage certificates, and know the veteran's date of birth and dates of service.

Call the Department of Veterans Affairs' toll free number, 1-800-827-1000, to confirm the funeral director called and to ask about how to proceed.

Ask the VA representative about benefits available to you. Survivors are sometimes eligible for life insurance, health insurance and counseling.

Fill out any forms requested by the VA in a timely manner to the best of your knowledge, and return as directed. Some common forms are found online, such as the "Application for DIC, Death Pension & Accrued Benefits by Surviving Spouse or Child," "Section 306 Eligibility Verification Report (Surviving Spouse)" and the "Application for Standard Government Headstone or Marker."

http://www.lenderva.com