Burial Benefits
Burial Allowance Benefits
These benefits are usually for Veterans who were getting a disability check
Information below is from the VA Gov. Benefits Web Site
What is a VA Burial Allowance ?
A VA burial allowance is a partial reimbursement of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursement is generally described as two payments: (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and
(2) a plot interment allowance.
Who Is Eligible ?
You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:
(a)-- you paid (or owe) for a veteran's burial or funeral AND
(b)-- you have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer AND
(c)-- the veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:
(a)-- the veteran died because of a service-related disability OR
(b)-- the veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death OR
(c)-- the veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay OR
(d)-- the veteran died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract
How Much Does VA Pay ?
Service-related death -- VA will pay up to $1,500 toward burial expenses prior to September 1, 2001. For deaths on or after September 1, 2001, VA will pay $2,000. If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of moving the deceased may be reimbursed.
Nonservice-related death -- VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses, and a $150 plot interment allowance for deaths prior to December 1, 2001. For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, VA will pay $300. If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under contracted nursing home care, some of all of the costs for transporting the deceased’s remains may be reimbursed.
How Can I Apply ?
You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial Allowance . You should attach proof of the veteran's military service (DD 214), a death certificate, and copies of funeral and burial bills you have paid. Mail the completed form and documents to the nearest VA Regional office .
For More Information Call Toll-Free at 1-800-827-1000
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Military Funeral Honors
There are benefits available to eligible veterans at the time of death as a way for the Nation to show its gratitude for faithfully defending our country. The Veterans Administration has updated its laws to mandate the rendering of Military Funeral Honors for those eligible veterans who desire such honors. As part of the military honors, a flag is presented to the surviving family members. If desired, the Veterans Administration will also provide a headstone free of charge, to those who qualify. Below are some FAQs for veterans.
What are the Military Funeral Honors?
As provided by law, an honor guard detail for the burial of an eligible veteran shall consist of not less than two members of the Armed Forces. One member of the detail shall be a representative of the parent Service of the deceased veteran. The honor detail will, at a minimum, perform a ceremony that includes that folding and presenting of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps. Taps will be played by a bugler, if available, or by electronic recording.
Who is eligible?
· Military members on active duty
· Military retirees
· Members and former members of the Selected Reserve
· Eligible U.S. veterans of any war
· Other U.S. veterans who served at least one term of enlistment
....and separated under conditions other than dishonorable.
How much does a Military Funeral Honors detail cost?
Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.
What can the family of an eligible veteran expect?
The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted on request, are flag folding, flag presentation and Taps.
How much notice should be provided for the honors request?
The Services request at least 48 hours in order to organize the funeral honors detail.
(This information taken from U.S. Department of Defense Military Funeral Honors Funeral Director's Kit)
Should we pre-apply?
Yes - This provides everyone with additional time at the death event to establish arrangements and eliminates your next-of-kin from trying to find military records which can take several days. A copy of Military records should be left at your funeral home of choice during any pre-arrangements that may be made.
The Origin of TAPS.
Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion that Taps. Up to the Civil War, the traditional call at day's end was a tune borrowed from the French called Lights Out. In July of 1862, in the aftermath of the bloody Seven Days Battles, hard on the loss of 600 men and wounded himself, Union General Daniel Adams Butterfield called the brigade bugler to his tent. He thought Lights Out was too formal and he wished to honor his men. Oliver Wilcox Norton, the bugler, tells the story,
"...showing me some notes on a staff written in pencil on the back of an envelope, [he] asked me to sound them on my bugle. I did this several times, playing the music as written. He changed it somewhat, lengthening some notes and shortening others, but retaining the melody as he first gave it to me. After getting it to his satisfaction, he directed me to sound that call for Taps thereafter in place of the regulation call. The music was beautiful on that still summer night and was heard far beyond the limits of our Brigade. The next day I was visited by several buglers from neighboring Brigades, asking for copies of the music, which I gladly furnished. the call was gradually taken up through the Army of the Potomac."
This more emotive and powerful Taps was soon adopted throughout the military. In 1874 it was officially recognized by the U.S. Army. It became mandatory at military funeral ceremonies in 1891. There is something singularly beautiful and appropriate in the music of this wonderful call. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. It echoes linger in the heart long after its tones have ceased to vibrate in the air.
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