Veterans' Benefits

Who is eligible?

Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies on active duty or who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

BENEFITS

·         Burial in a National Cemetery

o   A gravesite in any national cemetery with available space is a benefit with no cost to the family. This is for both actual burial and cremation. Benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the Veteran and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the Veteran’s headstone, at no cost to the family. Eligible spouses and dependents may be buried, even if they predecease the Veteran.

·         Headstone or Marker

o   A headstone or marker is automatically provided with burial at a national cemetery, state Veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery. The VA can supply a headstone or marker for graves that are already marked with a private headstone or marker. When the grave is already marked, applicants will have the option to submit a claim for either a traditional headstone or marker, or a new medallion (available by April 30, 2010).

o   Flat markers in granite, marble, and bronze and upright headstones in granite and marble are available. The style chosen must be consistent with existing monuments at the place of burial. Niche markers are also available to mark columbaria used for inurnment of cremated remains.

o   Spouses and dependents are not eligible for a Government-furnished headstone or marker unless they are buried in a national cemetery, state Veteran's cemetery, or military post/base cemetery.

o   NOTE: There is no charge for the headstone or marker itself, however arrangements for placing it in a private cemetery are the applicant's responsibility and all setting fees are at private expense.

·         Burial Flag

o   A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran’s military service to his or her country.

·         Presidential Memorial Certificate

o   An engraved paper certificate, signed by the current President, to honor the memory of honorably discharged deceased Veterans.    

How do I apply for the benefits?

Monarch Society will take care of all the paperwork to apply for any of these benefits. We provide the flag as well. All you have to do is supply the veteran’s DD-214 discharge form.

VA ALLOWANCES FOR FUNERAL EXPENSES

What Are VA Burial Allowances?

VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible veteran's burial and funeral costs.  When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments:  (1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and (2) a plot or interment allowance.

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:

·         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.

In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

·         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.

How Much Does VA Pay?

Service-Related Death

VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11, 2001.  VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to September 10, 2001.  If the veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.

Nonservice-Related Death

VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance for deaths on or after December 1, 2001.  The plot-interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to December 1, 2001.  If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran’s remains may be reimbursed.

How to apply for burial allowances?
Monarch Society will take care of all the paperwork to apply. All you have to do is supply the veteran’s DD-214 discharge form.

To confirm your eligibility for any of these benefits, please call a Veteran’s Benefits Counselor at:

1-800-827-1000