VETERANS PRESS: Hey veterans, did you know?

Did you know — When you pass, your spouse could be entitled to Veterans Administration (VA) benefits such as Burial, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) or Survivor’s Pension Benefits.
As a note of clarification:
1. Burial allowances are driven by service connected disabilities. If not service connected, there is no monetary allowance. The non-monetary benefits will usually be handled by the funeral home (flag, headstone, etc.)
2. DIC benefits depend upon the Veteran having died from a service connected disability and that cause(s) being listed on the Death Certificate; and,
3. Survivor Pension eligibility is dependent upon the veteran having served during a war time period.
Since there are variations and exceptions to VA rules and policies, it is best to contact your local Veterans Services Officer (VSO). That way the VSO can assist your spouse with determining which benefits to pursue through the claims process after you have passed. In the alternative, you can call now and discuss potential survivor benefits for your spouse.
In order to qualify for any of these benefits there is some information that your spouse/family member will need to provide to the VA via the VSO.
This is very important! And here’s why — the VA requires certain documentation in order to process claims. Also, make sure if the cause of death is due to a service-related condition(s) that these are listed on the Death Certificate.
Some key documentation needed for such claims is the veteran’s DD214, Death Certificate, previous Marriage Certificates and Divorce Decrees, past VA claims documents and current financial information.
If you get nothing else from this article, the best thing to do is contact a local VSO for assistance with the claims processes.
­— Submitted by: Tom Freeman, County Veterans Services Office