The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) realizes the loss of a loved one is a difficult experience. The VA has established a streamlined process for families, executors and legal representatives to follow to notify the VA about the death of a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system.
WHY SHOULD I NOTIFY THE VA ABOUT THE DEATH OF AN ENROLLED VETERAN?
Notify the VA of the Veteran's death to stop benefits and update records and helps to prevent identity fraud by limiting the chance for others to falsely use the Veteran’s identity.
WHAT TO DO WHEN A VETERAN PASSES AWAY
Key information taken from VA IB 10-968 (titled "What to Do When a Veteran Passes Away," dated November 2016) and associated VA guidelines includes:
Immediate Steps
- Notify the VA: The best way is to contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000.
- Funeral Director: Contact a funeral director to assist with military funeral honors and burial arrangements. The funeral director will need a copy of the Veteran's DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, for this process.
- Death Certificate: Obtain official copies of the death certificate when they become available.
- Prepare and submit VA For 21-0966, Intent to File a Claim for Compensation and/or Pension, or Survivors Pension and/or DIC, found here.
- Prepare and submit VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative. found here . This form allows an accredited veterans service officer to represent you in applying for survivor benefits during this difficult time.
Burial and Survivor Benefits
- Pre-Need Eligibility: Veterans and their spouses can apply in advance for burial in a VA national cemetery using a "pre-need" determination to ease the burden on family members.
- Burial Allowance: The VA may provide partial reimbursement for burial and funeral expenses if the veteran was receiving VA care, pension, or compensation at the time of death, or if the death was service-related.
- Military Funeral Honors: Eligible veterans can receive a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of Taps.
- Headstones/Markers: The VA provides a free headstone, marker, or medallion for the grave of an eligible veteran, even if they are buried in a private cemetery.
- Presidential Memorial Certificate: A certificate signed by the President can be requested to honor the memory of an honorably discharged veteran
- Bereavement Counseling: Available through VA Vet Centers for immediate family members
Pre-Planning to save time
The following is a list of items that the veteran should have in a file, easy to access, in case of death:
- Copy of DD214
- Any disability ratings letters from the VA
- Will / Power of Attorney
- All available insurance policies
- Retired survivor benefits
- All deeds to properties and titles to all owned vehicles
- List of monthly bills along with logins to all important websites
- Logins to VA website to find important information
- Social Security Account number
- List of benefits from other organizations to which the veteran belonged
- Information / Deed to burial plots or VA grave approval
- Funeral desires, along with burial or cremation wishes
