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There are different programs established by local state and federal laws. State veteran counselors and veteran service agency directors provide specialized counseling on benefits available to the survivors of veterans and servicemen. Your Wade Funeral Director will be able to offer guidance in applying for one or more of the following benefits. Click here to inquire with a Wade Funeral Director about specific benefits.
What you'll need to take to the Veterans Office to apply for benefits:
Note: Do not delay your visit if some of the items are unavailable.
- Veterans Discharge
- Veterans GI Insurance Policy if covered
- Marriage or divorce certificate
- Birth certificates of minor children or crippled children
- Amounts of all Life Insurance
- Amounts of all savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, etc...
- Expenses of deceased's last illness
- Record of social security payments
- Certified copy of death certificate
- Cemetery deed or receipt
There are many different benefits available to veterans and their families. Please click on a topic below for more information.
Burial Allowance
An authorized Federal Government burial allowance up to $300.00 is provided by the Veterans Administration to the survivor or person who pays the funeral expenses of an eligible veteran if the veteran dies in a Veterans Administration (VA) hospital or is receiving or eligible to receive a veteran's disability compensation or veteran's pension at time of death.
Plot or Interment Allowance
Provide for a payment up to $150 as a plot or interment allowance in addition to the burial allowance (link to burial allowance description) only when the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery or other cemetery under the jurisdiction of the United States government. If the cost of the burial has not been paid, the plot or interment allowance is applicable up to $150. If the amount unpaid is less than $150, then the balance and $150 can be applied to other expenses. If there is no interment balance the $150 can be used for other expenses including cremation, interment receptacle, transportation, etc. Eligibility requirements are that the veteran has died in a VA Hospital or is receiving or eligible to receive a veteran's disability compensation or a veteran's pension at the time of death.
 In Service Death Benefit
When a veteran's death occurs at time of service or as a result of service burial and funeral expenses may be paid in an amount of $1,100 and will replace the basic $300 burial allowance and the $150 plot interment allowance.
Transportation
Transportation costs when payable are in addition to the non -service and service connected benefits. Click here to ask your Wade Funeral Director for more information on this benefit.
Burial Flag
In acknowledgment of a deceased veterans service to the United States of America, a flag is offered for draping the casket. The flag is presented to the next of kin following the burial. Click here to alert your Wade Funeral Director of eligibility of a Burial Flag.
Burial in National Cemetery
This is available to any veteran whose last period of service terminated honorably. The immediate family of a veteran who died while performing active duty or training is also eligible. US citizens serving in time of war in the Armed Forces of an Allied Government army may also be eligible . All expenses are provided without charge. Application to be made at time of death. Click here to alert your Wade Funeral Director of eligibility.
Headstone or Marker
The government will furnish free of charge - a headstone or marker to be placed at the unmarked grave of a member of the Armed forces of the United States or the Confederate States of America who died in service or whose last charge was honorable. There is a choice of four different markers or headstones. Click here for more information from your Wade Funeral Director.
United States Government Life Insurance
It should be determined first if the veteran carried this insurance as a result of leaving veteran duty. Application and information about filing claims should be obtained from the nearest Veterans Administration office. Forms may also be obtained by writing to the Veterans Administration, Washington DC 20420. Click here to visit the VA Web site.
Death Pension
This pension is for those whose death did not occur as a result of service. It is payable to eligible unmarried widows and minor children of deceased wartime veterans depending on their income and in some cases their net worth. Minor children may be eligible even though the widow has remarried or is ineligible because of income. A widower under certain conditions may also be eligible. Click here for more information from your Wade Funeral Director.
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
This is a payment to:
- Eligible widows
- Unmarried children under 18
- Children 18-23 if attending approved schools
- Certain helpless children
- Dependent parents for veterans war-time or peace-time service-connected death was after January 1, 1957. (Annual income of parents is an eligibility factor)
- The widower of a female veteran if he is incapable of self-maintenance and was at time of death permanently incapable of self support due to physical or mental disability
Click here for more information from your Wade Funeral Director.
Death Gratuity
This benefit ($800-$3000) for veterans whose death occurred while on active duty for training or inactive duty training, or as result of a service-connected cause within 120 days after discharge. The benefit offers six months pay of deceased to:
- A deceased veterans spouse or children
- Parents, brothers or sisters if designated by deceased
Click here for more information from your Wade Funeral Director.
Government Shipment of Household Effects
When a serviceman dies on active duty, his dependent survivors have one year to arrange for shipment of their household goods to any destination in the world. Property may include one automobile, if death occurs outside the United States. The shipment is authorized from the last duty location or from wherever the household effects may be stored. Storage costs for up to six months will also be covered in connection to shipment. Click here for more information from your Wade Funeral Director.
Additional Allowance
In some states there is an additional allowance for deceased's next of kin. Please ask your Wade Funeral Director for Missouri's laws.
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