How do we file a claim for Social Security burial allowance.
October 28, 2008
• The mortuary can notify the Social Security Administration of the death with Social Security form SSA-721
• The mortuary cannot file a claim for Social Security burial allowances
• Survivors can also contact the Social Security Administration directly
Claims are made by the survivors with the Social Security office closest to the home of the person filing the claim
How much is the death gratuity benefit and who will receive it?
October 28, 2008
The payment is $255 and is paid to:
• A spouse with whom the deceased was living, or
• A dependent minor child
Is there a difference between mortuaries?
October 28, 2008
• Some mortuaries will file a VA claim for reimbursement of mortuary and burial allowances on behalf of the family and mail it to the VA Regional Office
• It is the family’s responsibility to ask the mortuary if they filed the claim. If they have not, then the family may file the claim themselves
What mortuary should we choose?
October 28, 2008
• VA employees cannot recommend a mortuary or any funeral arrangements
• For families unfamiliar with local services, mortuaries are listed in the yellow pages. They are pleased to give information about their services
What paperwork is needed to apply for burial benefits?
October 28, 2008
A copy of an honorable discharge, DD-214, WD-AGO 53-55 or equivalent
Can we reserve a gravesite in a national cemetery?
October 28, 2008
No. National cemeteries bury on a first come basis. Space is normally available for all veterans. New cemeteries are being developed and existing cemeteries are being expanded to assure availability for all veterans
What does a national cemetery charge?
October 28, 2008
Burial at a national cemetery is a free benefit for being an honorably discharged veteran. The marker, opening and closing of the gravesite, perpetual care and anything else related to the cemetery is free
Can a veteran’s spouse or child who dies first be buried in national cemeteries?
October 28, 2008
Yes, if they meet the criteria listed in the prior question, they are eligible to be interred under veteran’s rights
Who is eligible for burial in national cemeteries?
October 28, 2008
• A veteran who comPleted the required period of military service and has been discharged or separated from active duty under conditions other than dishonorable
• Veteran’s spouses and children under 21 years of age, and dependent children over 21 who have been dependent on the parents from childhood
Arrangements for burial at a National Cemetery are to be made through the mortuary
What about memorial markers?
October 28, 2008
VA will provide memorial markers for eligible veterans of deceased service members who remains were:
• not recovered or identified
• buried at sea
• donated to science
• cremated and scattered
The memorial marker must be placed in a national, state veterans, local or private cemetery. – If the placement of the marker is in a state, local or private cemetery:
• Va supplies the marker
• The marker is ordered through the funeral home or cemetery
• VA pays the cost of shipping
• VA does NOT pay for the plot or the placement of the headstone or marker. You will be given a choice of emblems that can be engraved upon the marker