Planning your Legacy – VA Survivors and Burial Benefits
VA Survivors and Burial Benefits: Planning Your Legacy
Our Mission:
To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.
Introduction:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a comprehensive survivors and burial benefits kit to assist Veterans and their families in pre-need planning and record storage.
This kit is designed to guide you through end-of-life and survivors’ benefits eligibility, ensuring your loved ones are aware of the benefits available to them.
Planning for the Future:
VA provides several benefits to aid Veterans and their families in preparing for the future, including:
- Pre-Need Eligibility for National Cemetery Burial or Memorialization: Final resting place, headstone or marker, flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate for eligible Veterans, spouses, and dependents.
- Memorial or Burial Flags: A U.S. flag provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible deceased Veteran.
- Government Headstones or Markers: Single headstone, columbarium niche cover, or flat marker for a Veteran’s final resting place.
- Cemetery Medallions: Medallions for use on a headstone or other memorial in a private cemetery to signify a decedent’s status as a Veteran.
- Presidential Memorial Certificates: Engraved paper certificates signed by the current President for the family of the deceased Veteran.
- Burial Benefits and Burial Automatic Payments: Benefits to offset burial expenses, plot costs, and transportation costs for a Veteran’s remains.
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC): Monthly tax-free benefit for eligible surviving spouses, dependent children, and parents of Service members or Veterans who died from service-connected disabilities.
- Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program: Education and training opportunities for eligible dependents.
- Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: Financial support for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and housing for eligible beneficiaries.
- Survivors Pension: Tax-free monetary benefit for low-income, un-remarried surviving spouses and eligible unmarried children of deceased wartime Veterans.
- Special Monthly Pension Benefits: Additional funds for certain survivors requiring aid and attendance or who are housebound.
- The Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA): Reimbursement for some medical expenses for certain surviving spouses or children.
- Home Loans: Assistance for eligible unmarried surviving spouses to buy, build, refinance, repair, and retain a home.
- Veterans Month of Death Benefits: Last month of benefits paid to the surviving spouse of a Veteran receiving VA compensation or pension benefits.
- VA Life Insurance: Various life insurance programs to provide financial security for families of Service members and Veterans.
What to Do, and When:
The document provides detailed guidance on what Veterans and their families should do to prepare for end-of-life and ensure survivors can access benefits. This includes discussing military service, final wishes, and life insurance, as well as obtaining medical records and considering applications for various benefits.
How to Apply for Benefits:
The document lists the forms required to apply for various VA benefits and additional documents that may be needed. It also provides tips on completing VA forms to ensure accurate and speedy processing of claims.
For Help with Your Benefits:
Several organizations can assist with the claims process, including County Veterans Service Officers, Veterans Service Organizations, and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Record of Personal Affairs:
A guide to consolidating important information for loved ones, including personal details, marital history, trusted associates, location of important documents, and funeral and burial arrangements.
Conclusion:
The VA Survivors and Burial Benefits kit is a valuable resource for Veterans and their families, providing essential information and guidance to ensure that survivors can access the benefits they are entitled to.
For more information, visit the VA website or contact your local Veterans service office.
For More Information:
Visit VA Benefits or call 1-800-827-1000 for assistance.
(SOVO) helps bridge the gap between what is available and what is needed to assist in meeting the needs of our veterans and their families. SOVO helps ensure that veterans receive the benefits they are due for their service to our country. Coos County, Oregon has approximately 6000 veterans and one County Veterans Service Officer and one Claims assistant.
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November Newsletter
Honoring Our Veterans and Giving Thanks
Dear Coos County Veterans and Supporters,
As we enter the month of November, a time of reflection and gratitude, we at SOVO are excited to share some important events and updates with you. This month is especially significant as we honor Veterans Day and celebrate Thanksgiving.
Veterans Day – November 11th
Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank all military personnel who have and still serve in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a day to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans and to show our appreciation for their bravery and service. We invite you all to join us in commemorating this important day.
Veterans Day Lunch Hosted by North Bend High School Culinary Class, at North Bend Highschool. Activities start at 11am, lunch is served at Noon.
We are thrilled to announce that the North Bend High School Culinary Class will be hosting a special Veterans Day lunch for our veterans. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy a delicious meal prepared by the talented students. It’s a chance to connect, share stories, and celebrate the camaraderie that makes our veteran community so strong.
Thanksgiving – November 28th
As we move towards the end of the month, we look forward to Thanksgiving, a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on the blessings in our lives. For many veterans, the holiday season can be challenging. It’s important to remember that SOVO is here to provide support and resources to help make this time a little easier. Whether it’s through our food assistance programs or community events, we’re committed to ensuring that our veterans feel the support and gratitude they deserve.
Get Involved and Support Our Mission
Your support is vital to our mission of providing a “hand-up” to our veterans. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Donate: Your contributions help us provide essential services and support to veterans in need.
Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers and make a difference in the lives of veterans in our community.
Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family to help us reach more veterans in need.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our veteran community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served our country.
Wishing you all a meaningful Veterans Day and a warm Thanksgiving.
Sincerely, The SOVO Team