My father is a veteran and he is in bad health. My family is worried about funeral expenses. We just found out that he never had life insurance. Is there assistance for funerals for veterans?
First things First... If you do not have Power of Attorney for your father and he is unable to get to a VA Office with you, then you may be unable establish his eligibility. You should also have any information that will help you and him confirm his Veteran status such as birth certificate, SS Card, Medicare Card, and any Military records such as discharge papers etc. This may not only open the door to funeral benefits but to VA health care benefits as well. (These days it costs a lot more to live with assistance than to pay for a funeral) Next Step... Speak with Funeral Directors in your area. Some will offer special plans for Veterans and it is their business to know what assistance is available for families in your situation. A little pre-planning goes a long way when the time comes. But proceed with caution. Ask for references and deal with Businesses that have been around a long time. Just because their clients have never complained, does not mean that their business is upright and honest. Last Step... If he is willing and able, get your father involved in the funeral planning exercise. This may sound morbid, but most people--especially Veterans--find consolation in knowing that their final days are not going to leave their family with grief and a big financial burden.
There are a few benefits for veterans. We have found that you do best if you go to a Veteran's office. There is probably one not too far from you. There are definitely death benefits. Some include the wives of veterans - sometimes that depends on whether the veteran served during war time. Lots of factors involved. I think you will do well to sit down with someone face to face. Good luck!
My father did some research before he passed away about veterans' burials. His burial was in a veteran's cemetary, completely free. He wanted to be cremated, which cost less than $1,200.
The Veteran's Administration has a wonderful website - http://www.va.gov/ In the left hand column, you will see 'Benefits' - check out the 'burial benefits' in that section. Although, sometimes it takes awhile, you may be surprised at what all is available for veterans.
A veteran is entitled to a free burial in a veteran's cemetary, with full military honors. It also will include a headstone. As a bonus, if a spouse wants to be buried with her deceased husband, she can be buried fora minimal price. My mom will be buried with my dad upon her death. There is a $400 fee for opening and closing the gravesite. They willadd the spouses name and dates of birth and death onto the headstone at no extra cost. Of course, the surviving spouse will have other burial costs that the veteran didn't have to pay such as the funeral home costs.
This really isnt an answer to the original question. Its been well answered with suggestions about a National Cemetery. I wanted to comment on something I found out about here in California. Its appalling to say the least. I was making pre-arrangements for my fathers funeral one day. I asked them if there was a senior or veterans discount as I was locking in todays prices for the services. I was told no senior discount. Okay I said. What about consideration for veterans? I was told by the cemetary that they dont have any provisions for those who served our country...BUT if the deceased is a gang member or died in a gang related killing then the state will pay for a $9000 funeral! I was shocked. Reward the gangs but do nothing for our nations veterans....what is wrong with this picture?
hey eayala8...wrong info. find another cemetery. go to the national vet's online site. there is FAQ section. There is info there for ALL vets. It may not be much for a vet but it is something. go to the local VA office and ask them or call them and make an appt. Do something but don't listen to whomever it is that you talked too. They apparently don't want to deal with it.
You have to have a copy of the DD214 which is an official paper of their service.
Vets get free burial only.....must have discharge papers. You have to pay for your own funeral., or cremation. Vets get free flag, free marker ( mable stone) with engravings., free upkeep forever in a National Cemetery.
The Vets get free burials and free markers, flag and service at the cemetery. Cremations are extremely reasonable, if not free also. You don't need a "funeral". The service can be "graveside", and if you have a church, they will give you free mention in their memorials. Jefferson Barracks is wonderful. Be proud!
If you do not have Power of Attorney for your father and he is unable to get to a VA Office with you, then you may be unable establish his eligibility. You should also have any information that will help you and him confirm his Veteran status such as birth certificate, SS Card, Medicare Card, and any Military records such as discharge papers etc. This may not only open the door to funeral benefits but to VA health care benefits as well. (These days it costs a lot more to live with assistance than to pay for a funeral)
Next Step...
Speak with Funeral Directors in your area. Some will offer special plans for Veterans and it is their business to know what assistance is available for families in your situation. A little pre-planning goes a long way when the time comes. But proceed with caution. Ask for references and deal with Businesses that have been around a long time. Just because their clients have never complained, does not mean that their business is upright and honest.
Last Step...
If he is willing and able, get your father involved in the funeral planning exercise. This may sound morbid, but most people--especially Veterans--find consolation in knowing that their final days are not going to leave their family with grief and a big financial burden.
about veterans' burials. His burial was in a veteran's
cemetary, completely free. He wanted to be cremated,
which cost less than $1,200.
In the left hand column, you will see 'Benefits' - check out the 'burial benefits' in that section.
Although, sometimes it takes awhile, you may be surprised at what all is available for veterans.
Of course, the surviving spouse will have other burial costs that the veteran didn't have to pay such as the funeral home costs.
You have to have a copy of the DD214 which is an official paper of their service.
The service can be "graveside", and if you have a church, they will give you free mention in their memorials. Jefferson Barracks is wonderful. Be proud!
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