Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veteran Affairs provides a number of burial benefits and, possibly, compensation for survivors of veterans. These compensation benefits include Death Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. There may be more benefits for which you are eligible depending on your individual circumstances. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for more information at 1-800-827-1000 or www.va.gov.

A Death Pension is a benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans. You may be eligible to receive a Death Pension if your income is below a yearly limit set by law. The Veterans Administration will pay the difference between your documented income and the yearly income limit that pertains to your situation. To apply for this benefit, contact the VA to get a VA Form 21-534, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Or Death Pension by Surviving Spouse or Child. You will need to attach copies of dependency records, such as marriage certificates and children's birth certificates.

If a veteran dies because of service-related illness or injury, or was disabled while in service, you may be eligible to receive Dependecy and Indemnity Compensation. The Veteran's Administration pays a basic monthly rat of $911 to eligible surviving spouses and may pay more in some cases. Contac the Veterans administration for information about rates paid to eligible children. You can apply for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by filling out VA Form 21-534 (Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension and Accrued Benefits By A Surviving Spouse or Child) and mailing it to the VA regional office that serves your area. The VA website includes a listing of all VA regional offices and all the forms that you may need to complete.