What to Know When a Veteran Passes

Funeral Home Oakland

As you begin funeral pre-planning or arranging a funeral for a veteran, you’ll have access to certain funeral services and benefits. To take advantage of these benefits and guarantee that your loved one has the funeral services and funeral ceremony that he or she deserves, it’s important to begin planning ahead and gathering as much information as possible. Here are some great tips for working with your funeral home before or after a veteran passes.

Determine Which Benefits Your Loved One is Eligible For

The military funeral service benefits that your loved one is eligible for through the VA will depend upon the length of his service, the circumstances of his discharge, and the cause of death. These benefits must be requested from the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The VA will require you to provide documentation and request specific funeral services and financial aid before you can begin funeral planning.

Gather the Necessary Documentation
VA will need official documentation regarding the circumstances of your discharge and the nature and length of your service. They typically require a discharge report titled Form DD 214: Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States. This form is generally automatically mailed to the veteran or next of kin. The director of your funeral home or crematorium can assist you in obtaining this form if necessary.

Make Financial Arrangements with Your Funeral Home
VA may cover some of the costs associated with the funeral service or cremation service. You can work with the director of your funeral home and cemetery to make financial arrangements for the funeral service and burial plot. These costs are covered for honorably discharged veterans who were disabled during service, retired, or died under VA contract in a VA hospital or nursing home.

If you want more information about funeral planning near Oakland for a veteran, come see us at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland. Our experienced funeral home staff can walk you through the process of arranging a funeral ceremony honoring your loved one. Call us today at (510) 654-0123 to speak with us about funeral services.