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Veterans Death Benefits

We are proud of the men and women who have so selflessly served our country and have prepared special ways to pay tribute to them upon their death.We work with the families of our nation’s veterans to navigate the often confusing bureaucracy that convolutes many of the processes including obtaining money, services, and recognition benefits provided by the government. The lengthy, often ambiguous forms can be difficult to complete, and research shows that most veterans do not receive all the benefits to which they are entitled – often because they are simply so difficult to obtain.

We can help with veterans death benefits, and usually all we need to start the process in a copy of the veteran’s discharge paperwork, their DD Form 214, or “Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States.” If you are not able to get this record, we can guide you in other routes you may use to obtain documentation that shows proof of military service. Our counselors are experienced in handling all the details necessary for veteran’s crematory arrangements. This includes providing necessary forms to the family to apply for monetary benefits from the Veterans Administration, scheduling and arranging military honors, coordinating with federal and state VA cemeteries, obtaining a flag for the service, and ordering the cemetery marker for the veteran.

Our Veterans Package is available only to veterans; family members may wish to consider the Cemetery package, which includes a similar level of service, for themselves.

Questions?

We will notify the Veterans Administration at the time of death, however if you have specific questions concerning eligibility claims and veterans death benefits you may visit the VA website or contact:

Veterans Administration Regional Office
275 Chestnut Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 666-7785

Veteran’s Death Benefits Overview

VA cash benefits for reimbursement of burial expenses

$828 is available for an honorably-discharged veteran, if hospitalized by the VA at the time of death. Otherwise, a $300 reimbursement is available.

Active duty or service-connected death

$2,000 is available IF: the veteran died during active duty; or an honorably-discharged veteran died of a service-connected injury.

Burial plot allowance

$828 is available for an honorably-discharged veteran not interred in a cemetery that is under the jurisdiction of the US government, IF: the veteran was receiving a pension or disability benefits from the VA at the time of death; the death occurred in a VA hospital, or VA-contracted health care facility.

Military honors

Generally consists of taps and a flag-folding detail performance by military personnel from the branch of service served.

U.S. flag

An honorably-discharged veteran is entitled to a U.S. flag provided by the Veterans Administration.

Headstone or marker

In a national or state veterans cemetery, a veteran, spouse and dependent children receive a free headstone. For burial in a private cemetery, a simple marker for veterans ONLY will be Burial of cremated remains in a national cemetery

Free grave space is available for a veteran, spouse and dependent children.

Burial of cremated remains in the NH State Veterans Cemetery

While not part of the National Cemetery System, the NH State Veterans Cemetery, in Boscawen, provides free burial space for veterans. A spouse and dependent children may also be interred in the cemetery for a fee of $350. Eligibility is consistent with National Cemetery rules. Interment space cannot be reserved in advance. Veterans may pre-apply to confirm eligibility. Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Burial of cremated remains in the VT State Veterans Cemetery

The VVMC in Randolph Center provides free burial space for veterans. A spouse and dependent children may also be interred in the cemetery for a small fee. Currently the non-veteran interment fee is $225 for an urn and the cemetery does accept prepayment of interment charges. Eligibility is consistent with National Cemetery rules. Interment space cannot be reserved in advance. Veterans may pre-apply to confirm eligibility. Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Expand for more detailed information about VA payments

For service-connected deaths:

  • If the Veteran died on or after Sept. 11, 2001: maximum $2,000
  • If the Veteran died before Sept. 11, 2001: maximum $1,500
  • If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery: some or all of the costs of transporting remains

For non-service-connected deaths:

  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2021: $300 burial allowance; $828 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2020, but before Oct. 1, 2021: $300 burial allowance; $807 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2019, but before Oct. 1, 2020: $300 burial allowance; $796 for a plot

Effective Oct. 1, 2011, non-service-connected death rates have changed. Payable rates are higher if the Veteran was hospitalized by VA at time of death.

  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2021: $828 burial allowance; $828 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2020, but before Oct. 1, 2021: $807 burial allowance; $807 for a plot
  • If the Veteran died on or after Oct. 1, 2019, but before Oct. 1, 2020: $796 burial allowance; $796 for a plot
  • If death occurred while the Veteran was hospitalized by VA: some or all costs of transporting remains (This also applies to VA-contracted nursing home care.)

Note: If the Veteran dies while traveling at VA expense, VA will pay burial, funeral, plot or interment allowances. VA will also pay transportation expenses. The traveling must have been for the purpose of an exam, treatment or care.

For unclaimed remains:

  • If Veteran remains are unclaimed, the entity responsible for burial can receive a $300 burial allowance.
  • If buried in a VA national cemetery, VA may reimburse the cost of transporting remains and/or the cost for a plot

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