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Government Death Benefits
Many benefits are available through the United States Government. Most
of which are available through the Social Security Administration or
through the Veterans Administration. We have summarized these, but it
is always better to contact your funeral director or the agencies directly
for up-to-date information regarding benefits for which you may be entitled.
Social Security Death Benefits
Social Security offers benefits other than the well-known retirement
benefit. One of these additional benefits is the Lump-Sum Death Benefit.
This benefit is usually payable to the spouse of the deceased and has
a maximum amount of $255. Since the social security act is constantly
under revision, it is best to contact your funeral director or the Social
Security Office nearest you.
Social security also offers other dependent benefits. An example is
if there are minor children survivors that meet certain eligibility
requirements to qualify for a monthly benefit. When an application is
being filed for Social Security benefits, it is helpful to have the
Social Security card of the deceased, birth certificate, marriage certificate,
if applicable, W-2 forms and the previous year's tax return. Proof of
death is required for all claims. Your funeral director will cooperate
by sending in the proper form of the death certificate to the district
Social Security office.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10084.html
Veterans Death Benefits
Many benefits are available under the Veterans Administration. These
allowances will be paid upon application to all that are eligible to
receive them. As with any governmental office, the laws are constantly
revised, so seek assistance from your funeral director or your nearest
Veterans Administration offices.
An American Flag is provided for placement on the
casket of eligible veterans. Usually your funeral director will obtain
this flag for you to have in time for funeral services.
Grave space is also available in a national cemetery
for eligible veterans. This will save a substantial amount of money,
as every year the cost of a grave and the grave opening is constantly
rising.
A grave marker is available for any eligible veteran
whose grave is unmarked. Again your funeral director or nearest VA office
will be able in assisting you with filing for this benefit. The Veterans
Administration offers both bronze markers and granite markers. Be sure
these markers meet cemetery specifications before ordering. Although
the marker will be delivered free of charge, it is your responsibility
to have it placed in the cemetery.
Cash Benefits may also be available if the death
occurred while in the service or if the death is a "service connected
death." Other benefits are available for eligible dependents of
veterans. Please contact your local county or regional VA office for
more information or visit their Web site.
http://www.vba.va.gov/
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