U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal government agency that provides a wide range of benefits and services to veterans, service members, and their families.

These services cover various aspects of veterans' lives, including healthcare, education, financial assistance, housing, and more.

After a veteran's death, the VA continues to offer support to the Surviving Family members.

The VA helps the surviving Family of a US veteran in several ways:

Death Benefits and Allowances: The VA offers certain Death Benefits and allowances to eligible surviving family members of veterans. These benefits can include compensation for Burial expenses, a plot allowance for burial in a non-government cemetery, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor the veteran's service.

Burial Benefits: The VA operates national cemeteries and provides burial benefits for eligible veterans, including free burial in a national cemetery, a Headstone or Marker, and a Burial Flag. Surviving spouses and Dependents may also be eligible for these benefits.

Survivor Benefits: The VA offers Survivor Benefits, which may include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses and children of veterans who died from service-related disabilities. There are also benefits available for education, home loans, and healthcare for eligible surviving family members.

Pension and Compensation: If the veteran's death was connected to their military service, certain pension and compensation benefits may be available to the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents.

Assistance with Claims and Paperwork: The VA provides assistance to surviving family members with the process of filing claims and paperwork to access benefits. This can help ensure that eligible family members receive the support they are entitled to.

Counseling and Support: The VA offers Bereavement counseling and support services to help surviving family members Cope with the loss of their loved one. These services are available through VA medical centers and Vet Centers.

Information and Resources: The VA provides information and resources on its website and through its regional offices to help surviving family members understand and access the benefits available to them.

Eligibility criteria, benefits, and services can vary based on the veteran's service history, the nature of their death, and the relationship of the survivor to the veteran.

Surviving family members should reach out to the VA or visit their local VA office to learn about the specific benefits and support available to them after a veteran's death.