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​Veteran's Benefits and Services

When a service member is killed in the line of duty, many organizations come forward to provide help and support for the family. Funeral expenses, specifically, are a covered expense through the VA.
Based on our research and experience, many funeral homes do not inform the veteran families about all the funds available to help with burial expenses. Therefore in East Alabama, many thousands of dollars have possibly been overlooked simply from not being made aware of the benefits available.
These specific programs include:
  • VA Burial Benefits – The VA provides money to assist survivors with burial costs for both service and non-service-related deaths. Service-related deaths are eligible for up to $2,000 in burial expenses, while non-service-related deaths are eligible for up to $749 in burial and funeral expenses.
  • Survivor Benefits There are several benefits available to surviving family members of deceased veterans. These benefits range from emotional support to free education.
  • The VA Death Pension is a benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans.
  • VA National Cemetery Burial – Qualified veterans, as well as their spouses and dependents, can be buried at no cost to the family in VA national cemeteries located across the country. VA National Cemeteries Now Offering Pre-Need Eligibility Determinations As of December 8, 2016.
  • 1-800-827-1000 http://www.cem.va.gov Memorial Programs Service:
  • 1-800-697-6947 Presidential Memorial Certificate Program:
  • 1-202-565-4259 Head Stones and Markers:
  • 1-800-697-6947 Headstones, Markers, and Medallions The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a Government headstone or marker for the unmarked grave of any deceased eligible Veteran in any cemetery around the world, regardless of their date of death.
  • Burial Flag...A United States flag is provided, at no cost, to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased Veteran who served honorably in the U. S. Armed Forces. It is furnished to honor the memory of a Veteran’s military service to his or her country. VA will furnish a burial flag for memorialization for an other than dishonorably discharged:​
  • National Cemetery Administration  FAQ   Answers to a lot of Frequently Asked Questions
  • Veterans Benefits for Seniors As Veterans age, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide benefits and services that address a variety of issues including the changing health risks they face, as well as financial challenges through VA benefits and health services.
  • Guide to Financial Assistance for Military Families The American Red Cross is one of the best-known volunteer organizations in the United States, providing relief and assistance to people facing emergency situations. In addition to its many other charitable and volunteer projects, the American Red Cross works with military aid societies to provide assistance to military families that are in need and facing an emergency. These funds can be used for a variety of needs, including emergency travel, burying a loved one, finding food and shelter in an emergency and other similar expenses.This assistance is available through the American Red Cross Hero Care Center, which can be reached at 1-877-272-7337.
  • Employment Resources for Military Spouses​
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​OurMilitary.mil ...This website connects service members, military families, and veterans to all the benefits of service — government benefits, scholarships, discounts, lifelong friends, mentors, great stories of military life or missions, and much more.
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​National Military Family Association (NMFA) 1-800-260-0218  The goal of the NMFA is to educate military families about the rights, benefits, and services available to them, and to promote and protect the interests of military families by influencing the development and implementation of legislation and policies affecting them.

​Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC) 1-888-237-2872  For each family of an active duty fallen service member (including Reserve and National Guard service members on active duty) AFSC provides:
Operation Homefront 
1-800-722-6098  Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.
​National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS) 1-800-842-3451 NAUS is the only military affiliated association whose membership is open to the entire military/veteran family — Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, United States Public Health Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Guard and Reserve. NAUS serves all ranks and grades and represents a broad spectrum of interests and is affiliated with the National Society of Military Widows (see below), supporting the interests and needs of spouses and survivors.
​Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647  Military OneSource understands the needs of military family members who have lost a loved one. Surviving spouses, parents, and children can turn to Military OneSource for information, resources, and counseling support during their time of need. Help is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week by telephone or Internet. Services include: • face-to-face counseling in the local community at no cost • immediate support for those with emotional well-being issues • referrals to appropriate Service branch agencies, aid agencies, charitable organizations, support groups, and other resources • educational materials related to benefits, grief, and other related issues • translation services for more than 150 languages Additional contact information: • From Overseas 1-800-342-9647 Dialing instructions can be found on the Military OneSource website at “Contact Us.” • From overseas, deployed, or in remote areas only, you may call collect at 1-484-530-5908. • En Español 1-877-888-0727 / TTY/TDD 1-800-346-9188
  • Assistance Specific to Branches of the Military Each of the branches of the military offers specific assistance programs for its members and veterans. If you are struggling financially and need help, this should be one of the first places you look. If you do not have a nearby relief organization for your service branch, you can apply for help through one of the other military relief organizations on behalf of your branch, or ask for help through the Red Cross. The relief organizations by service are:
  • Army Emergency Relief – This organization offers interest-free loans, grants and scholarships to qualified Army members and their families, including veterans. Call 866-878-6378 for information.
  • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society – This organization provides financial assistance, educational help, budgeting and financial counseling, emergency travel funds and disaster relief for qualified individuals who are serving or have served in the Navy or Marines. Call 703-696-4904 for information.
  • Air Force Aid Society – The official charity of the Air Force, the Air Force Aid Society offers emergency assistance and education help for Air Force service members and their families. Call 703-972-2650 for information.
  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance – The official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard, this charitable organization provides financial aid to needy members of the Coast Guard family. Call 800-881-2462 for more information.
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  • Sesame Street for Military Families....The death of a loved one brings enormous challenges.
  • Sesame Street for Kids....There is nothing easy about explaining death to children, particularly the death of a military family member. A great set of videos that can help with children in the grief process.
   
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