DEATH AND BURIAL Index

DEATH AND BURIAL

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* Death & Burial Overview *

Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the gravesite, a headstone or marker, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. Read more about benefits and eligibility here.

* Survivor Benefits Plan Overview *

The purpose of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) is to insure that the surviving dependents of military personnel who die in retirement or after becoming eligible for retirement will continue to have a reasonable level of income. Read this and the related pages to find out how you can set up and use an SBP for your family.

Arlington National Cemetery

Many active duty, veteran, retiree, and reserve members may be qualified for burial in Arlington National Cemetery. Find out the requirements and procedures here.

Death Investigations

In some cases, the military may conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the member's death. Read this page for further details.

Finance Issues

Find out more about how to handle allotments, bonds, insurance, home loans, and taxes in the unfortunate event of a death.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Survivor Benefit Plan

The answers to the following frequently asked SBP questions can help you make the best decisions when choosing to elect or decline coverage.

Funeral Honors

Find out more about funeral honors - the presenting of a flag and the playing of Taps. Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.

Gold Star Lapel Button

The Gold Star Lapel Button is a keepsake designed to identify widows, parents and next of kin of members of the Armed Forces of the United States who lost their lives in past conflicts. Read here for more information.

Health and Dental Care

Even though an armed service member may have died, his/her family members may still be eligible for many health and dental benefits. Read this page for more information.

Miscellaneous Survivor Resources

This page provides important information for such topics as Grief Support, Awards, BAH, Educational Assistance, Federal Employment for spouses, Social Security, State Benefits, Unpaid Wages, Uniformed Services I.D. Card, and the Victim Assistance Program. A must-read for anyone experiencing the death of an armed services member.

Reimbursement of Burial Expenses

VA will pay a burial allowance up to $2000 if the veteran's death is service-connected. Learn more about reimbursement here.

Reserve Survivor Benefit Plan

The Reserve Component Survivor Benefit Plan (RC-SBP) is designed to provide retirement eligible Reserve Component members an early opportunity to select guaranteed protection for their survivors.

Retiree Burial Benefits

In general, retirees are not authorized mortuary benefits at Government expense by virtue of their retired status. They may, however, be authorized certain benefits due to another status. Read this page for more.

Retiree Casualty: DOs and DON'Ts

Upon the death of an armed service member, it is best to take prompt action. Learn more about what and what not to do here.

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance

Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) is the life insurance currently available to all members of the uniformed services. Learn about your eligibility, costs, and benefits here.

Survivor Benefit Plan - Coverage Cost and Benefits

Knowing up front how much the SBP coverage will cost and how much it pays can help you make the best decisions when choosing to elect or decline coverage.

Survivor Benefit Plan - Former Spouse Coverage

Knowing up front how much the SBP coverage will cost and how much it pays can help you make the best decisions when choosing to elect or decline coverage.

Survivor Benefit Plan - Persons With Insurable Interest Coverage

Knowing up front how much the SBP coverage will cost and how much it pays can help you make the best decisions when choosing to elect or decline coverage.

Survivor Benefit Plan - Spouse and Children Coverage

Knowing up front how much the SBP coverage will cost and how much it pays can help you make the best decisions when choosing to elect or decline coverage.

Survivor Resources: Terms and Definitions

Read this page for important information on Casualty Assistance Officers, Chaplains, Next-of-Kin, Dependents, Beneficiaries, and Guardianship.

Survivor Support Organizations

This page provides a small sampling of organizations that provide casualty counseling and support.

Survivor Support Organizations: TAPS

The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) provides services to all those who have lost a loved one while serving in the Armed Forces. The heart of TAPS is the military survivor peer support network.

TRICARE Dental Survivor Benefits

Surviving Family members are eligible to continue to receive TRICARE Dental Plan coverage for 3 years...

VA Insurance Contact Information

This page provides contact information for getting assistance from the VA Insurance Center.

VA: Benefits Overview

This page provides an overview of VA death & burial benefits, eligibility, gravesites, and burial at sea.

VA: Burial Flags

VA provides an American flag for services, and a flag to be given to the next of kin or a close associate of the deceased.

VA: Burial in National Cemeteries

Burial benefits in a VA national cemetery include the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care. Find out if you are qualified to buried in a national cemetery here.

VA: Death Pension

If survivors are not eligible for DIC payments, they may still be eligible for benefits from a VA Death Pension. Read here for more information.

VA: G.I. Bill and VEAP

If a service member has contributed to the G.I. Bill or VEAP program but not used all benefits, you may be be eligible to receive recompensation from VA in the event of the member's death. Read here for more.

VA: Headstones and Markers

VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state veteran or federal cemeteries. Learn about what is inscripted, shipping, emblems and more here.

VA: Preparations

Read this page for a bit of advice from the VA on death & burial preparations.

VA: Presidential Memorial Certificates

The Presidential Memorial Certificate is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription expressing the nation's grateful recognition of the veteran's service. Find out about eligibility and more here.

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