Veterans Benefits Guide: Living Benefits and Support After Passing

Veterans and their families have various living benefits and benefits that support survivors after the Veteran’s passing. This article explains both, with plain steps, documents, phone numbers, and how the Aid & Attendance (A&A) “ADL” program helps with daily care.

Part 1: Living Benefits for Veterans

VA Disability Compensation

• Tax-free monthly compensation for service-connected conditions.
• A 100% Permanent & Total rating can unlock added family benefits (e.g., CHAMPVA, dependent education).

Aid & Attendance (A&A) – “ADL” Program

What it is: An additional amount added to a Veteran’s or surviving spouse’s VA Pension when help is needed with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting/continence, transferring, and personal hygiene. Also applies for bedridden status, nursing home care due to disability, or severe vision loss.

Why it matters: Helps pay for in-home aides, assisted living, or nursing care—reducing the family’s out-of-pocket costs.

For service-connected Veterans needing higher-level care: Aid & Attendance may be paid via Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at higher tiers (e.g., SMC-L, R1, R2), which can exceed $9,000/month depending on care level and dependents.

How to apply: Submit medical evidence (often VA Form 21-2680, completed with a clinician) plus pension eligibility documents. A VA-accredited representative or County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) can file for you at no cost.

Other Living Benefits Linked to Disability

• CHAMPVA health coverage for eligible dependents (often when the Veteran is 100% P&T and not TRICARE-eligible).
• Chapter 35 (DEA) education benefits for spouses/dependents.
• Caregiver Support Program resources, training, and possible stipends for qualified family caregivers.

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Part 2: Death & Survivor Benefits

Immediate Actions (First 24–72 Hours)

1. Locate the DD-214 (discharge papers). If missing, request an emergency copy via the National Archives: 314-801-0800.
2. Arrange burial & honors: Call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117. Ask the funeral director to request Military Funeral Honors.
3. Notify Social Security: one-time $255 payment may apply. 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
4. If military retiree/SBP: Contact DFAS to stop pay and start survivor processes: 800-321-1080.
5. Emotional support: Veterans Crisis Line 988, press 1; TAPS 800-959-TAPS (8277).

Documents to Gather

• DD-214 or discharge papers; certified death certificates.
• Marriage certificate/proof of relationship; children’s birth/adoption records.
• SSNs (Veteran & survivors); VA claim/file number (if known).
• Funeral contract/receipts; banking info for deposits.
• Insurance policies (SGLI/VGLI); OSGLI/Prudential assistance: 800-419-1473.

VA Burial & Memorial Benefits

• Burial Allowance (VA Form 21P-530EZ): up to $978 burial and $978 plot (non-service-connected) or up to $2,000 (service-connected). VA benefits line: 800-827-1000.
• Burial in a National Cemetery: schedule at 800-535-1117.
• Headstone/Marker (VA Form 40-1330): help line 800-697-6947.
• U.S. Burial Flag (VA Form 27-2008) via VA offices, funeral homes, or participating USPS.
• Presidential Memorial Certificate: apply online or fax 800-455-7143.

Ongoing Survivor Benefits

• Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC): tax-free monthly benefit if death was service-connected.
• Survivors Pension: needs-based; may increase with Aid & Attendance if the surviving spouse needs ADL help.
• CHAMPVA Health Coverage: for eligible surviving spouses/dependents.
• Education Benefits: Chapter 35 (DEA) and Fry Scholarship for dependents.
• Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): for military retirees; call DFAS 800-321-1080.

Additional Support

• VFW “Unmet Needs” Grants: 866-789-6333
• American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance: 800-433-3318
• TAPS Survivor Support: 800-959-TAPS (8277)

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Quick Checklist for Survivors

• Find DD-214 and obtain certified death certificates.
• Call National Cemetery Scheduling: 800-535-1117.
• Notify Social Security: 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).
• If retiree/SBP, contact DFAS: 800-321-1080.
• Apply for burial allowance (VA Form 21P-530EZ), headstone/marker, flag, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.
• File for DIC or Survivors Pension; add A&A if the surviving spouse needs ADL help.
• Review CHAMPVA and dependent education benefits (Chapter 35/Fry).
• File SGLI/VGLI claims; OSGLI/Prudential: 800-419-1473.

Key Phone Numbers & Help

Note: Benefit amounts and eligibility guidelines can change annually. Always verify current rates, forms, and rules on official VA and DoD sites or with an accredited representative.