He was a Korean War veteran and served in the Navy for about 20 years. I figured that the US Govt. would have payed it, but apparently not. My parents have the money, but spending $2000 on the spot is hard on them. Any help would be appreciated.
By the Way- there is no "National Funeral Home" in our area, i heard they provide free funerals for veterans. That is not an option.
2007-05-14 10:44:51 · 7 answers · asked by Gideon 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Call the VA at this phone number.
1-800-827-1000
Before you call try to find his discharge papers or any military paperwork you can find.
2007-05-14 11:00:35 · answer #1 · answered by MikeGolf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, this is a necessary expense no matter how uncomfortable it is for your parents.
There is a $300 burial allowance to help defray some costs if he died in a VA hospital or was receiving any sort of VA pension.
There is a $2,000 benefit if he died not in active duty but died later as a result of injuries from active duty (i had a great uncle who died from an infection from shrapnel in his leg 20 years after WWII)
If he did not die under these conditions, then he is not eligible.
However, all veterans are entitled to a flag and a gravemarker so you may want to look into that.. (some who are cremated choose to have their remains buried).
If he is buried in the national cemetery there are additional benefits...
Please check and see if he had any life insurance or company pension that he may not have told you about. :
Also contact your local VA or VFW - they may not tell you anything different but perhaps there are groups that can offer moral support.
2007-05-14 18:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by JustMe 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My condolences at your Grandfather's passing. Here's some info.
VA Website with Burial Benefits info.
http://www.cem.va.gov/CEM/bbene_burial.asp
Some info on Burial Allowance Benefit.
In certain circumstances, a Burial Allowance is available from the Veterans Benefits Administration. The National Cemetery Administration does not provide these benefits.
For assistance please call:
1-800-827-1000
Headstone info.
http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/hm_hm.asp
Good luck
2007-05-14 18:03:31 · answer #3 · answered by Flip W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should immediately contact the nearest Veteran's Administration office in your area for the benefits associated with a Veteran relative's death.
VA guidance is the best guidance; nothing on Yahoo answers is definitive.
2007-05-14 23:48:20 · answer #4 · answered by Living In Korea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i am sorry about your grandpa.i know about this, i thought when my brother died ( he was a korean and vietnam war veteran ) that the va would pay.it doesnt work that way.i had to try over 1 and a half years to prove my brothers death was service connected before they would pay anything ! they still will not pay for everything.try your local vfw and see if they can help.also you can put up coffee cans or large jars in your area and ask for donations put on the containers who and what its needed for.i wish i could help bless you and your family! i hope this will help out.good luck.put these containers at gas stations,restaraunts and small grocery stores.
2007-05-14 18:12:14 · answer #5 · answered by dixie58 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your grandfather. Maybe you should contact the VFW in your grandfather's town & see if they can help or advise you where you can find the help you need. Good luck!
2007-05-14 17:55:14 · answer #6 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
contact the VA and your local VFW .. i'm sorry to hear about your grandpa.
2007-05-14 17:53:15 · answer #7 · answered by bytchy_princess 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋