What to have available before a Veteran Dies!
This is a quick checklist of things that you will need to get together before a Veteran is transferred to Post Everlasting. Remember, these items may be required in order to apply for any Veteran's Benefits or to settle the estate.
Full Name
Date of Birth
Birth Certificate location
Social Security #
Military Service #
Branch of Service
Place of Service Entry
Dates of Service
Type of Discharge
Discharge Certificate (DD-214)
Names and Addresses of Service Buddies
Duty Stations
VA Claim #
Power of Attorney
Copy of Medical Records
Courthouse where DD-214 is recorded
Spouse's Full Name
Spouse's Birth Certificate
Date/Place of Marriage
Marriage Certificate Location
Children's Full Name(s)
Birth Certificate(s) Location
Will(s) Location
Insurance Company & Amount
Bank Accounts
Financial Accounts
Mortgage
Anything Else Important
These items should be kept in a special folder that is readily available AND KEPT UP TO DATE.
There are many sources to get the information. Discharge data may be obtained from the War Memorial Bldg.
(WW II - MD residents), the Branch of Service, or the National Personnel Records Center at:
Military Personal Record Center
9700 Pace Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132
Things to do
It is important to:
1. Contact your funeral director for burial arrangements.
2. Contact the Pastor of your church.
3. Furnish the funeral director a certified copy of the veteran's discharge, separation notice, DD form 214, Veterans Administration claim number, if known, and the veteran's social security number.
4. The funeral director should apply for the U.S. Flag to drape over the casket, or contact local postmaster.
5. The funeral director should apply for the from social security;
(a) $300. Burial Allowance [$1,100 Service Connected]
(b) $150. Plot or Interment Allowance, If meets eligibility requirements,
Headstone or Grave Marker, no payment in lieu of.
6. When the veteran is a member of the American Legion, the Service Officer should be contacted for the ritual service. If it is the desire of the family to have the U.S. Flag presented to the next of kin during grave side services, please notify the Service Officer also.
7. The American Legion Post Service Officer or the Dept. Service Officer, located in the War Memorial Bldg., will assist you in applying for the benefits you may be entitled to through any Department Compensation or Death Pension .
8. Important documents to have available when applying for assistance;
a. Honorable Discharge (original, if available) or the DD Form 214 or
equivalent Separation papers,
b. Marriage License (original or certified copy),
c. Birth Certificates of children: (original or certified), a. under 18 yrs old or
18 to 24 and Full Time student,
d. Death Certificate (certified copy),
e. Veteran's social security card and claim # with the Department,
f. Divorce papers (if applicable),
g. Adoption papers (if applicable).
9. The previously listed documents may also be needed and necessary with the Social Security Administration.
10. Insurance-A certified copy of death certificate is always required for beneficiary to receive payment. The Post Service Officer should be able to assist when applying for Government Insurance (GI Insurance) by supplying and completing the required Form (29-4125). Many Legionnaires carry Life Insurance under plans offered thru the National American Legion Life Insurance Plan. These claims should be filed with the following;
A. ALLIP - American Life Insurance Plan decreasing term, Policy & Claims -
RHB Direct Group Insurance Office
4870 Street Road
Trevose, PA 19049
1-800-542-5547
B. ALL GI - American Legion Life Guaranteed Issue permanent whole life insurance
C. ALLVET - American Legion Life Very Exceptional term life insurance.
Policy & Claims -
ALL VET/ ALL GI Insurance Office
Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company
Trevose, PA 09049
1-800-523-5758
REMEMBER: Use the above listed Toll-free numbers for information purposes when in doubt. If Life Insurance is carried with other commercial companies, contact the agent of that company in your area for further assistance. If the veteran's death was accidental, there may be ACCIDENTAL DEATH benefits available through the veterans Legionnaire membership, check with the Post Service Officer.
11. Always contact your American Legion Post Service Office for information
concerning benefits that may be available for the widow and/or dependent
children, including Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund assistance
We will Never forget you...
Page Created by Joe Schroen.
Page Maintained by Jerry Coleman.
Updated 12/29/2003