The Sons of The American Legion - Detachment of New York

WHEN A VETERAN DIES

Contact your funeral director for burial arrangements.
Contact the pastor of your church
Furnish the funeral director a copy of the veteran's Military Discharge Certificate or Report of Seperation (DD Form 214), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Claim Number (if known), and the veteran's Social Security Number.
The Funeral Director will usually apply any amount allowed from the Veterans Administration toward burial expenses.
The Funeral director should apply for the U.S. Flag to drape the casket. If not, contact the local postmaster with proof of military service and a copy of the Death Certificate.
When the Veteran is a member of the American Legion, the Post Commander should be contacted for the ritual service (firing squad, it the post has such an organization) and casket bearer, if desired. If it is the wish of the family to have the U.S. Flag presented to the next-of-kin during the gravesite service, the Post Commander should be informed.
Them American Legion Post Service Officer, a County Service Officer, or one of the American Legion Regional Service Officers located in Buffalo or New York City (also see paragraph 10) will assist you or inform you of the benefits to which you may be entitled through the Veterans Administration such as:

a. Dependency & Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for spouse or dependant children

b. Death pensino for spouse or dependant children.

c. Veterans Administration burial benefits:

1. Burial Benefit for veterans receiving compensation or pension, or who would be receiving compensation or pension, but for the receipt of military retirement, or who die in a VA Medical Center.

2. Burial allowance for indignent veterans who die as a result of service connected disabilities.

3. Burial allowance for indignent veterans whose remains are unclaimed.

4. Burial Plot Allowance.

5. Headstone, grave markers, or niche markers.

d. National Service VA Life Insurance claims.

Important documents to have available when applying for assistance:

a. Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces or Report of Military Seperation (DD Form 214).; b. Record of Marriage.; c. Birth Certificates of dependant children.; d. Death Certificate of the veteran and any previous spouse.; e. Veteran's Social Security number and Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) claim number (file number).; f. Divorce papers (if applicable).; g. Adoption Papers for dependant children (if applicable).; h. Your annual family income figures: wages, retirement, interest, etc.
ALL DOCUMENTS LISTED ABOVE MUST BE ORIGIONALS OR CERTIFIED COPIES.

When contacting your Social Security Office, the following information will be needed:

a. Discharge or DD Form 214.

b. Record of Marriage.

c. Proof of age & birth of children.

d. Divorce Papers (if applicable).

e. Adoption Papers for dependant children (if applicable).

County Benefits: a spouse may qualify for certain Veterans Benefits if living with the veteran at the time of death. Benefits vary with each county in the State of New York. Check with the County Veterans' Service Agency, if your county has one. Most county agencies employ Accredited Representatives of The American Legion.
Insurance: A death certificate is always required to receive payment. An American Legion Service Officer may offer assistance in supplying and completing forms for the G.I. Insurance. Also many New York State Legionnaires carry Life Insurance on individual basis.

The Sons of The American Legion - Detachment of New York

When a Veteran Dies