ELIGIBLE VETERANS, THEIR SPOUSE, and THEIR CHILDREN are entitled to burial in a national cemetery, a flag and an inscribed grave marker. Other benefits are available including monetary reimbursement depending on the service, place and type of death. Cremation, burial of the ashes in a national cemetery with an inscribed grave marker or scattering of ashes at sea are also available. If you are a veteran or the wife of a veteran, check with Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs if you think you may be eligible. Call (800) 827-1000 or look into the web site http://www.cem.va.gov/ and check with the nearest military base. You might also want to check with a military cemetery near you.
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VETERANS' BENEFITS
Veterans Administration Aid and Assistance
Aid and Attendance (A&A) Special Pension provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular attendance of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing or taking care of the needs of nature. It also includes individuals who are blind or a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity. Assisted care in an assisted living facility also qualifies.
The A&A Pension can provide up to $1,632 per month to a veteran, $1,055 per month to a surviving spouse, or $1,949 per month to a couple.
The Veteran must have served at least 90 days active duty with at least one day during a period of war. The veteran must have an Honorable discharge. The widow can apply as a surviving spouse as long as she did not remarry after his death.
The widow’s income must be below $12,681 (2009 guidelines). Her income can be 'reduced' by qualified medical expenses. Assisted Living can possibly be a medical expense as long as she is paying for services or a "level of care."
Advice on filing for benefits of this program is at the above website. The process may take six months or more but benefits are retroactive to the date you first apply. You can apply with a one-page statement and later submit the forms and proof that they request.
Eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation. This application will require a copy of
DD-214 (see below for more information) or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, net worth limitations, and net income, along with out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Federal and State Veterans' Cemeteries in California
If you want to use a veteran’s cemetery, here is the contact list.
Veterans can also choose to be buried in a local cemetery, some of which have sections for veterans. Your local FCA may have a list of local cemeteries with veteran sections.
