As an honorably discharged veteran, you or your family may be entitled to a number of benefits for your survivors. Know what your entitlements are and how to claim them.
Veteran Benefits Forms:
Request for Military Service Record – SF-180
Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States (Military Service Record) – DD-214
Application for Burial Benefits – VA FORM 21P-530
Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form – PMC 40-0247
Request for Headstone or Marker – VA FORM 40-1330
Claim for Government Medallion for Placement in A Private Cemetery – VA FORM 40-1330M
Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes – VA FORM 27-2008
Request Disinterment – VA FORM 40-4970
Life Insurance: Claim SGLI or VGLI Proceeds for a Deceased Policyholder – SGLV 8283
Request Advance Insurance Payment for Terminally Ill Servicemember or Veteran – SGLV 8284
Request Advance Insurance Payment for Terminally Ill Spouse of Servicemember or Veteran – SGLV 8284A
Filing a Claim for Veteran Benefits
You must apply for veteran benefits, they are not paid automatically. There is a time limit to claim your benefits or they will be lost.
When filing a claim for veteran benefits most or all of the following documents will be needed:
- Veteran’s Death Certificate
- Veteran’s Discharge Papers
- Copy of Veteran’s Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates of Veteran’s Minor Children
- Receipt of Itemized Funeral Bill for Veteran
Information and applications are also available online at the webpage of the US Department of Veterans Affairs at www.va.gov
Types of benefits available and criteria for qualification change from time to time, so it is important to obtain pertinent, up-to-date information. You can contact your local or regional office of the US Department of Veterans Affairs for current information on benefits and claims procedures, call 800-827-1000, or write:
Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20420
