The death of a veteran often requires survivors to manage benefits, insurance claims, financial accounts, and legal responsibilities. This article outlines important notifications to make, benefits that may be available, and steps families can take to stay organized. Download the Personal Log to help document important information and reduce stress for loved ones.
The death of a veteran brings both emotional and practical challenges for surviving family members. Along with grieving the loss of a loved one, survivors may need to notify government agencies, file benefits claims, contact financial institutions, and manage final affairs. Understanding what steps to take can help reduce stress and ensure important benefits and resources are not overlooked.
Notify Veterans Benefits Programs
If the veteran was receiving disability compensation, a pension, healthcare benefits, or other veterans' benefits, their death should be reported promptly. Timely notification helps prevent overpayments and allows survivor benefits to be reviewed and processed appropriately.
Survivors may also wish to explore available benefits, which can include:
Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
Survivor pension benefits
Burial and memorial benefits
Healthcare-related survivor programs
Other benefits available to eligible spouses, children, and dependents
Having documents such as the death certificate and military service records readily available can help streamline the process.
File Life Insurance Claims
If the veteran carried life insurance coverage, beneficiaries should contact the insurance provider as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Most insurers require:
Submitting requested documentation promptly can help prevent delays in receiving benefits.
Contact Social Security
The Social Security Administration should be notified of the veteran's death if this has not already been done by the funeral home. Survivors may qualify for survivor benefits based on the veteran's earnings record.
Potential benefits may include:
A one-time death benefit payment for eligible survivors
Monthly survivor benefits for qualifying spouses, children, or other dependents
If benefits were paid after the veteran's death, those payments may need to be returned.
Notify Financial Institutions and Other Organizations
To protect assets and reduce the risk of identity theft, survivors should notify organizations that may hold accounts or records belonging to the deceased, including:
Some accounts may transfer directly to a joint owner or named beneficiary, while others may require a formal claims process.
Inform Family, Friends, and Community Organizations
Families may also wish to notify:
In many cases, survivors may also choose to prepare an obituary or memorial announcement to honor their loved one's life and service.
The Importance of Advance Planning
Keeping important records organized can ease the burden on surviving family members. Maintaining a personal record of key financial information, important contacts, account details, and end-of-life wishes can help loved ones navigate responsibilities more efficiently during a difficult time.
Download the Personal Log
Preparing ahead can help ensure your wishes are known and important information is accessible when your family needs it most.
Download the Personal Log to organize important personal, financial, and planning information for your loved ones.
Author - Navy Mutual
