Our veterans deserve to be honored and recognized for their sacrifices. This is especially true after they pass away, whether that death was service related or not. Veterans and their families may be able to receive monetary allowances to reimburse certain burial related expenses, honorary tributes as part of a funeral or memorial service, and special memorial and keepsake items. These benefits are intended to help honor the veteran’s life and express gratitude for their contributions to our nation.
Understanding Veteran Eligibility and Requirements
A Veteran with a discharge other than Dishonorable Discharge may be entitled to several benefits, some of which are listed here - a copy of the deceased's discharge papers must be presented to obtain these benefits. Flag Our funeral home will file an application on your behalf to obtain a flag in honor of the deceased's service to his/her country.
Required Documents
You will need to provide the following documents when applying for benefits:
An original copy of the Enlisted Death Record and Report of Separation (Form DD214)
An original or certified copy of your Marriage Certificate
An original or certified copy of your Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of the Death Certificate
The exact amount of life insurance benefits you'll receive
The exact amounts of Social Security benefits you'll receive
Paid receipts for hospital and doctor bills incurred by last illness (if applicable)
Paid receipts for funeral and cemetery expenses
Social Security numbers for you and your dependent children
Original or certified copies of Birth Certificates of any children who are over 18 but still in school
A completed VA form 21-674 for any children who are over 18 but still in school
An original or certified copy of Divorce or Death Certificate if the deceased had a previous marriage that ended with divorce or a spouse's death
If the Veteran is buried in a national cemetery, the cemetery staff will present a PMC to a Veteran's next of kin at the burial. If the Veteran is eligible for burial in a national cemetery but is instead buried in a private cemetery, our staff can request the PMC on your behalf.
You can order multiple copies, if you wish; please discuss with your funeral director.
Government Marker
The staff of the cemetery or monument company you selected will assist you in filing an application for a government marker. We recommend:
Please keep in mind that your choice of bronze or granite is sometimes limited by the cemetery. The Veterans Administration does not provide monuments or markers for individuals who are not buried in a cemetery, except in special circumstances.
Niche plates are also available through the Veterans Administration.
Veterans Affairs Services
The local Veterans Affairs Office offers a variety of services to veterans, their widows and dependent children. There may be county burial funds, state or federal benefits available. You can discuss what benefits the Veteran may qualify with the staff at either location listed below.
To apply for Veteran benefits, contact our local Veterans Affairs Office:
Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs – Winnebago County
You should apply for Veteran's benefits after you've applied for Social Security and life insurance benefits. Before processing your claim, the Veterans Office will need to know the exact amount of other benefits you're receiving.
