Veteran funeral benefits part 1 of 3

Every day I thank God for our veterans.  Because of them I have the freedom to write these blogs without censorship.  Because of them I can worship freely on Sundays.  Because of them I can say what I say, do what I do and enjoy my life more fully and I thank not only the veterans but their families who understand the Veteran's call to duty.
Many times I have had a veteran's family come in to make funeral arrangements. Often times they say something like, "Dad was a veteran so his funeral should be taken care of by the government, right?"
While I would like give them a favorable response I have to give them the facts which I will list for you here.
* What are VA Burial Allowances? - They are partial reimbursements of an eligible Veteran's burial and funeral costs.  When the cause of death is not service-related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments:  1) a burial and funeral expense allowance, and 2) a plot or interment allowance.
* Who is eligible? - You might be eligible for a VA burial allowance if:
You paid for a veteran's burial or funeral, AND you have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased veteran's employer, AND the veteran was discharged under conditions other that dishonorable.
In addition, at least ONE of the following conditions must be met:
• The veteran died because of a service-related disability - OR
• The veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, - OR
• The veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, - OR
• The veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility, - OR
• the veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment or care, - OR
• The veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date of death, - OR
• The veteran died on or after Oct. 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.
So, how much does VA pay?  Service related death:  VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after Sept. 11, 2001.  VA will pay up to $1,500 for deaths prior to Dept 10, 2001.  If the veteran is buried in a Veterans' Administration national cemetery, some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased might be reimbursed.
Non-service related death:  For deaths on or after Oct. 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death, and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery).
For deaths on or after Dec 1, 2001, but before Oct 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-initerment allowance.
The plot-interment allowance is $150 for deaths prior to Dec 1, 2001.  If the death happened while the veteran was in a VA hospital or under VA contracted nursing home care, some or all of the costs for transporting the veteran's remains may be reimbursed.  An annual increase in burial and plot allowances, for deaths occurring after Oct 1, 2011, begins in fiscal year 2013 based on the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 12-month period.
How can I apply?  You can fill out VA Form 21-530, Application for Burial benefits.  you should attach a copy of the veteran's military discharge document (DD 214 or equivalend), death certificate, funeral and burial bills.  They should show that you have paid them in full.  You may download the form at  http://www.va.gov/vaforms/
For more information by phone you may call             1-800-827-1000       or visit the web site at http://www.va.gov (which is the source for this information)
IMPORTANT NOTE:  Please take note that most of the terminology says "might" or "if" and there are many stipulations of eligibility.  Also, it stipulates that if qualified, reimbursement will be made to you, the family who makes the arrangements.  This means you still have to pay the bill to the funeral home FIRST.  The funeral home won't bill the government and wait for approvals, processing etc.  I can say however, that our funeral home will assist your family with any paperwork or processes to help you receive the maximum reimbursement you are entitled to.
Veterans Part 2 of 3 will discuss what Veterans are entitled to at no cost.