Veterans’ Widows’ Benefits – How They Can Help You
Veterans’ widows’ benefits kick in after the death of a veteran. Although it is difficult to lose your spouse, you can take some comfort in knowing that you are well protected under this benefit plan (Note: as you age you may require assisted living or nursing home care that can be covered by your spouse’s veterans benefits as well).
The primary organization which handles these special types of benefits is the Department of Veterans Administration. There are a variety of benefits that are designed specifically to protect and take care of a veteran’s spouse after his eventual death. These benefits include the following:
- Surviving Family Benefits
- Survivor Resources
- Survivor Support Organizations
The most important of these three veterans’ widows’ benefits is the surviving family benefits, which go to the widow of the veteran to take care of the family. This benefit includes several component benefits such as:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
- Death Gratuity
- Death Pension
- Tricare
- Basic Allowance for Housing
- Household Goods Shipping and Storage
- Veteran’s Burial Benefits
- Gold Star Lapel Button
- Service Members Group Life Insurance
One should also take into consideration that, even though these are veterans widows benefits, the veteran needs to qualify for certain benefits.
Veterans’ Widdow Benefits for Burials
Veteran’s burial benefits help to relieve the family of funeral costs. Since families may not have the resources available to pay for the type of funeral that a US veteran deserves, this can help lift a heavy financial burden from the family’s shoulders.
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation
The Dependency and Indemnity Compensation is a great resource for a widow, considering that they will receive a monthly compensation to help pay for the portion of their living expenses that would have been covered by their spouse. This compensation is valued to about $1100 per month for those who qualify for this benefit.
The Survivor Benefit Plan
The Survivor Benefit Plan is one of the best veterans’ widows’ benefits that a veteran can apply for while still alive, to ensure that his wife continues to receive a steady income after he is gone. After the death of a veteran, the retirement pay checks cease, leaving his widow without this major source of income. With the Survivor Benefit Plan, his widow will continue to receive a regular monthly income.
Attorney John Frazier is particularly experienced in helping veterans and their spouses access veterans benefits for assisted living and nursing home care. If you think that you might qualify for any veterans’ widows’ benefits, but need help receiving them, or you are a veteran who wants to make sure you have these benefits set up for your spouse ahead of time, please see our Practice Areas to find out how we can help you.
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