This might be one of the most challenging questions that a person doesn’t want to ask themselves, especially if it is a loved one: how do I report a Veteran’s death? However, knowing the steps and what to do can sometimes be challenging because the checklist might not apply to everyone. The passing of a Vet is a solemn time that should be recognized with the utmost respect since they have done a lot for the country. Despite this, the surviving family should report this immediately to the VA to stop any current benefits payments as soon as possible. If it so happens that they will not report it and continue to receive payments, executors or survivors of the Veteran’s estate will be asked to process repayments for any overpayment received.
These may include pension, compensation, Veteran Readiness & Employment, or education benefits. If you’re a dependent, wife, or relative who has lost a Veteran, make sure to put all your “ducks in a row” and report a Veteran’s death to avoid any problems in the future.
Assistance in Reporting a Veteran’s Death
The first thing that a surviving family member should do when reporting a Veteran’s death is to contact the VA, your local casualty assistance office, Social Security, the Defense Eligibility Enrollment System, and the FEDVIP/BENEFEDS, the most important ones.
Remember that the funeral director typically handles the military honors and services. If you are in contact with a funeral home, the funeral director will work with them hand in hand to prepare the necessary military honors and might also assist you in notifying the VA.
How Do I Report a Veteran’s Death?
Calling is the quickest way to report a death to the Veterans Administration. They can be reached at 800-827-1000, and their support is available Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. If calling is not an option for reporting a Veteran’s death, surviving family members can visit the office in person and find the nearest VA regional office.
Processing it via mail is another option to report a Veteran’s death; just make sure that you have their correct mailing address. It should be sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444. Don’t forget to include your relationship with the Vet, and supporting documents are a must to verify the deceased identity. These documents could be a discharge document (like a DD214), a death certificate, or any other public record of the Veteran’s death.
When reporting a Veteran’s death, always remember to provide as much information as possible, including the name, date of birth, branch of service, date of death, social security number, and VA claim number. This is helpful for the VA in determining the Veteran’s identity.
What Are the Next Steps After a Reported Death?
Once you’ve learned how to report a death to the Veterans Administration and have processed the necessary steps, a series of potential outcomes may happen. First is a possible repayment. If the survivors, or the estate executor, did not notify the VA immediately, they would have to repay the overpayment sent by the department. But, there is also a chance that you might get a benefit or take advantage of VA services; just fill out the form to process a request. It may take some time to receive those benefits, but checking the claim status is the best way to update it. You can call 1-800-827-1000.
Once you have reported a Veteran’s death, they will also require you to return any equipment that the deceased Veteran used that they own; this includes medical beds, wheelchairs, and others. Survivors or estate executors should contact any relevant VA hospital’s Prosthetic Department. You can return the equipment to the hospital or arrange for someone to pick it up.
No one can ever recover quickly from one’s passing. To help the surviving family member overcome their longingness and grief, you may qualify for the VA’s bereavement counseling and grief support services. Aside from this, you can join plenty of independent grief support groups. Conduct a few searches because there might be a handful in your area. There is also an online grief support group if you can’t attend their meetings physically.
Related reads:
- Your Guide to VA Burial Benefits in 2024
- Veterans Benefits – The Ultimate Guide for Benefits, Applying, and More
- If a Veteran Dies Who Pays for the Funeral?