Things To Do When A Veteran Dies

Contact the Funeral Director of your choice to arrange for interment. If the burial is at
Fort Snelling Cemetery, request a Military Funeral and Honor Guard from the National
Cemetery of local Post.
Contact the Pastor of your church to arrange for the services you desire.
Bring to the Funeral Director, a copy of the Veteran’s discharge, separation notice or
DD-214, VA Claim Number, if known, and Veteran’s social security number.
The Funeral Director will apply for any burial entitlements from the Department of
Veterans Affairs toward burial expenses and also the allowance from Social Security
for burial.
The Funeral Director will apply for the flag to drape the casket.
If the Veteran is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Post Commander
should be contacted for the Ritual Service, firing squad, if any, and casket bearers, if
needed.
If the Veteran had G.I. Insurance, contact the County Veterans Service Officer for
assistance in completing the forms. If it is commercial insurance, contact an agent of
the company that insured the Veteran.
Spouse should contact Social Security Office to file for benefits that may be available
for self and for children.
The County Veterans Service Officer will assist the spouse and children in obtaining
any benefits to which they may be entitled such as, survivors death benefits from the
Department of Veterans Affairs, and headstone if burial is in a private cemetery. Bring
to the County Veterans Service Officer the following information when applying for
benefits:
1. Certified copy of the deceased Veterans service record (discharge).
2. The Department of Veterans Affairs Claim Number if there is one.
3. Social Security numbers of the deceased Veteran, spouse and dependent children.
4. G.I. Insurance policies, if any.
5. Certified copies of marriage, birth certificates of children and, if any, prior marriages
existed, the information regarding when, where, and how dissolved (death or
divorce).
6. Certified copy of death certificate of Veteran.