burial

Understanding Accrued Benefits and Burial Reimbursements for Veterans’ Families

By Veterans Affairs Law posted on October 23, 2024

Losing a loved one is always a difficult experience, and for veterans’ families, there may also be important financial matters to address regarding benefits that were due at the time of the veteran’s death but were not yet paid. These benefits, referred to as "accrued benefits," can provide essential support to surviving dependents, but navigating the process can be complex.

At Veterans Affairs Law, located in Sarasota, we are here to guide you through understanding the types of accrued benefits available and how to claim them, as well as any burial reimbursements that may apply. Let’s break down the key details you need to know.

What Are Accrued Benefits?

Accrued benefits are payments that were due to the veteran at the time of their passing but were not yet paid by the VA. These benefits can be claimed by eligible survivors. Two types of accrued benefits may be available:

  1. A Pending Claim or Appeal
    In some cases, the veteran may have had an ongoing claim or appeal for a recurring benefit that was not decided before their death. However, if all the evidence needed to decide the claim was already in the possession of the VA, the accrued benefits may be payable to the veteran’s dependents. This is why it’s important to understand the status of any pending claims at the time of the veteran’s death.
  2. A Benefit That Was Allowed but Not Paid
    The second type of accrued benefit applies to situations where the VA had already approved a benefit, but the veteran passed away before it could be granted or paid. In these cases, the benefit that was due may still be awarded to the surviving dependents.

Who Can Receive Accrued Benefits?

Accrued benefits are paid to surviving dependents based on their relationship to the veteran. The following individuals may be eligible to receive these benefits:

  • Spouse: The veteran’s surviving spouse is the first eligible person to receive accrued benefits.
  • Child: If there is no surviving spouse, the veteran’s child or children may be eligible.
  • Parents: If the veteran had no spouse or children, the surviving parents may be considered for these benefits.
  • Sole Parent: In some cases, if only one parent survives, they may be entitled to receive accrued benefits.

It’s important to note that if the surviving spouse has also passed away, the VA will look to the list of dependents above to determine the appropriate recipient.

If you believe you may be eligible for accrued benefits and are unsure how to proceed, we encourage you to contact our team at Veterans Affairs Law. We’re here to help you understand your eligibility and ensure you receive the benefits your family is entitled to.

Burial Reimbursements for Veterans

In addition to accrued benefits, surviving family members may also be eligible for burial reimbursements. These benefits can help cover the costs of the veteran’s burial, funeral, or transportation. To determine your eligibility and the specific amount of reimbursement you may receive, we recommend visiting the VA’s official page on burial benefits.

Contact Us for Expert Guidance

Navigating the VA claims process and understanding your rights to accrued benefits and burial reimbursements can be challenging. At Veterans Affairs Law in Sarasota, we are here to help you through every step of the process. Our team is dedicated to advocating for veterans and their families, ensuring that you receive the support and benefits you deserve.

If you need assistance or have questions about your eligibility for accrued benefits or burial reimbursements, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to provide the guidance you need during this difficult time. Give us a call at 941-552-6677.

Get in Touch

Please call us at (941) 552-6677 or fill out the form below and someone from our team will be in touch shortly.

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