I had a conversation with a friend this past weekend about a man who passed away earlier this year. This man was retired military…Air Force veteran. She contacted me when the veteran passed because she needed assistance with information regarding VA cremation reimbursement as she wasn’t getting the information with the route she was taking. I asked her who all she had contacted and then advised her to call the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and provided her with the number. I told her to let me know if she had any additional issues to which I didn’t hear anything else again until this past weekend. I saw her and asked if everything was taken care of….uhmmmm, not so much…….
She said she talked to someone who was really nice (nice does not equate to knowledgeable, just FYI) but that he asked if the veteran died of a service-connected reason as that made a difference as to how much reimbursement would be paid out. My friend’s response, “He did 20 plus, something years. They should pay for everything. He’s at the VA cemetery.” Now, whether or not you and I agree with her makes no difference, the fact is the VA will pay a set amount only, depending on whether the death was service-connected related or not. There are many requirements that determine the amount of reimbursement but it will more than likely NOT cover the entire amount. The surviving spouse and/or family members will need to apply for the reimbursement and provide receipts. Once submitted it can take up to six months for reimbursement payment.
More information can be found at: http://www.benefits.va.gov
Happy October (Spooky Season) Eve!
Until next time…..xoxo
Tracy
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