by Jessie Bahrey

Created on: April 12, 2009

Although most departments of the government are awash in bureaucracy and endless red tape, and the Department of Veterans Affairs is hardly an exception, there are several basic benefits available to survivors and dependents of the brave men and women who have served their country in war. While there are some variations according to whether or not the veteran's survivor is a spouse, a parent, or a dependent, there are a few main categories of benefits, each which require seperate applications to be filed with the department. These benefits are: Dependency Indemnity Compensation, Death Pension, Educational Assistance, Home Loan Guarantee, Medical and Dental Assistance, Bereavement Counseling, Vocational Training, Financial Counselling, and Burial Benefits.

The Dependency Indemnity Compensation is a monthly benefit paid to the survivors and dependents who meet the eligibility requirements. The amount varies according to many criteria.

The Death Pension is available to unmarried surviving spouses or children under 18 years of age, or under 23 years if attending school, and is based on the presumed needs of the recipients. The net worth of the survivors is assessed on a case by case basis.

Educational Assistance is available to surviving spouses and children of veterans between the ages of 18 and 26, (there are some exceptions to the age restrictions), who wish to attend college or a vocational school. It provides up to 45 months of benefits for degrees and certificate programs as well as for job training and apprenticeship programs.

Home Loan Guarantee enables a surviving spouse to obtain a home loan benefit based on individual circumstances, as well as a Veterans Affairs guaranteed interest rate or a refinance loan.

Medical and Dental Assistance is available to the survivors and dependents through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Eligible recipients are covered for most health care services and supplies that are deemed necessary.

Bereavement Counselling provides assistance and support through a wide range of services including outreach, referral and counselling support. This service is available at Vet Centers based in the survivor families' communities and can be obtained by contacting the local Readjustment Counseling Services. This service is available to the veterans' parents as well as to the surviving spouses and dependants.

Vocational Training follows the same guidelines as the Educational Assistance, and is expanded to include work study programs and tutoring services.

Financial Counseling is available to survivors and dependents through the Beneficiary Financial Counseling Services (BFCS). Recipients can obtain free professional financial advice.

Burial Benefits are available for burial in both a National Cemetery or a private one through the National Cemetery Administration. The benefits available include headstone and markers, presidential memorial certificates, military funeral honors and burial flags. The burial benefits allowance is awarded on a case by case basis.

Certainly, there is extensive paperwork involved in applying for each of these benefits. Furthermore, there are many sub categories within each of these main benefits. However, for those eligible to receive this support, there is opportunity to receive the help they need to rebuild their lives after suffering a loss.

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