Veterans Benefits: What You Need to Know
Losing a loved one who served is emotionally overwhelming. If your spouse or family member was a veteran, you may be entitled to valuable benefits that can help honor their life and legacy. At Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes, we guide you through every step of the process, making it easier to access the support you’re eligible for.
Understanding Veterans Burial Benefits
Veterans may qualify for a wide range of burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including:
- Burial in a national or state veterans cemetery
- A government-furnished headstone or marker
- A burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Military funeral honors, including a flag-folding and the playing of taps
We help ensure these honors are arranged with dignity and precision, while you focus on grieving and healing.
Survivor Benefits for Spouses and Families
Beyond burial benefits, the VA offers ongoing support for surviving spouses and dependents:
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)
- Survivor pension programs
- Educational assistance (Chapter 35)
- Health care benefits under CHAMPVA
Our staff can guide you on how to apply, eligibility criteria, and timelines.
How Fares J. Radel Supports You
Navigating VA paperwork during a time of grief is daunting. That’s why our team works directly with the Department of Veterans Affairs and local military partners to manage all logistics on your behalf. We will:
- Request military records such as the DD214
- Coordinate cemetery arrangements and honors details
- Apply for all eligible VA benefits
- Help you understand what costs may be reimbursed
From start to finish, we are your advocate in honoring your loved one’s service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What VA benefits am I entitled to after my veteran spouse passes?
You may be eligible for burial benefits, military honors, survivor pension, and more depending on service history and discharge status.
How do I get a DD214 or other service records?
We assist in requesting the DD214 through the National Archives, which is required for most VA benefits.
Can I be buried with my spouse in a veterans cemetery?
In many cases, yes. Surviving spouses may also qualify for burial in VA national cemeteries.
Who should I contact first after a veteran passes?
Call us directly. We'll walk you through every step, including notifying the VA and starting benefit applications.
Fares J. Radel Funeral Homes & Crematory supports families of veterans in Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati.
Whether you’re planning in advance or facing a sudden loss, we’re here for you. Our compassionate team is experienced in managing veterans’ services with care, respect, and precision.
