While living veterans and their dependents are frequently covered by government benefits such as pensions and health care, surviving spouses can only claim VA benefits upon the death of a spouse who served during wartime. According to the Missouri Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, dependents and surviving spouses are often eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits and must fill out a VA Form 21-534 to correctly assess their eligibility in receiving benefits. If your spouse died after honorably serving the United States during wartime, you may be eligible for veteran benefits.
Step 1
Compile the necessary documents proving both your marriage and your spouse's military service, such as a marriage certificate and your deceased spouse's DD 214 discharge form or Leave and Earning Statements. Additional documents and items may include your deceased spouse's military passport, ID card, medals, certificates and income tax forms displaying military service.
Step 2
Contact your local Department of Veterans Affairs office and request the necessary forms for determining your VA benefit eligibility. If desired, you can access the website and print off any forms that you believe you may be eligible to apply for. Select the VA Form 21-534 for claiming pension funds, as well as other forms for applying for benefits such as health care, home loan assistance and life insurance.
Step 3
Fill out all of the requested information for each form and make copies of the documents required. Schedule a time with a casualty assistance representative in your area and present all of the requested documents and completed forms. Ask the representative if there are any other benefits that you may be eligible to receive. Answer any questions asked during the interview and be as honest and accurate as possible when providing information.
Step 4
Submit your completed forms to the casualty assistance representative or your local Department of Veterans Affairs office or mail them to the address listed on the back of each document. Attend any necessary follow-up appointments, such as physicals or interviews, and remain patient until you are notified of what benefits you will be allowed to claim.
Member Comments