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Frequently Asked Questions about Death Benefits and Burial
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Q - Who is eligible to receive veteran's death benefits?
Service men and women receiving Veteran's Administration benefits at death or who die in a Veteran's Administration hospital. If you have questions, contact the Veteran's Administration Office, 807 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA. 804-786-2261.
Q - What typical benefits will the veteran's family receive?
Basic burial allowance, $300; interment/burial plot allowance, $150; service connected death, up to $1500 in lieu of previous benefits.
Q - What are Social Security benefits at death?
A lump sum death payment will be made to the surviving spouse, provided legal requirements are met; total will not exceed $255. Other survivors' payments may be available. Contact the Social Security Administration with questions: 1-800-772-1213, or contact one of the local Social Security office locations.
Q - How do I get a copy of my Social Security account: What I have paid to date and what I am likely to draw at retirement?
Write to Social Security Administration, Wilkes-Barre Data Operations Center, P.O. Box 7004, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18767-7004.
Q -Do I need a will?
Yes. If you do not have a will the State will distribute your property according to the established laws of succession. The court-appointed administrator will say who gets what.
Q -If my spouse and I have joint ownership of property, do I still need a will?
Yes, particularly if you both are involved in a fatal accident simultaneously.
Q -What are the advantages of buying cemetery property now (pre-need)?
There are many advantages of buying cemetery property now. First, you freeze prices at today's rates. Second, you have greater choice selections and you and your family make the selection together. Additionally, you will have the personal satisfaction of having solved a difficult problem and not leaving it to your family - you will avoid unnecessary emotional difficulty of making such decisions during the trauma of death. Ultimately, you will have the satisfaction of knowing your personal wishes and preferences will be fulfilled.
Q - What are the disadvantages of waiting until time of death (at-need) to buy cemetery property?
Prices will be higher, selection will be limited, and someone will have to make the decision alone. It will put great emotional strain on your survivor(s), the decision will be a hasty one, and your survivor(s) will always wonder if they spent too much or too little.
Q - Where are the local National Cemeteries located?
City Point in Hopewell; Cold Harbor in Mechanicsville; Fort Harrison in Varina; Glendale on Willis Church Road in Richmond; Richmond National Cemetery located on Williamsburg Road in Richmond; and Seven Pines, located in Sandston. All burial records are on computer and information can be obtained by calling the Richmond National Cemetery Complex at 804-795-2031.
Additional information and assistance on matters concerning our cemeteries may be obtained by sending correspondence to:
Cemetery Administration Offices
1401 S. Randolph Street,
Richmond, VA 23220
804-646-1402
Note: Genealogical information is available to the public by appointment only-Call 804-646-1402.
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