Spouse of Deceased Vet Retro Payments after death

[cmost]

Hello -
I have been working on my aunt's claim on her veteran deceased husband's account, and she was approved and receiving benefits but since she was disabled we were waiting for a fiduciary to be approved for retroactive benefits to be paid.

She passed away on Tuesday without getting those retro benefits (she was getting monthly current checks), but was due over $5,000.00 retroactively.

I see the form to complete and submit for a surviving spouse or child, but what about an estate since she has neither?  We want to use those funds to pay for her funeral. 

Thanks for your help.   Cheryl

[vetadmin]

Cheryl,

So sorry for you loss. 

If you or another family member pays for her final arrangements, you can file against the accrued benefit amount for reimbursement, but it cannot go to an "estate", and you can only be reimbursed for the amount for actual expenses and cannot exceed the retro amount.  You would use the form 21-601.

[cmost]

Thank you.  It's been a long, hard road since she had no kids and her husband died 10 years ago.  Thank you for all the information - and thanks for all your help through the application process. 

So a relative should pay for the funeral - and then request reimbursement out of the retro amount? 

Thanks.
Cheryl

[vetadmin]

You are welcome, and I know all too well how long the road has been for you.

If she has money in the bank or pre-arrangements, you won't be able to justify the filing for reimbursement.  If someone (an individual) is going to have to pay for her final arrangements, then yes, you shoudl file, and you will need proof of the payment, and a copy of the death certificate.