8. Important documents to have available when applying for assistance:

A death certificate is always required to receive payment. The Post or County Service Officer can offer assistance in supplying and completing forms for GI Insurance. Many Nebraska Legionnaires carry life insurance on an individual basis under the following plans:

Insurance Administrators, Co.
216 North 11^th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402)-475-6251

If Life insurance is carried with other commercial companies, contact the agent of the company that insured the veteran. Some Posts have their own death benefit fund plans-therefore, it is suggested that you contact the Post Adjutant.

Any honorable discharged veteran is entitled to be buried in a National Cemetery, and under certain conditions, the privilege extends to the spouse and children. Applications should be made to the Superintendent of the National Cemetery where burial is desired. Any Department of Veterans Affairs or American Legion Service Officer will assist in handling the request and establishing entitlement.

The government will furnish without cost a headstone or marker to be placed at the unmarked grave of a deceased veteran. Where burial is in a National Cemetery, these are furnished without application. Otherwise, application must be made to the VA office having jurisdiction over the burial claim. Although the headstone is shipped by prepaid freight, the government will not bear the expense or responsibility of its placement.

This pamphlet briefly outlines some of the benefits available to dependents of veterans. There may be additional benefits available, such as the Nebraska Veterans Aid (NVA) Fund, County Veterans Aid, ect. Persons should contact their Post or County Service Officer for further information. Persons may also write to the department Service Officer, The American Legion, 5631 South 48^th Street, Lincoln, NE,68516 for information.

The American Legion Cares!
Write or Call
Department Adjutant
The American Legion, Department of Nebraska
P.O. Box 5205, Lincoln, Nebraska 68505-0205
(402)-464-6338

Wives of veterans, I’m sending you a list of important information that you need in case of your husband’s death. This may not be something you like to think about, but it is information you will need, and possibly unable to get after he passes. I suggest you get the information now, and put it away in a sage place until the time you will need it. It could eliminate many problems later on.

1. Contact the funeral director of you choice to arrange for interment.
2. Contact clergy, if appropriate, to arrange for service if you so desire.
3. Provide the funeral director with a copy of the veteran’s discharge, VA claim number if known, and veteran’s Social Security number.
4. Provide the funeral director will apply for the amount allowable from the Department of Veterans Affairs toward burial expensed, and also the allowance from Social Security for burial.
5. The funeral director will apply for an American Flag to drape the casket or urn.
6. If the veteran is a member of a veteran’s organization, contact the Post Commander to inquire about the Post providing ritual service, firing squad, or casket bearers if needed.
7. If the veteran has GI insurance, contact the county veteran’s service officer for assistance in completing the insurance forms. If the veteran has a commercial insurance, contact the agent of the company which insured the veteran.
8. The spouse should contact the Social Security office to file for benefits that may be available to her-or himself and for dependent children.
9. The county veteran’s service officer will assist the spouse and children in obtaining any benefits to which they may be entitled, such as: survivor’s death benefits from the VA, or a headstone if the burial will be in a private cemetery. Provide the county veteran’s service officer with the following when applying for benefits:
1. A copy of the deceased veteran’s service record (discharge).
2. The veteran’s VA claim number if there is one.
3. Social Security number of the deceased veteran, spouse, and dependent children.
4. GI insurance policies, if any.
5. Have information regarding marriage, birth dates of children, and if any prior marriages existed, the information regarding when, where, and how dissolved (death/divorce).
6. Copy of the death certificate of the veteran.
   

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Home Address: __________________________________________________________

Date of Enlistment: __________________ Place:_______________________________

Date of Discharge: __________________ Place:________________________________

Brach of Service: ___________________ Service #: ____________________________

Date of Birth: ______________________ Place of Birth: _________________________

Date of Marriage: ___________________ Place: _______________________________

Government Life Ins.: _______________ Policy #:______________________________

Commercial Life Insurance: ___________ Policy #: ____________________________

VA Claim #: _______________________ Social Security #: _____________________

Records Located: ________________________________________________________

Receiving Compensation:______________ Pension: ___________________________

VA Office Where Veteran’s Records are Maintained: ___________________________