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.. WHEN A LEGIONNAIRE DIES!
It is important to:
1. Contact your funeral director for burial arrangements.
2. Contact the Pastor of your church.
3. Furnish the funeral director a certified copy of the veteran's discharge, separation notice DD form 214, Veterans Administration claim number, if known, and the veteran's social security number.
4. The funeral director should apply for the U.S. Flag to drape the casket, or contact local postmaster.
5. The funeral director should apply for the amount allowed from DVA toward burial expenses, also the allowed amount from social security; To find more out and the latest updates, go to the following website: www.va.gov
6. When the veteran is a member of the American Legion, as soon as possible, the member's Post Commander or Chaplain should be contacted for the ritual service and casket bearers, if needed. If it is the desire of the family to have the U.S. Flag presented to the next of kin during grave side services, please notify the Post Commander or Chaplain also.
7. The American Legion Post Service Officer or the Dept. Service Officer, will assist you in applying for the benefits you may be entitled to through the DVA. Widow or Children Compensation (DIC) b. Widow or Children Pension (Death Pension).
8. Important documents to have available when applying for assistance;
1. Honorable Discharge (original, if available) or the DD Form 214 or equivalent Separation papers,
2. Marriage License (original or certified copy),
3. Birth Certificates of children: (original or certified), a. under 18 yrs old or 18 to 24 and Full Time student,
4. Death Certificate (certified copy),
5. Veteran's social security card and claim # with the DVA,
6. Divorce papers (if applicable),
7. Adoption papers (if applicable),
9. The previously listed documents may also be needed and necessary with the Social Security Administration.
10. Insurance-A certified copy of death certificate is always required for beneficiary to receive payment. The Post Service Officer should be able to assist when applying for Government Insurance (GI Insurance) by supplying and completing the required DVA Form (29-4125). Many Legionnaires carry Life Insurance under plans offered thru the National American Legion Life Insurance Plan. These claims should be filed with the following;
A. ALLIP - American Life Insurance Plan decreasing term, Policy & Claims -
RHB Direct Group Insurance Office
4870 Street Road
Trevose, PA 19049
1-800-542-5547
B. ALL GI - American Legion Life Guaranteed Issue permanent whole life insurance
ALLVET - American Legion Life Very Exceptional term life insurance. Policy & Claims -
ALL VET/ ALL GI Insurance Office
Union Fidelity Life Insurance Company
Trevose, PA 09049
1-800-523-5758
REMEMBER Use the above listed Toll-free numbers for information purposes when in doubt. If Life Insurance is carried with other commercial companies, contact the agent of that company in your area for further assistance. If the veteran's death was accidental, there may be ACCIDENTAL DEATH benefits available through the veterans Legionnaire membership, check with the Post Adjutant.
11.. Always contact your American Legion Post Service Office for information concerning benefits that may be available for the widow and/or dependent children, including Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund assistance.
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