Honoring Veterans
Burial Benefits - VA burial allowances are partial reimbursements of an eligible Veteran's burial and funeral costs. When the cause of death is not service related, the reimbursements are generally described as two payments: a burial and funeral expense allowance, and a plot or interment allowance. A single payment is made when the cause of death is service-related.
Please note that this information is provided as a courtesy to our veteran's families. We are unable to assist with coordinating these benefits. The family is required to contact their local Veteran's Service Organization office directly to begin the process of these benefits.
Non-Service Related Death
VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses for deaths on or after October 1, 2011 (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $700 plot-interment allowance (if not buried in a national cemetery). For deaths on or after December 1, 2001, but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance. For deaths on or after April 1, 1988 but before October 1, 2011, VA will pay $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (for Veterans hospitalized by VA at the time of death).
In the event your family member passes away at a VA facility, First WI will breakdown your paid invoice to reflect a broken down transportation fee which the VA will request and will allow you to be reimbursed accordingly.
Cremation Services for Veterans
These are the larger communities with VA clinics or Hospitals that assist Veteran cremation services.
Veteran cremations in Madison, Veteran cremations in Milwaukee
Veteran Cremations in Janesville, Veteran Cremations in Beloit
Veteran Cremation in Kenosha, Veteran Cremations in Racine
Veteran Cremations in Sheboygan, Veteran Cremations in Wausau
Veteran Cremations in Stevens Point, Veteran Cremation in Osh Kosh
Veteran Cremations in Neenah, Veteran Cremations in Appleton
Veteran Cremations in Eau Claire and LaCrosse
First Wisconsin can also provide discounted cremation services to any veteran
within the State of WI.
Eligibility Requirements
- You paid for a Veteran's burial or funeral, AND
- You have not been reimbursed by another government agency or some other source, such as the deceased Veteran's employer, AND
- The Veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, AND
- The Veteran died because of a service-related disability, OR
- The Veteran was receiving VA pension or compensation at the time of death, OR
- The Veteran was entitled to receive VA pension or compensation, but decided not to reduce his/her military retirement or disability pay, OR
- The Veteran died while hospitalized by VA, or while receiving care under VA contract at a non-VA facility, OR
- The Veteran died while traveling under proper authorization and at VA expense to or from a specified place for the purpose of examination, treatment, or care, OR
- The Veteran had an original or reopened claim pending at the time of death and has been found entitled to compensation or pension from a date prior to the date or death, OR
- The Veteran died on or after October 9, 1996, while a patient at a VA-approved state nursing home.
NOTE:VA does not pay burial benefits if the deceased:
- Died during active military service, OR
- Was a member of Congress who died while holding office, OR
- Was a Federal prisoner
Evidence Requirements
- Acceptable proof of death as specified in 38 CFR 3.211., AND
- Receipted bills that show that you made payment in whole or part, OR
- A statement of account, preferably on the printed billhead of the funeral director or cemetery owner. The statement of account must show:
- The name of the deceased Veteran for whom the services and merchandise were furnished, AND
- All credits, AND
- The amount of the unpaid balance, if any