John filed for an Aid & Attendance Pension. Six months later he passes and leaves behind his wife, Jane, that has little to no health problems. He had buriel insurance so there are no funeral expenses. How do you file to maximize Jane’s surviving benefits?

You would first file a 21P-0847 Request for Substitution of Claimant Upon Death of Claimant. That way if there was anything missing from the claim, it gives the wife the opportunity to provide those missing items and receive all back pay due him at his time of death.

You do not need to do a 21P-601 because she was his spouse. If it is a beneficiary other than the spouse a 21P-601 should be filed.

You will also need to file a 21P-530 for burial benefits. Even though John had burial insurance. Filing for a 21P-530 could result in an insurance payout for John’s widow.  Even though John had burial insurance you would file for burial benefits.  The insurance policy that John had will pay for any remaining funeral costs and could result in Jane receiving a check from the insurance company depending on the type of burial insurance policy John had.

Form 21P-0847 has been added to your Member Page.

Updated form 21P-530 has been added to your Member Page.