What to Do When a Veteran or Spouse Passes Away: (One from a Couple or Single Claimant)

Although Social Security will notify the VA of the passing of a veteran or surviving spouse, it is always a good idea to notify the VA on form 21-4138.  This should be sent by the designated representative and should include a copy of the death certificate.

Always advise the family of a veteran or surviving spouse that when a death is imminent, the family should pay for all funeral costs with their private funds, not the funds of the veteran or surviving spouse.  The family can then file for reimbursement of last expenses as long as receipts are provides.

When the spouse of a veteran passes away you will need to submit a new page 7 from form 21-537EZ with updated financials and medical expenses, updated 21P-8416 with updated medical expenses, and a new verification of expenses from the facility or Attendant Affidavit. These will need to show the financials and expenses for the veteran only. You will need to make sure that the veteran is under the asset limit and that any Life Insurance that may be coming will not put the veteran over the limit.

When the veteran passes away, you will need to refile for the Surviving spouse using all the forms you used for the initial application, except using form 21-534EZ. You will need to make sure that the surviving spouse’s financials are under the limit to qualify.