PHILADELPHIA, PA — Just in time for Veterans Day, recent changes in VA benefits mean the U.S. government will now reimburse veteran families that qualify up to $893 for a burial or cremation, according to J.G. Sandom, CEO of Cremstar, an online cremation service available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The previous reimbursement for a funeral or cremation was only $300.
“Since Cremstar’s starting price for a direct cremation is also $893,” says Sandom, “that’s like getting your cremation for free.” The U.S. government will also pay an additional $231 for an urn, and the state will provide free death certificates. “Plus, if you inter that urn in a columbarium,” Sandom adds, “they’ll reimburse you yet another $893, just for that.”
To see who is eligible and to apply for reimbursement online, veterans are encouraged to visit the VA website. Cremstar offers families a comprehensive Veterans Planning Kit so they’re ready when the time comes. (Visit www.cremstar.com and click on Forms & Kits in the footer.)
Veterans can reach out to an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) for assistance at www.va.gov/vso. They can also contact their state office of Veterans Affairs for help with their application. And, they can always call the VA at (800) 827-1000 for benefits information.
How does it work?
If a veteran has died and you believe they qualify, you must first order and pay for the cremation. If you order online using Cremstar, they will provide you with all of the paperwork you’ll need to obtain reimbursement.
Veterans have two years from the time of the passing to apply for reimbursement.
The VA will review the application and, if the veteran was honorably discharged and in good standing, the authorized Next-of-Kin will be reimbursed up to $893 for the cremation, plus up to $231 for an urn. Veterans who die as a result of a service-connected disability are eligible for the highest level of death benefits — up to $2,000.
“During their lifetime, vets serve our country with dignity and respect. The least we can do is make sure they’re treated the same way as they move on. We at Cremstar are proud to support this veteran’s program,” Sandom concludes. “With every Cremstar cremation, we also fund the planting of a tree in memory of the fallen. They will never be forgotten.”
This Veterans Day, visit www.cremstar.com to learn more about the new death benefits available to veterans and their families.
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