Well the discussion came up and of course I worry for my wife when I'm gone. So among the discussion of where I'd be buried etc and paying off most of the bills in 2015 we talked about a casket etc. We talked about if we had enough funds for whatever kind of funeral she wanted to see me have. I know I can be buried in a military plot but wife wants to be next to me, so that's out. Fortunately I did get the free $10,000 life insurance that was offered to 100% disabled veterans and I got the additional 10 grand also free. I've done some research and thought I'd post it her for you guys who need to plan for what they know is coming soon.
Insurance for Service-Disabled Veterans & Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance (VMLI), you'll find at this link. Insurance for Service-Disabled Veterans - Life Insurance
You'll need to apply for the VMLI before your 70th birthday. For me, the premiums would run about $250 a month for $90,000 payoff of the mortgage. Now for some, that might seem high premium to pay but to me, that's cheap and not having to worry about my wife ending up paying the mortgage on fixed income.
The other benefit for your spouse is the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation found here Dependency and Indemnity Compensation - Compensation. Its tax exempt and the wife can get it in addition to her (or yours) SS benefits. Forgot where I saw it, but its about $1400 a month.
You can get a Free headstone, markers or medallion for a private cemetery (in my case) but its your cost to have it installed otherwise at a national cementery its free installation, for more information about that look here Headstones, Markers and Medallions - National Cemetery Administration
Another is burial allowance. Now if your death is service connected (like Agent Orange related) the compensation is $2000. If non-service connected then its $300 for burial and $745 for the plot. For more information about that look here http://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/...als/Burial.pdf
This form VA Form 27-2008, Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes would have to be completed generally by the funeral director (if private) which is submitted to the local post office. This flag would be draped over the coffin and then presented to the next of kin as its not suitable for outdoor use.
and then of course the Presidential Memorial Certificate Presidential Memorial Certificates - National Cemetery Administration
Then I discovered that National Cemeteries CAN have both veteran and the spouse interned, but you need to check if it'll allow casketed remains (I don't want to be burned) as some ONLY allow urn's. Read here for more info Burial Benefits - National Cemetery Administration Some of the Veterans cemeteries are State owned/operated but are funded by the VA grants but its worth a look. A map and cemetery locator of the 131 listed (more are being added) is here Department of Veterans Affairs Cemetery Listing - National Cemetery Administration
Well, that's it from me. If you have anything to add that would help that I didn't cover or add, have at it.
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