Social Security
If the deceased was receiving Social Security benefits, you need to contact the Social Security Office to report the death. If you think you may be eligible for survivor’s benefits, you should also contact them to apply.

For general information about Social Security click here.

Veterans Benefits
According to the Department of Defense (DOD), “The rendering of Military Funeral Honors is a way to show the Nation’s deep gratitude to those who, in times of war and peace, have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the veterans’ families.”

If the deceased person meets one of the following criteria, he or she may be eligible for Military Funeral Honors. The deceased person must have been a:

• Military member on active duty or in the Selected Reserves
• Former military member who served on active duty and departed under conditions other than dishonorable
• Former military member who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under conditions other than dishonorable
• Former military member discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

For more information about Veterans Benefits click here.