End-of-Life Services & Benefits

End-of-Life Services & Benefits Honoring the service and sacrifice of our members extends beyond their time in uniform. The VFW is committed to providing support and resources to our members and their families during times of loss and grief. Jump to a Section: Pre-Need Planning Survivor Benefits Assistance Grief Resources Funeral Honors Military Funeral Honors VFW Ritual for Funerals and Memorial Services Pre-Need Planning Planning for the future is a responsible and considerate act, relieving your loved ones of difficult decisions during an already challenging time. The VFW encourages members to engage in pre-need planning, which involves documenting your wishes for funeral arrangements, burial preferences, and estate matters. This proactive approach ensures that your desires are honored and can alleviate stress for your family. Resources for pre-need planning: VFW's Legacy Planning resource, powered by FreeWill National Cemetery Administration The VFW Store - offers a Personal Affairs Record Book to document your wishes Survivor Benefits Assistance Navigating the complexities of survivor benefits can be overwhelming in the aftermath of a loss. The VFW is dedicated to assisting surviving spouses and dependents in understanding and accessing the benefits they are entitled to. Our trained professionals can provide guidance on various federal, state, and local programs, ensuring that families receive the support they need. The VFW can assist with: Filing claims for VA survivor benefits, such as Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Understanding Social Security survivor benefits Exploring state-specific benefits for surviving spouses and dependents Connecting families with local resources and support networks Grief Resources Grief is a natural and complex response to loss, and the VFW recognizes the importance of providing resources to help individuals cope with their grief. We offer a range of resources to support members and their families during this difficult time. Grief resources offered: Referrals to grief counseling services and support groups Online resources and articles on coping with grief Information on bereavement support programs Partnerships with organizations specializing in grief support Funeral Honors Honoring veterans with proper funeral honors is a solemn and respectful tribute to their service. The VFW is committed to ensuring that all veterans receive the funeral honors they deserve, regardless of their era of service or membership status. The VFW actively participates in providing funeral honors by: Forming honor guards to perform military funeral rites Coordinating with local funeral homes and military organizations Providing ceremonial flags and markers Offering guidance to families on arranging funeral honors Military Funeral Honors As mandated by law, all eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors, which include the folding and presentation of the American flag, the playing of Taps, and a rifle volley. The VFW works closely with the military to ensure that these honors are rendered with dignity and respect. Eligibility for military funeral honors: Served on active duty or in the Selected Reserve Received an honorable discharge VFW Ritual for Funerals and Memorial Services The VFW offers a specific ritual for funerals and memorial services to honor deceased members, as well as provide continuity for the family during a time of grief. This ceremony is performed by VFW members and can be incorporated into the funeral or memorial service. Find a Post Find a Post near you to learn more about End-of-Life Services and Benefits offered in your area. Find a Post