Government Help for Veteran's Spouses
When a person who has enlisted in the U.S. military dies of natural causes or loses his life in active duty, the government provides benefits to the surviving spouse. These benefits include help immediately following the death, as well as throughout the survivor's lifetime.
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Compensation
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A veteran's surviving spouse -- whether a husband or wife -- is entitled to a monthly compensation that replaces the income the veteran was bringing into the household. This compensation includes a base stipend, plus an additional amount for each dependent or if the veteran was entitled to service-connected disability payments at the time of death.
Employment Help
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The U.S. Department of Labor offers assistance to surviving spouses of American veterans through the Department of Defense employment and training centers. These centers offer help in finding viable employment for veterans' spouses. The government holds business partnerships with many large companies, such as Home Depot, Manpower, Verizon and CVS Pharmacy, which expands the employment possibilities for surviving spouses.
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Improved Pension
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The government offers an extended program called Aid and Attendance Improved Pension to any veteran and surviving spouse who requires assistance with basic personal needs, such as cooking, bathing, eating or dressing, as well as for those who are in assisted living or nursing homes.
Education
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The government offers up to 45 months of education and training for veterans' surviving spouses and dependents through the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program. This allows spouses to receive training in order to make a living after their spouse passes away.
Social Security
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Surviving spouses can receive benefits from the Social Security Administration when they reach age 65 or reduced benefits at age 60. If the surviving spouse is disabled, he or she may be able to receive benefits as early as 50, as part of the survivor's benefit package.
Special Assistance
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When a veteran dies in combat or in active duty, a surviving spouse receives special assistance to handle the immediate time after death. The government provides a casualty assistance officer to deliver news of the death, as well as cater to the spouse's immediate needs; personnel to help with funeral service arrangements; death investigators to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the death; and a death gratuity.
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References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Spouse Benefits -- Death After Active Service
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Partnerships, Groups and Associations for Survivor's Aid and Benefits
- FinAid: Financial Aid for Veterans and their Dependents
- Veteran Aid: The Aid and Attendance Pension
- Veteran Aid: Home
- Military Benefits: Survivor Benefits Index
Resources
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