Report death of U.S. veteran ASAP to avoid problems, scams

Losing a loved one is never easy. But the Kerr County Veterans Service Office urges those who lose a family member who was a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces to report that death immediately to the VA.

“When you lose a family member, there are so many things that need to be handled in a short amount of time – and under circumstances that might be fraught with the many emotions of grief,” said Kerr County Veterans Service Officer Jenna Sanchez. “So, it is important to know now exactly what steps need to be taken so at least that process is made easier.”

“The passing of a veteran is a solemn time that deserves to be recognized and reported with the utmost respect,” Sanchez continued. “Veterans have served their country and worked hard for their well-deserved benefits.”

When a veteran dies, however, the immediate family should report the death to the VA to stop any current benefit payments as soon as possible. Not doing so can result in survivors or executors of the veteran’s estate having to repay any overpayments received. Payments that need to be discontinued include, but are not limited to, any compensation, pension, education or veteran readiness and employment benefits.

“Reporting the veteran’s death and discontinuing these benefit payments now not only saves you (the survivor) having to repay them, but it also helps you avoid falling victim to benefit scams – and there are plenty of those!” Sanchez said.

 How to Report a Veteran’s Death:

The fastest, easiest way to report a veteran’s death is to pick up the phone and call 1-800-827-1000 (TTY: 711) and select Option 5. Agents are available Mondays through Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Other options for reporting include:

• In person: Go to a VA regional office.

• Mail: Notify by writing to the following address – Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.

Both methods: If providing a death notification either in person or in writing, be sure to include your relationship to the veteran and any supporting documents that can help them verify the veteran’s identity. Examples of such documents are: a death certificate or other public record of the veteran’s death, a discharge document (like a DD214), etc.

Report:

No matter the method of reporting, provide as much information about the veteran as possible to help the VA verify the veteran’s identity. Vital information to report includes:

·       Full name of veteran

·       Social Security number or VA claim number

·       Date of birth

·       Date of death

·       Branch of service

How to Avoid Scams:

There are a few things survivors can do to avoid becoming the prey of benefits scammers.

The Kerr County Veterans Service Office offers these tips:

1.      Save important files, such as the veteran’s military service/treatment records, discharge papers and copies of their VA claims in a secure place.

2.      Go to the VA website for guidance on creating an account and obtaining a VA security PIN (Personal Identification Number) to securely access benefit information. A VA security PIN is an additional way to secure direct deposit accounts from theft and protect PII (Personally Identifiable Information) such as a Social Security number, etc.

3.      Never give out PII via text message. Be cautious of suspicious links online or unfamiliar links.

4.      If missing a VA benefits payment, a discrepancy pops up in payments or suspicious activity is discovered in relation to a direct deposit account, contact the VA immediately at 1-800-827-1000.

5.      Review all documents thoroughly. Survivors should never sign a blank form for someone else to complete later. They should always review the completed form before signing and retain a copy of that form for their records.

6.      For protection against identity theft, notify major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to update the individual’s credit report with a deceased notice. Also, notify the veteran’s financial institutions so all accounts can be closed or transferred appropriately.

For information on how to avoid other scams, visit www.va.gov/vsafe.

 The VA is committed to delivering care and benefits to veterans and their dependents by providing survivors with ongoing support and assistance. Someone can check to see if they qualify for survivor benefits, such as health care coverage, the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program, housing assistance or even help with burial costs

In addition, know that a complaint may be filed with the Federal Trade Commission if a funeral home charges to set up funeral honors or schedule a burial with the VA’s National Cemetery Administration by visiting: reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If further guidance is needed, call the Kerr County Veterans Service Office at 830-792-2203. The office, located in Suite 107 of 550 Earl Garrett Street in Kerrville, is open Mondays through Thursdays. Walk-ins are accepted, but those with appointments take priority.

The VSO is responsible for assisting military veterans, their family members and their survivors who reside in Kerr County with information regarding the legal benefits available to them under federal and state laws.