Veteran's Benefits for Dependents

For assistance or questions pertaining to burial and other veterans’ benefits available to dependents, call the Middlesex County Office of Veteran Services at 732-745-4051 for assistance.

Burial Benefits

Reimbursement of burial or cremation expense may be paid to the person who pays the burial expenses of certain honorably discharged veterans. All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to an American flag and footstone marker.

Dependent's Benefits

A widow and minor children may be eligible for certain benefits upon the death of an honorably discharged veteran.

Life Insurance

A life insurance policy is a contract between the policyholder and the company. The proceeds are paid according to the terms of each contract.

Life insurance should be payable specifically to a designated beneficiary. A contingent beneficiary or beneficiaries, as well as a primary beneficiary, should be named in each policy. A contingent beneficiary is important in case of simultaneous death of both the policyholder and the beneficiary, or if the beneficiary dies first. Without a contingent beneficiary, life insurance passes to the estate and is subject to New Jersey inheritance tax and the executor's, Administrator's or personal representative's commission.

Although insurance proceeds may be subject to Federal Estate Tax, a named beneficiary will receive the insurance free from New Jersey Inheritance Tax or other charges against the estate.

Social Security

The Social Security Act provides for survivor's benefits to the family and other dependents of eligible persons. Benefits may include monthly payments and a lump-sum death payment. Benefits are not paid automatically. Upon the death of a person who has worked under social security, a member of the family must file an application for benefits with the local social security office.

The telephone number for the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213.