Healing after the loss of a loved one
Whether it’s the loss of a battle buddy or the passing of a family member, dealing with a death can be difficult. For some Veterans, grief can interfere with everyday life. There are ways to overcome challenges related to the loss of a friend or family member. Hear from Veterans who reached out for support and discovered ways to heal.
Check the “VA on Bereavement” page for complete descriptions and information, with answers to questions like:
What should I know about experiencing the death of family or friends?
What should I keep an eye out for after the loss of a friend or family member?
What can I do after losing a friend or family member?
And much more.
When the end comes, these are Some Of The Agencies To Be Notified.
| AFFILIATION | WEB LOCATION | What to Do |
| eBenefits (if receiving a disability claim) | https://www.ebenefits.va.gov | Call 1-800-827-1000, When asked, state, “Reporting the death of a Veteran.” |
| Medicare | Social Security notifies Medicare | Make sure you have the person’s Social Security Number. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). |
| My Pay (if retired military) | https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx | www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/survivors/Retiree-death/ |
| Soc Sec | http://www.socialsecurity.gov | Make sure you have the person’s Social Security Number. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, OR at the site http://www.socialsecurity.gov click MENU then Survivors for the information when one of us dies. |
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VA, Government and Organization HELP
Know A Vet? presents this information and these national resource directories, not as a recommendation of any specific service or provider, but as a starting point for your own research.
Clicking here will bring you to a database of VA https://www.knowavet.org/search-local-va-facilities/ and other services you can locate by zip code. Please also check out our page on Filing Claims. We recommend that you do NOT file claims on your own. If you do not file exactly the way the VA looks for information, it can take literally years for your claim to go back and forth before approval or denial. The other resources listed, such as your local Veterans Service Office (names vary by county) VSO counselor https://www.knowavet.org/office-of-vet-services/ or VFW, etc., will help you determine what you are eligible for and file correctly for results in as little as a few weeks.
Non-VA LOCAL HELP
Know A Vet? presents this information and these national resource directories, not as a recommendation of any specific service or provider, but as a starting point for your own research.
Please feel free to use the check sheets Before, During and After the Medical Appointment at https://www.knowavet.org/before-during-and-after-a-medical-appointment/and Choosing a Medical Service Provider, at https://www.knowavet.org/choosing-a-medical-service-provider/, to help you in your search for the best help for your individual circumstances.
In addition, there may be other federal, state and local government or private resources for your individual needs. A VSO counselor https://www.knowavet.org/office-of-vet-services/ may be able to help you find them.
While we strongly urge you to take advantage of all you have earned through your service, we understand there are many reasons why you may prefer non-VA service providers. Here are some places to start: