Life Insurance and Accident Insurance

• VFW members exclusively receive a no-cost personal accident insurance plan. This provides a $1,000 payable benefit to survivors if you die within one year of a covered accident. VFW members are also eligible to enroll in the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance policy. Free financial advice and planning are available through independent companies which provide discounted rates as a benefit of membership. The VFW will help process any necessary forms to ensure your enrollment is completed successfully.
  
  

Burial Planning

• Even though all members of the United States Armed Forces are eligible for burial at a decorated national cemetery, VFW members receive special advisory and planning services not available to nonmembers. In honor of their service to the country, most veterans can be buried at one of 122 sites around the country. Burial with a presidential certificate, American flag, perpetual care, and official United States Armed Forces headstone are included at no cost to the veteran's surviving family or life insurance policy. However, the presidential certificate, flag, headstones and military funeral honors must be requested in advance. Surviving spouses and dependents are also eligible to receive burial benefits, which include a plot alongside the veteran, if possible. There are limitations regarding who can be buried in Virginia national cemeteries.
  
  

Help Obtaining Financial Compensation

• The VFW will process benefits and claims on your behalf. Surviving immediate family members, such as children and spouses, can qualify for two different financial death benefits. One type of payment is referred to as the Dependency and Indemnity, which is only payable if the cause of death was service-related even though the veterans did not die in the line of duty. A contribution-based pension is also available for those who died from a non-service related circumstance and the monthly or lump sum payment varies. VFW members can receive administrative assistance free of charge in the event of denial of benefits.
  
  

Assist with Appeal for Benefits

• The VFW's National Veterans Service will not only assist veterans and surviving family members file for VA benefits but will request hearings if necessary with the VA and the Board of Veterans Appeals. VFW Service Officers know current legislation and will help you sort through government forms to obtain benefits for which you are eligible.