Help for the Families of Military Dead

It's impossible to put a value on a human life, but financial worries are a big issue for military families, especially in wartime.  What happens if a loved one is killed?  His or her family receives $6000, plus rent-free housing or tax-free housing allowances for 180 days.  Burial costs of up to $6900 are provided.  In addition, a spouse gets $935 a month and $234 a month for each dependent child until age 18, plus social Security benefits.  (Service members also are eligible for $250,000 in life insurance if they elect to pay the premiums.)  Children and spouses also may qualify for education grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Some benefits change or end if a surviving spouse remarries.  Visit www.va.gov for more information about benefits.

Excerpt from Parade Magazine, Boston Globe May 4, 2003

Editors Note:
September 2005

House Boosts GI Life Insurance

The House unanimously approved an increase in the maximum life insurance coverage for active-duty troops and veterans on July 26.  Raising it from $250,000 to $400,000.  It becomes permanent on 9/30/2005 under H.R. 3200.

Also on July 1, the military death gratuity rose from $12,420 to $100,000 for survivors of those killed under combat-related circumstances.

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