Veteran Survivors’ Resources

Website: www.va.gov
Address: 1131 S Morrison Blvd, Hammond, LA 70403
Phone: (985) 902-5100
- Hammond Office: 985-602-9085
- Kentwood Office (Friday Only): 985-229-3451

VA Contact Numbers:
- National: 1-800-827-1000
- New Orleans: 1-800-935-8387
  - Hammond Office: 985-602-9085
  - Kentwood Office (Friday Only): 985-229-3451
VA Life Insurance: 800-669-8477
Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (Also for applying for Survivor Benefits)

Website: VA Survivors Pension
Required Documents:
- Veteran’s DD214 or other separation documents.
- Veteran’s death certificate (showing cause of death).
- If a surviving spouse, also submit:
  - Marriage certificate or other evidence of marriage.
  - Evidence of child born before or during marriage, or evidence of marriage before a fixed date based on wartime periods.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Evidence of family net worth and income meeting congressional limits.
- Evidence that the deceased Veteran didn't receive a dishonorable discharge.
- Service requirements:
  - Active duty on or before September 7, 1980, with at least 90 days active duty including one day during a wartime period.
  - Active duty after September 7, 1980, with at least 24 months or full period of active duty, including one day during a wartime period.
  - Officers starting active duty after October 16, 1981, without at least 24 months of prior active duty.
Wartime Periods Recognized for Pension Benefits:
- Mexican Border period, World War I, World War II, Korean conflict, Vietnam War era, Gulf War.

Procedure:
- Submit an Intent to File form or call 800-827-1000 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET).
- Download VA Form 21-0966 [here](Download VA Form 21-0966 (PDF)).
- Mail completed form to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, PO Box 4444, Janesville, WI 53547-4444.
- Or bring the form to a VA regional office.
Deadline: 1 year to complete and file your claim after notification.

Eligibility: Surviving spouse, child, or parent of a service member or Veteran who died.
Benefits:
- Outreach, counseling, and referrals.
- Services available at community-based Vet Centers or via telehealth.
Local Offices:
- New Orleans Vet Center: 1250 Poydras St., 4th Floor, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70113 (504-507-4977)
- Baton Rouge Vet Center: 7850 Anselmo Lane, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 (225-761-3140)

Eligibility: Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Conditions for Eligibility:
- Died from a service-connected disability, or
- Receiving VA pension or compensation at time of death, or
- Hospitalized by VA or receiving care under VA contract at time of death, etc.
Allowance Amounts:
- Service-related: Maximum $2,000.
- Not Service-related: Burial allowance of $300, plot allowance of $796.

Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana
- Address: 7389 Florida Blvd., Suite 101A, Baton Rouge, LA 70806-4657
- Phone: (225) 387-0061
- Website: www.voascla.org
- Services: Supportive Services for Veteran Families, Home Depot Partnership.

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