Surviving After the Death of a Family Member

 

Caregivers often worry about how to survive financially after the death of a family member. There are resources to help.

 

 

Social Security

Social Security may be able to help. Call 1-800-772-1213 or link below.

 

 

Military and Veterans

If your family member was in the military, certain benefits may be available to you, including continued health care benefits through TRICARE. Please note that TRICARE is a program for active and retired military. For a definition of military versus veteran, click here.

If your family member served in the armed forces but did not retire as military, check with the Veteran's Administration for potential benefits and services.

 

Remember that states may offer benefits in addition to the Federal benefits.

Some of the benefits that you may be eligible for are:

• Death Pension
• Burial Benefits
• Dependents Indemnity Compensation
• Special Benefits for Those With Mental or Physical Disabilities
• Special Benefits for Those in Nursing Homes
• Educational Loans
• Dependents' Education
• Work-Study Assistance
• Home Loan Guarantees
• Priority Medical Care
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
• State/Local Veterans Benefits
• Military Exchange & Commissary Privileges

 

The Veterans Benefit Administration offers easy to access information on benefits. The site also provides the needed forms to complete to apply for benefits.

 

 

Investments, Insurance, Benefit Plans

Do you have investments, insurance, benefit plans, etc.? Some benefit plans and insurance provide a "death benefit" or lump-sum payment due upon the death of the insured. You may want the advice of a financial planner and/or attorney to do the paperwork required to access any benefits that you are due. Your attorney can also assist with the will and distribution of assets, if any. Again, pre-planning can't be emphasized enough. This will be a stressful time and pre-planning can help lessen the burden.

 

 

Medicaid Estate Recovery

Another consideration is Medicaid Estate Recovery. In North Carolina, when a Medicaid recipient in a nursing home dies, Medicaid files a claim against the estate to recover expenses paid by Medicaid. Estate recovery is waived under certain circumstances. Since Medicaid rules vary from state to state, check with your state Medicaid agency to determine if your estate will be required to reimburse the program.

In North Carolina or call the Medicaid Eligibility Unit through the toll free CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030

Outside North Carolina

 

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