Posted on 07/29/2018 3:35:39 PM PDT by Allen In Texas Hill Country
Next Tuesday will be one week that has passed since we were informed that our grandson was killed in a motorcycle accident. Thats truly unfortunate but its worse than that because of our seven grandchildren he was the one that we adopted at 4 and raised. He was a truck driver that crossed the US 3 or 4 times a month.
Unfortuately he bought a motorcycle last January. At the celebration of life party a neighbor, in his 60s or 70s and still races 'em, said that the first 6 months are the most dangerous. Lastly and most importantly our grandson left behind a 2 year old boy. He and the mother never married and she can barely take care of herself much less the boy.
The point of this entry is not to elicit sympathy (but thanks) but what benefits might be available to the boy from the military? The grandson has a DD214 with a honorable discharge. I ask this because also at the celebration this was suggested.
I'm going to take his DD214 and death certificate to to the local enlistment center and ask there too.
Thanks for any help.
I’m not able to answer your main questions, but I’m very sorry for the loss of your grandson. Prayers for his young son and all of you.
Daddy was a combat veteran of WWII.
He died at age 90. The only benefit was $250. Maybe that has changed since then. He did have his own life insurance tho.
I would suggest contacting the VA (probably slow and unresponsive) and your local congressman’s office (probably better service) for better answers than you might get from a recruiter.
You might contact the local American Legion, DAV or VFW for guidance.
My condolences. Your grandson’s DD-214 entitles him to a funeral with Honors, and burial at a Veteran’s Cemetery depending on the nature of the discharge. For his son, I would suggest going to ssa.gov. That would be the most comprehensive site, and should point you in the right direction.
The boy should be getting social security survivors benefits from his father. If you are taking care of this child, call social security now!
https://dying.lovetoknow.com/Social_Security_Death_Benefits_for_Minors
My condolences. Your grandson’s DD-214 entitles him to a funeral with Honors, and burial at a Veteran’s Cemetery depending on the nature of the discharge, and available room. For his son, I would suggest going to ssa.gov. That would be the most comprehensive site, and should point you in the right direction.
I think there is only a Social Security benefit.
If the dad was active duty, there would be some military benefits. UNLESS the dad was a disabled vet, then there would be some VA benefits.
Social Security has a partly benefit (under $300) which you should be able to apply for on your great grandson's behalf. If your deceased grandson's name is listed on the birth certificate, he may be eligible for survivor's benefits as well until he becomes of age. If his birth mother is responsible, she may also agree to sign a guardianship arrangement as well.
From SS pamphlet:
An unmarried child of the deceased who is:
Younger than age 18 (or up to age 19 if they’re a
full-time student in an elementary or secondary
school); or....
I suppose the amount will depend on how much was contributed. Maybe not but contact the SS for survivor benefits for the boy.
6,7,8,9,10, have the answers you need. So Very Sorry for you loss.
my husband still rides...grrrr...he's 66..I think I at least have him agreeing to not drive at night..he does not use it that much anyway...
we know of a young man who the day he bought his motorcycle, he took it out and was killed within the hour.....
yes, the child should be able to get a nice SS check until age 18...however, the mom would be the custodian or guardian and she would have access over the payments...
again, prayers for you and your family.
I have been to a few veteran’s funerals over the years and the honors have been provided by the VFW or American Legion.
The only one that actually had a Marine Honor Guard was for a Marine killed in combat.
Prayers for you and your family.
His funeral benefit, after taxes, will be about $900. We went through this recently. Were he an illegal border jumper he’d get a lot more,
If you run into problems or have questions, you should contact your Congressman and/or Senator since it would be VA or Social Security benefits you’d be seeking for the child. Sorry for your loss, God Bless, and I’ll keep you and the little one in my prayers.
You will need proof of his son’s paternity. But if he worked enough quarters there may be a survivor’s benefit.
There might be insurance money from the accident if another vehicle was involved. If he was a teamster, I am sure there was some sort of death benefit.
Even little things like AAA might have a benefit. I know my job provides everyone with a death benefit.
None of these will enrich anyone, but it makes a month or two a little easier.
Lots of reading but it all looks like what I need. Thanks.
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