[2][3][4] The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) automatically gives $100,000 to the next of kin of a service-member if he or she dies while on active duty.
[5] If a service-member died of a disease, injury, or disability that was incurred or aggravated on duty or during training, then the surviving spouse and other dependents can apply for additional monetary benefits.
[5] The Department of Veteran Affairs also offers a death pension for surviving spouses and other dependents of the deceased service-member.
If a service-member is buried in a national VA cemetery, all costs and materials are covered, including a headstone and United States flag [5] The Department of Veteran Affairs offers educational assistance to surviving spouses or child dependents.
In order to receive the educational assistance, the service-member must (1) have died due to a service-related disability, (2) be missing in action for more than 90 days, or (3) be hospitalized with debilitating injuries.
[5] Several collegiate institutions provide benefits for military dependents such as Colorado State University.