End-of-life conversations are never easy, particularly when time and resources are limited. They often take place during an overwhelming, traumatic period as we come to terms with the impending loss of someone we love.

To help veterans and their families learn more about the benefits available to them during these trying times, the VA has launched an End-of-Life Campaign covering all manner of programs and resources. While no one is ever fully prepared for the death of a loved one, the VA wants to increase awareness among veterans and family member so they can plan ahead of time.

[FACT SHEET: VA’s End-of-Life Benefits (PDF)]

At a time when the PACT Act brings millions more veterans into the VA, it becomes more important for veterans, families, and survivors to know how to access and engage the department on the benefits they’ve earned. The campaign is a joint effort between the Veterans Benefits Administration, the Veterans Health Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration to communicate this important information widely across the VA.

Veterans have earned their benefits, and so have their survivors. That’s why the VA wants them to know about these benefits in advance, to make end-of-life planning easier and to provide more peace of mind to their families.

[RELATED: Here’s How MOAA Can Help With Your Estate Planning]

Getting this information into the right hands is especially important because not all veterans are receiving benefits and health care via the VA. In some cases, planning for or knowing about these benefits well in advance of needing the benefit is essential so veterans and their survivors do not lose out on the benefits and assistance they need. Life insurance, end-of-life wishes, dependency benefits, and memorial and burial benefits are some examples.

VA offers a wide range of benefits and information to help you and your loved one plan ahead:

• Benefits for your spouse, dependents and survivors to assist in planning your legacy. Learn how to apply for life insurance or to educate family members on benefits for survivors.
• Advanced care planning to provide your preferences for health care and the individual you want to designate to make decisions on your behalf when needed. The VA also provides other helpful health care information and resources for veterans in need of palliative or hospice care, caregiving or elder care support.
• Burial and memorial benefits to preserve and honor your legacy. Learn how you and your family can submit an application for eligibility at a VA national cemetery.

More From MOAA

Check out these helpful MOAA resources. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are available exclusively to MOAA Premium and Life members:

• Survivor’s Planning Guide*
• Help Your Survivors Now: A Guide to Planning Ahead*
• Tips for Lifelong Caregiving
• Your Guide to Military Burials*
• The Day After Calls (via MOAA’s Minnesota Chapter)

Not a MOAA member? Join today and receive more helpful information and resources for managing your life and remaining current on your earned benefits.