Wayne County pays up to $1,000 toward a wartime veteran's burial, more than three times the $300 the State requires, plus $50 toward setting a government marker. Apply within two years of the death. The county asks for an honorable discharge where the statute says under honorable conditions.
Also called: burial, funeral, burial allowance, $1,000, government marker, headstone, 35.801, spouse.
Michigan requires every county to pay $300 toward the burial of a qualifying wartime veteran, or the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse, under MCL 35.801 (see the Michigan entry on the county burial allowance). Wayne County pays more: up to $1,000 toward burial and $50 toward the cost of installing a government marker.
What the county asks. An honorable discharge, at least 90 days of wartime service unless death resulted from a service-connected disability, assets under $40,000 not counting the family home, residence in Wayne County at death, and an application within two years of the death. Bring the claimant's ID, the veteran's DD-214, the death certificate and the itemized funeral bill.
Where the county is narrower than the statute. Section 35.801 pays for a veteran "discharged under honorable conditions", which takes in a general discharge; the county's page says "Honorable Discharge". A family whose veteran had a general discharge should apply and cite the statute, at least for the $300 the county must pay. The county's guide uses the $40,000 estate limit, so Wayne County has not used the statute's option to drop back to $25,000.
Spouses. The statute covers the veteran's spouse or surviving spouse, and the county's guide says the help is for "veterans and their spouses who were residents of Wayne County at the time of death". The VA marker is for the veteran only; the county notes that spouses are not eligible for government markers.
Burial in a national cemetery is free for an eligible veteran; Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly serves the county.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Wayne County Veteran Funeral Expense Assistance
Gate
Rule
Wartime veteran with 90 days, or the spouse
Ninety days of wartime service, or less with a death from a service-connected disability, and a Wayne County residence at death. The estate must be under $40,000, not counting the home. No rating is needed.
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.