One of the eventualities - an unpleasant one to be sure - but necessary, which must be kept in mind by the spouses and families of veterans, is the possible death of the veteran. The first thing to be done by all families is to have within easy access certain papers and documents. Among these are the following:

1. Family insurance policies.
2. Birth certificates of all children.
3. The veteran's service discharge (DD214) or equivalent war department report of separation.
4. Any VA document(s), showing the veteran's VA claim number (A VA number is assigned to every veteran as soon as he/she files for any VA benefits. After June 1974 the Social Security number is assigned as the claim number, even after his/her death.
5. Veteran's Social Security number.
6. A copy of marriage certificate(s) and any divorce decree(s) of both veteran and spouse.

Veteran's Full Name:________________________________________________
Birthdate:__________________ Place:______________________________________
Social Security No: ____________________ VA Claim No: ___________________
GI Insurance File No. (if any) : ________________________________________ Serial/Service No:__________________________________________________
Date(s) of Entry into Active Service: ___________________________________
Date(s) of Separation from Active Service:______________________________
Branch of Service: _________________________________________________

DISCHARGE PAPER (OR DD214) RECORDED WITH COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE AT:
City: ______________________________County: ________________________
State: _____________ Volume No: _________________ Page No: _______
Spouse's Name: ___________________________________________________
Social Security No: __________________Date________________ Married:_________________________
Place of Marriage: ___________________________________________________

Previous marriages of veteran (Name, Dates, Places):
1._________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________

Previous marriages of spouse (Name, Dates, Places):
1._________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________

Children (Names, Dates and Places of birth(s)):
1._________________________________________________________________
2._________________________________________________________________
3._________________________________________________________________
4._________________________________________________________________
5._________________________________________________________________