VA Bereavement Counseling for Surviving Family Members

What Is VA Bereavement Counseling?

VA bereavement counseling is a professional counseling service provided through the VA's Vet Centers. It is designed to help family members cope with the loss of a loved one who served in the military. Counseling is provided by trained professionals and is available at no cost to eligible survivors. Sessions can be held individually or in group settings, depending on the survivor's needs.

Who May Be Eligible?

Bereavement counseling may be available to:

• Surviving spouses of deceased veterans.
• Children of deceased veterans (generally under age 26, with some exceptions).
• Parents of deceased service members or veterans (including adoptive, foster, and stepparents).
• Designated family members of certain service members and veterans.

How to Access Bereavement Counseling

Bereavement counseling is provided through the VA's Vet Centers, which are community-based outreach facilities separate from VA medical centers. To get started, survivors can contact their nearest Vet Center directly or call the Vet Center call center. No referral is required. Services are confidential and are not reported to the VA medical system.

Bereavement Counseling vs. Private Life Insurance

Bereavement counseling addresses the emotional and psychological impact of loss. Private life insurance addresses the financial impact. The two serve complementary roles, counseling helps families process grief and adjust to life changes, while life insurance helps ensure the family's financial stability after the loss of a loved one.