County changes veteran burial policy

In an attempt to clarify the reimbursement process, the Flathead County commissioners on Dec. 15 unanimously approved changes to the county’s policy for veteran burial stipends.

Montana law requires counties to pay $500 toward burial expenses for veteran residents in the county and $100 toward the replacement of a headstone.

A veteran is defined in state law as an honorably discharged man or woman who served in active duty with the United States armed forces.

Flathead County has spent $80,000 to $90,000 per year over the past few years on veteran burial expenses, according to county finance director Sandy Carlson. She said the policy was fine-tuned because of past issues over reimbursement of the county allowance.

The county’s new policy requires completion of a veteran authorization and claim form. If multiple parties qualify for reimbursement, payment will be made on a first-come, first-served basis based on the date of the application form.

The applicant must provide proof of payment for services before reimbursement will be made. In the case of a prepaid funeral, the surviving spouse is entitled to reimbursement.

If there is no surviving spouse, the deceased’s estate is entitled to reimbursement through probate. No reimbursement will be made to personal representatives or heirs. The new policy further stipulates that no reimbursements will be made to the funeral home or headstone business.

In the coming months, the commissioners, will review the county’s policy for indigent burials for veterans.