Answers to Your Frequently Asked Questions
Unless otherwise noted, the following Departments are abbreviated to mean:
DVMF – Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families
USDVA – United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families is a Maryland State Government Agency, we collaborate with, but do not have governance over the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA), the USDVA Healthcare Administration, USDVA Benefits Administration or USDVA Cemetery Administration
I have questions about USDVA benefits and military discharge records:
Where can I obtain assistance/information regarding USDVA benefits for myself or my family member?
DVMF Veterans Benefit Specialists (VBS) are located statewide to provide benefits information and assistance to veterans and family members. For best results, DVMF encourages veterans and family members seeking information or assistance to work with an accredited DVMF VBS.
Visit the service program or call 800-446-4926 ext. 6450 for information on benefits and service office locations.
Where can I get a copy of my DD 214 or military separation discharge documents?
Since October 1979, DVMF has been a repository for military separation discharge documents (DD 214). The Department receives only documents for Maryland residents who, at the time of discharge, elected to have a copy sent to DVMF. Contact the Service Program at 800-446-4926 or 410-230-4444 x 6450 to request copies. If a copy is not available, records can be requested by visiting
The National Archives or by submitting
Standard Form (SF 180) to:
National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138
My parent is a veteran. We are seeking supplemental income for them or their surviving spouse to help cover living expenses and/or pay for medical costs. What is Pension and Aid & Attendance? Is my parent eligible?
USDVA Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime veterans. Veterans or surviving spouses who are eligible for USDVA pension and are housebound or require the aid and attendance of another person may be eligible for an additional monetary payment called
Aid and Attendance.
Generally, a veteran must have at least 90 days of active duty service, with at least one day during a wartime period (details) to qualify. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, you must generally have served at least 24 months or the full period called to active duty (with exceptions), plus one day during wartime. In addition to service, the veteran must be age 65 or older, totally and permanently disabled, a patient in a nursing home receiving skilled care, receiving Social Security disability insurance, or receiving Supplemental Security Income.
I have questions about assisted living and skilled nursing care:
Does the USDVA cover the full cost of care for veterans at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home?
The USDVA provides three levels of per diem to veterans who reside in a State Veterans Home:
Assisted Living Care – $62.20 per day (as of October 1, 2024).
Nursing Home Care – $144.10 per day (as of October 1, 2024).
VP1 (≥ 70% service-connected) – full cost of nursing home care (not for assisted living).
Are private rooms available?
Yes. Private rooms are first assigned for medical necessity (e.g., isolation), then to residents who can pay. Medicaid covers a private room only if medically necessary.
Can residents wear personal clothing?
Yes. Residents may wear personal clothing. Laundry can be handled by the Home or the family.
Are spouses of veterans eligible for admission to Charlotte Hall Veterans Home?
Yes. A non-veteran spouse may be eligible if the veteran spouse meets criteria. The non-veteran spouse is
not eligible for USDVA per diem.
Is transportation provided to medical appointments?
Yes. Daily transport to the DC VA Medical Center is free. Other appointments can be arranged, possibly for a fee.
Who can I call to discuss admission?
Call the admissions coordinator at 301-884-8171 ext. 5111.
I have questions about Maryland burial benefits and memorials:
Who is eligible to be interred at the cemeteries?
The DVMF follows USDVA National Cemetery Administration (NCA) criteria. See the
National Cemetery Administration site.
Maryland residents who completed Guard or Reserve service and their dependents may submit for interment in a state veterans cemetery. A fee equal to the annual plot allowance (NCA-set) covers labor, administration, marker/niche cover, casket liner, and perpetual care.
When are the cemeteries open?
Daily gates open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 4:45 p.m. (extended to 8:00 p.m. on Memorial Day).
Do you schedule interments on weekends?
No. Services occur Monday–Friday every 45 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Are graveside services available?
No. Chapels provide brief committal services (≤ 20 minutes). Families may view from the roadside.
What is the floral policy?
Fresh flowers in metal or plastic containers are allowed anytime; glass is prohibited. Unsightly flowers/containers are removed. Artificial flowers and wreaths are allowed November 1–March 31; wreaths/seasonal displays December 1–January 31. Other times, decorations are removed. Potted plants/wreaths are allowed 10 days before and after Easter Sunday and Memorial Day only. Permanent plantings, statues, lights, glass, or religious items are prohibited.
Read more on the policy here.
How are military honors scheduled?
DVMF does not schedule or provide honors. Survivors should request honors through the funeral director.
What are memorial visitation hours?
Sunrise to sunset.
How do I book ceremonies/events at a DVMF memorial?
Contact Jessica Mondowney at [email protected].
Are the memorials owned by Baltimore or Annapolis?
DVMF is responsible for four memorials (Maryland WWII, Vietnam, Korean War, Gold Star Families). The War Memorial Building is jointly managed with Baltimore.
Read more on the Memorial Program here.
I have questions about financial assistance in times of hardship:
Can I apply to the Maryland Veterans Trust Fund for emergency assistance?
No; the Fund is not for emergencies. Review takes ~4 weeks.
What is “temporary” financial assistance?
Help is for a set period (e.g., one month’s rent); after that the applicant must show they can pay on their own.
How long does the process take?
~4 weeks from application to committee review.
Does the Fund assist with buying a new vehicle?
No.
What assistance is most common?
Rent/mortgage and utilities. To learn more, contact DVMF at 410-260-3836
Other questions about veteran benefits and services in Maryland:
I am a disabled veteran; am I eligible for a Maryland property tax exemption?
100% disabled veterans (total/permanent) may get a full exemption on their home and yard. Certain surviving spouses also qualify. An application signed by USDVA verifying disability rating must go to the local tax assessment office.
More info & application here.
Where can veterans/dependents learn about education benefits?
Contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Scholarships include the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship and the Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship.
Learn more here.
Does DVMF help pay funeral expenses?
No; USDVA provides a one-time burial allowance ($300–$2,000). Eligibility requirements apply.
USDVA Burial Compensation Site
I am an employer seeking to hire veterans; who do I contact?
DVMF has no workforce services. Contact your local American Job Center for the USDOL Veteran Program:
contact your closest American Job Center and ask for an LVER.
I have other questions not answered here; who can I contact?
Contact the DVMF Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program at 410-260-3842 or 410-260-3840.
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