When a U.S. service member is killed on duty, his family is entitled to an array of benefits.

Among other help, the family can receive a one-time payment of $12,000, burial benefits, life insurance proceeds, and at least $967 a month in survivor compensation. In some cases, the Department of Veterans Affairs also will pay $241 a month for each child left without a parent.

But, due to the vagaries of regulations and individual circumstances, the amount a surviving family receives varies and, in many cases, does not stretch far enough to cover a family's expenses.

Across the country, some friends, relatives and co-workers of troops who have fallen in Iraq have set up funds for the bereaved families or for their children's educations.

There also are several national groups that help military families in need, and, in some cases, accept donations from the public. Among them are:

» Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. Provides unrestricted grants to families of fallen troops. 212-245-0072. On the Web: www.intrepidmuseum.org/foundation_heroesfund.html

» Fallen Patriot Fund. Provides financial grants to the families of those killed or seriously injured in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Call 214-658-7125. On the Web: www.fallenpatriotfund.org

» Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Provides services to all who have lost a loved one while serving in the U.S. armed forces. 1-800-959-TAPS (8277). On the Web: www.taps.org

» Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Provides financial assistance and emergency grants to families and survivors. On the Web: www.nmcrs.org