For families of veterans, some of the most meaningful and financially significant benefits available at the time of death are the ones no one ever told them about. Military funeral benefits are real, substantial, and often completely overlooked because families do not know to ask.
If someone in your family served in the United States military, this is worth reading carefully. These benefits can reduce or eliminate a significant portion of the costs associated with a burial or cremation.
Who Qualifies
Eligibility for military funeral benefits is generally available to veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. This includes veterans of wartime and peacetime service, members of the National Guard and Reserve in many circumstances, and in some cases, spouses and dependents of qualifying veterans.
The VA determines eligibility on a case-by-case basis. If you are unsure whether a deceased family member qualifies, the VA can help you determine this. The process for checking is simpler than many people expect.
Burial in a National Cemetery
One of the most significant benefits available is the right to be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost. This covers the cost of the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, liner, and perpetual care of the grave. Eligible veterans can also be buried at no cost in a state veterans cemetery, of which there are now more than 100 across the country.
For families who have been researching cemetery costs and facing numbers like $3,000 to $10,000 just for a burial plot in a private cemetery, this benefit is significant. It removes what is often one of the largest single line items from the total cost of burial.
Spouses and dependent children of qualifying veterans may also be eligible for burial in a national or state veterans cemetery.
The Burial Allowance
For veterans who served during certain periods or whose death was connected to their service, the VA offers a burial allowance that can help offset funeral home costs. For veterans who die while receiving VA care, there is a separate burial benefit. The amounts change periodically, so contacting the VA directly for current figures is the most reliable approach.
The burial allowance is not automatic. It requires an application, and there is a time window for filing. Families should submit the application as soon as possible after the death to ensure eligibility.
Headstones, Markers, and Presidential Memorial Certificates
The VA provides a headstone or marker at no cost for eligible veterans buried in any cemetery, not just national or state veterans cemeteries. This can be a flat grave marker, an upright headstone, or a niche marker for a columbarium. Families are responsible for the cost of placing the marker, but the marker itself is provided.
Presidential Memorial Certificates, which are signed documents expressing the nation's gratitude for the veteran's service, are available to the next of kin of eligible veterans. They are not financial benefits, but many families treasure them as part of how they honor the service of someone they loved.
Military Funeral Honors
All eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. At minimum, this consists of two uniformed military members folding and presenting the American flag to the family and the playing of Taps, either by a bugler or through a recording. For veterans who served in specific branches or at higher ranks, additional honors may be available.
Families need to request military honors through the funeral home. The funeral director coordinates with the appropriate branch of service. Giving as much advance notice as possible helps ensure that the honors are arranged in time.
How to Access These Benefits
The funeral home you work with should be familiar with VA benefits and can assist with coordination. The VA website and the National Cemetery Scheduling Office are the official resources for confirming eligibility and making arrangements. If a family member served and you are not sure what benefits apply, calling the VA is the right first step. These are benefits that were earned through service and waiting to be claimed.
