Five Common Questions (And Answers) About Veterans Burial Benefits

By: Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services
Sunday, July 14, 2019

Funerals, memorials and celebrations of life offer opportunities to honor and recognize a service member’s heroism and contributions. Whether you’re making final arrangements for a deceased veteran or are a veteran making your own funeral arrangements, this article will help you to determine which of the many benefits to which you may be entitled.

From burial allowances to 21-gun salutes, military service members and their families have a lot more options that you may realize. Here are five frequently asked questions about veteran’s burial benefits:

1.     What documentation is required to verify military service? A “Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States” (discharge papers) is required to verify military service. This report, also known as the DD214, or its equivalent must be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If this report isn’t available, a Standard Form 180 can be sent to the Military National Personnel Record Center. A copy of the Report of Separation will then mailed to the veteran, deceased veteran’s next of kin, or other persons or organizations that are authorized to receive it. Your funeral director will be happy to assist you with securing, competing and submitting all required forms.

2.     What are military funeral honors? All active service members and veterans who did not receive a dishonorable discharge are entitled to free military funeral honors. The ceremony involves draping an American flag over the casket or beside the urn and the playing of Taps by a lone bugler or a recording. After Taps is played, two uniformed military personnel honor the veteran by folding the flag and presenting it to the next of kin. A rifle volley, also known as a 21-gun salute, may also be requested.

3.     What type of reimbursement or allowance does the VA provide for funeral expenses? The VA offers an allowance to cover a portion of funeral and burial/cremation costs. If a veteran dies due to a service-connected cause, the family of a veteran may be eligible for an allowance of up to $2,000. For a non-service-connected death, the VA will pay a smaller specified amount to the family. Interment, burial/cremation and funeral allowance amounts are dependent on a number of factors, including the date of death and whether or not the veteran was under VA hospital care at the time.  For the most updated information, please review the Veterans Affairs fact sheet.

4.     Are veterans required to be buried in a National Cemetery? Veterans and active duty military are free to be laid to rest in any cemetery of their choosing, not just a military-specific burial place. In the U.S., there are 135 National Cemeteries located in 40 states. Veterans who were discharged in any way but dishonorable, active duty military personnel, spouses, and their children may all be laid to rest in one of these cemeteries. Burial in a National Cemetery requires specific documentation regarding the deceased’s discharge, branch and service. When submitting the paperwork to the VA, you can express your preference for a specific National Cemetery, but there’s no guarantee of availability in that location.

5.     Who’s eligible to receive a headstone or grave marker? Even if your veteran loved one is being buried in a private cemetery, the VA can furnish a veteran’s headstone or grave marker at no cost. Headstones and markers are available in bronze, granite, or marble. If you choose to purchase your own headstone or marker, you can request a free bronze medallion to affix to it. These medallions are inscribed with the word “Veteran” at the top and include the individual’s branch of service at the bottom.

At Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services, we value the many sacrifices our veterans and their families have made in order to preserve our freedom. With decades of experience planning funerals for thousands of service members, we are experts in making sure the veterans in our care receive the deeply respectful, dignified funeral honors they deserve. If you need assistance planning a military funeral for a loved one, please reach out to our caring, attentive staff. It’s always our pleasure to serve you.

About Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services: As a leading African American-owned and operated funeral and cremation organization serving  three states, Batchelor Brothers Funeral Services has provided a ministry of care to thousands of grieving families. We promise to provide our highest level of distinguished service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved one. In all aspects of the funeral process, we strive to be the absolute best and are honored to help preserve our clients’ legacies for future generations. With three convenient locations serving both North and West Philadelphia, as well as Trenton and Drexel Hill, it is always our pleasure to be of service. Please visit our website for more information.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Do You Know the Hidden Hazards? Six Surprising Ways Pneumonia Can Develop

Do You Know the Hidden Hazards? Six Surprising Ways Pneumonia Can Develop   From unseen hazards to surprising sources, the ways pneumonia can develop are wider-ranging than you may think. P...

Honor Departed Loved Ones This Thanksgiving with These Heartwarming Gestures

Honor departed loved ones this Thanksgiving by incorporating special traditions that remind you of their enduring love and presence. Thanksgiving is a time to come together with loved ones and giv...

Creating Meaningful Veterans Day Tributes at Home and in the Community

Veterans Day tributes can deepen our connection to these military heroes, allowing us to celebrate their sacrifices and contributions. Whether through heartfelt gestures at home or community-orien...

Seven Essential Tips for Managing Family Conflict after

When managing family conflict after loss, it's important to approach these moments with patience and empathy. Disagreements among family members are common following the passing of a loved one. He...

Seven Tips for Creating a Meaningful Autumn Memorial Service

By embracing the essence of fall, an autumn memorial service can create a comforting space for healing. Nature is a wonderful source of inspiration for funeral services. The fall season, in partic...

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Get the Facts and Help Save Lives

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a call to action for education, prevention, and support. Every October, Americans recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a national campaign that promotes breast...

Funeral Directors: What They Do and How They Help During Difficult Times

Most of us are unaware of the invaluable services funeral directors provide, bridging the gap between sorrow and healing. The role of the funeral director may seem simple, but its complex and mult...

Choosing a Funeral Celebrant? Here are Five Important Things to Know.

If you are responsible for choosing a funeral celebrant, seek someone who can provide a comforting presence and navigate the complexities of organizing a meaningful service. Selecting the individu...

It’s Healthy Aging Month: Eight Practical Ways to Boost Your Wellbeing

This Healthy Aging Month, discover how simple lifestyle changes can unlock the door to a more fulfilling life as you age. September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to promote ways for people to sta...

Seven Common Misconceptions about Hospice Care Explained

Misconceptions about hospice care often stem from a lack of accurate information and awareness. The many inaccuracies surrounding hospice care create unnecessary fear and reluctance at a challengi...