A guide to funeral benefits, resources for veterans

Many veterans may not fully understand the funeral benefits to which they’re entitled. We take the responsibility of helping veterans receive the benefits they deserve very seriously. For that reason, We’ve compiled this list of Six Important Facts About Your VA Burial Benefits.

Fact 1: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits do not cover all of the funeral or cremation arrangements of honorably discharged veterans.

There are certain monetary, recognition and service benefits that may be available. However, reimbursement for funeral or cremation service expenses is limited, and usually only applies to veterans who:

• Retire from the Armed Services.

• Were disable due to a service-related injury.

• Died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract.

Fact 2: A veteran’s family may request a United States flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

A flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of a deceased veteran. Generally, the flag is given to the next of kin.

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved paper certificate, signed by the current president, to honor the memory of honorably discharged, deceased veterans.

Fact 3: Military Funeral Honors ceremonies must be scheduled in advance.

The law requires that every eligible veteran receive a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag and the playing of taps. Most funeral homes will work with various veterans organizations to assist in the provision of military funeral honors.

Fact 4: If you choose not to be buried in a VA national cemetery, monetary burial benefits are limited.

Veterans buried in a private cemetery may be eligible to receive a partial reimbursement for their burial costs. For non-service related deaths, a burial expense allowance (up to $300) and a plot allowance (up to $300) may be given.

In order to receive a VA burial allowance you must meet the following conditions:

• Payment for the veteran’s burial was made without any reimbursement from a government agency or other source.

• The veteran was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.

In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met:

• The veteran died because of service-related disability.

• The veteran was receiving VA pension.

• The veteran died in a VA hospital.

Fact 5: There are eligibility requirements for burial in a VA cemetery.

Any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who dies while on active duty or any veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable is entitled to burial in a VA cemetery. Under certain conditions, the unremarried surviving spouse and minor children of an eligible person are also entitled to this benefit.

Burial in a VA cemetery includes:

• An assigned grave site (if space if available).

• Opening and closing of the grave.

• A grave liner for casketed remains.

• A government headstone or marker.

• Perpetual care at no cost to the family.

Cremated remains are buried or inurned in VA national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains. It is important to note that you may not reserve a spe-

cific space in a VA cemetery ahead of time since VA cemeteries only allow arrangements to be made at the time of a death. Therefore, if you do not choose burial in a private cemetery, there is no guarantee that spouses or other family members will be buried side by side, or even nearby. Additionally, you should note that burials in VA cemeteries usually are not conducted on weekends and, depending on the VA cemetery, there may be a waiting period before burial can occur. Fact 6: Headstones or markers for a burial space in a private cemetery may be requested.

The VA, upon request, will furnish a government headstone or marker for the grave of any deceased eligible veteran in any cemetery around the world. Upright headstones are available in granite and marble, and flat markers are available in granite, marble and bronze. Niche markers for cremated remains are also available.

For more information, or to obtain any necessary forms and paperwork, contact Gross Funeral Home to request a free Veterans Planning Guide.