Funeral and Burial Benefits

Definition

Funeral and burial benefits refer to financial assistance and services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for eligible veterans and qualifying family members. These benefits may include a gravesite, headstone or marker, burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Additionally, certain veterans may receive monetary allowances toward funeral and burial expenses through the VA.

Key Takeaways

1. Funeral and burial benefits provide financial assistance to the families of deceased veterans for funeral, burial, and transportation costs, ensuring a dignified and respectful internment.
2. These benefits apply to veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable and may include burial in a national cemetery, a burial flag, and a headstone or marker.
3. The VA offers additional benefits for veterans who died from a service-related disability, such as increased financial assistance for funeral and burial costs, as well as dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for eligible surviving spouses, children, and parents.

Importance

The VA benefits term “Funeral and Burial Benefits” is important because it provides critical financial assistance and support to the families of deceased veterans who have honorably served their country.

These benefits not only alleviate the financial burden associated with funeral and burial expenses, but also demonstrate a nation’s gratitude, respect, and recognition of the sacrifices made by veterans throughout their lives.

Moreover, these benefits entail services such as burial flags, headstones or markers, and military funeral honors, contributing to a dignified and fitting tribute for the deceased veteran.

Ultimately, the Funeral and Burial Benefits contribute to honoring the memory of fallen heroes and provide closure for grieving families as they cope with their loss.

Explanation

The primary purpose of Funeral and Burial Benefits, offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is to provide financial and logistical assistance to the families of deceased veterans in order to honor their service and sacrifice to the country. This program aims to ease the burden on grieving family members by offering support in covering the expenses of interment and memorial services for their loved ones.

It acknowledges the immense contributions that the veterans made to their nation and ensures that their remembrance is appropriately recognized and respected. Funeral and Burial Benefits are utilized in various forms, including burial allowances, flags to drape the casket, headstones or markers, and military funeral honors.

The specific benefits provided are determined by factors such as the veteran’s military service, whether they passed away due to a service-related disability, and their discharge conditions. By offering these benefits, the Department of Veterans Affairs not only assists families during their time of need but also perpetuates the memory of the veterans in a dignified and honorable manner.

This reflects the country’s commitment to honoring the service and dedication of its military personnel, even long after their active duty has been fulfilled.

Examples of Funeral and Burial Benefits

Funeral and Burial Benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offer financial assistance and support to eligible veterans, service members, and their families. Here are three real-world examples:

Burial Allowance:The VA provides a monetary burial allowance for an eligible veteran’s family to help cover the cost of a veteran’s burial and funeral expenses. For example, if a veteran dies due to a service-related disability, their family may receive up to $2,000 from the VA to help cover the costs. For non-service-related deaths, the allowance may be up to $796 for funeral and burial expenses, and up to $796 for plot interment expenses (if not buried in a national cemetery).

Burial Flag:The VA provides a United States flag to drape over a veteran’s casket or accompany their urn as a mark of honor for their service. A real-life example might involve a World War II veteran whose family requests a burial flag from the VA. The family can use the flag during the funeral service and then have it folded and presented to them as a keepsake, symbolizing their loved one’s dedication and sacrifice to the country.

National Cemetery Burial:Eligible veterans, service members, and their spouses can be buried in a VA national cemetery. For instance, a Vietnam War veteran passes away and is eligible for this benefit. Their surviving spouse then contacts the VA to arrange for their burial in a national cemetery. The VA covers the costs for the opening and closing of the gravesite, perpetual care, a headstone or marker, and a burial liner. Additionally, the veteran’s spouse will also be eligible for interment in the same cemetery, ensuring they are laid to rest together.

FAQ: Funeral and Burial Benefits

What are VA funeral and burial benefits?

VA funeral and burial benefits are provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs to help cover the expenses of funeral and burial services for eligible veterans and their spouses or dependents. This includes burial in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Who is eligible for VA funeral and burial benefits?

Eligible persons include veterans who were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, their spouses, and dependent children. In some cases, unmarried adult children, parents, or adult siblings of the veteran may be eligible if they meet certain requirements.

How do I apply for VA funeral and burial benefits?

For burial in a VA national cemetery, contact the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117. For burial benefits outside a national cemetery, submit VA Form 21P-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) to the VA office that provided the veteran’s benefits. For a headstone or marker, submit VA Form 40-1330 (Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker) to the VA office that provided the veteran’s benefits.

Are there any monetary benefits for funeral and burial expenses?

Yes, the VA provides a burial allowance for eligible veterans to help cover funeral and burial expenses. The amount varies depending on the circumstances of the veteran’s death and whether they were receiving VA disability compensation or pension at the time of death.

Can a veteran be buried in a private cemetery with VA benefits?

Yes, a veteran can be buried in a private cemetery with VA benefits, such as a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. However, the VA will not cover the cost of the plot or interment fees in a private cemetery.

Related VA Benefit Terms

• Presidential Memorial Certificate
• Headstones and Markers
• Burial Flag
• VA National Cemetery Burial
• Burial Allowance

Sources for More Information

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: National Cemetery Administration
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Disability Compensation
• National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA)
• National Veterans Services Fund, Inc.