Veterans Benefits
For Non-Service Related Deaths of Veterans
For deaths on or after October 1st, 2011, VA will pay up to $700 toward burial and funeral expenses (if hospitalized by VA at time of death), or $300 toward burial and funeral expenses (if not hospitalized by VA at time of death), and a $700 plot-interment allowance, if not buried in a National Cemetery. For deaths on or after December 1, 2001 but before October 1st, 2011, VA will pay up to $300 toward burial and funeral expenses and a $300 plot-interment allowance.
For Service-Related Deaths of Veterans
VA will pay up to $2000 toward burial expenses for deaths on or after September 11th, 2001. VA will pay up to $1500 for deaths prior to September 10th, 2011. If the veteran is buried in a VA National Cemetery, some or all of the costs of transporting the deceased may be reimbursed.
U.S. Flag
An honorably discharged veteran is entitled to a U.S. flag provided by the Veterans Administration.
Headstone or Marker
In a National Cemetery, a veteran, spouse of veteran, and dependent children receive a free headstone/marker. For burial in a private cemetery, a simple marker for veterans only will be provided.
Burial/Inurnment in a National Cemetery
Free space is available for a veteran, spouse, and dependent children (except Arlington). At the time of death, we will notify the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Most of our local veterans chose the Jacksonville National Cemetery, a brand new facility, in Jacksonville, FL. for this privilege. We can arrange for military honors to be rendered during the pavilion ceremony. Family members are not allowed to accompany the deceased to the actual burial site in the cemetery or the columbarium for cremains. They are provided a covered pavilion to hold services in the cemetery. These services are limited to 30 minutes due to the volume of veterans being served by this facility. We recommend this time be reserved for military honors to be rendered and that funeral services be held in our facility or at the church of your choice.
We will require a valid DD214 stating the veterans honorable discharge to be able to pursue these benefits on your behalf. This must be presented at the arrangement conference in order for us to schedule these in a timely manner.
If you have any questions about the above please visit www.va.gov
for more information.