Veterans who were discharged other than dishonorably and service members who are still active duty at the time they pass away are also able to receive funeral and memorial related benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
One of those benefits is burial compensation. This is handled in the form of reimbursement, which means families continue with burial services as planned and file for reimbursement. The amount of the burial benefit depends on how, when, and where the person passed away.
- If someone passes away as a result of activity directly connected to military service, the VA will reimburse $2,000.
- If someone passes away and it’s not related to military service, the VA will reimburse $300.
- If someone passes away and it’s not related to military service, but they were hospitalized by the VA at the time, they VA will reimburse $749.
To receive the reimbursement, the family or next of kin must have paid for the services (if services were donated, for example, no reimbursement is allowed). The VA also doesn’t reimburse when the service member was an active member of Congress who was holding office upon death, was a prisoner of the Federal system, or died during active military service. Individuals who pass away during active service or while serving in Congress are eligible for other types of burial and funeral benefits.
Government Headstone, Markers, and Monuments for Veterans
The VA will provide a headstone or marker for veteran grave sites free of charge, and this benefit is not part of the reimbursement for burial expenses. The type of marker depends in part on the family and the cemetery where the veteran is being buried, but loved ones can often choose from granite, marble, or bronze. Even if the veteran or family has already purchased a private marker or headstone, the VA will provide a medallion to place on the site to honor the deceased’s military service.
Eligibility for a headstone requires that the veteran was discharged other than dishonorably or passed away during active duty. If the vet served after September 7, 1980, he or she must have served for at least 24 consecutive months. Eligibility for a medallion requires the same. Families can order a headstone or marker on the VA website.
Veteran Burial in a National Cemetery
There are 135 national cemeteries located throughout the country. Vets and families can check the VA map for the location of all these facilities.
If a veteran qualifies for burial benefits under the VA, they or their family can take advantage of burial services in a national cemetery. If room accommodates, eligible veterans can receive the following burial services free of cost in a national cemetery:
- Opening and closing of the grave site
- Perpetual care of the site
- Government headstone or marker
- Burial flag
- Presidential memorial certificate
These benefits are available for both cremated remains and caskets. For more information about honoring your loved one’s former service to his or her country, talk to Neptune Society at 704-665-4161.
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