Securing Financial Support for a Veteran's Funeral: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

March 22, 2024

Losing a loved one is an emotionally challenging experience, and when that loved one is a veteran who has served their country, the desire to give them a dignified farewell can be even more profound. However, funerals can be expensive, and many families may face financial constraints during this difficult time. Fortunately, various avenues for financial support are available to help cover the costs of a veteran's funeral. This comprehensive guide will explore the steps and resources families can utilize to obtain the financial assistance they need.

1) Understand the Potential Costs

Before seeking financial support, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the potential costs associated with a veteran's funeral. These costs can vary based on several factors, including the location, type of service, and specific preferences of the family. Some common expenses to consider include:

  • Funeral home services
  • Casket or urn
  • Cemetery or burial plot
  • Headstone or marker
  • Transportation
  • Administrative fees
  • Miscellaneous expenses


By itemizing these costs, you can better assess your financial needs and plan accordingly.


2) Utilize Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

According to AmericanLegion.org, Veterans who die on active duty or with discharges that are other than dishonorable are entitled by law to:

  • Burial in a National Cemetery: A gravesite in any national cemetery with available space, opening, and closing of the grave.
  • Headstone or Marker: A government headstone, marker, urn, or medallion in a national and/or private cemetery.
  • Flag Presentation: A government-issued U.S. flag to drape over the casket and for presentation to the surviving spouse or next of kin.
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate: Families of veterans are eligible to receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate, which is a certificate signed by the President of the United States to honor the veteran's service. This certificate serves as a meaningful keepsake.


So, all veterans with discharges other than dishonorable are eligible for a free, but it has to be in a state or national cemetery - this is not always the preferred choice for veterans or their families. Many families prefer having their loved ones buried close to home - some even have family

plots. In cases such as these, the VA does offer additional burial benefits for individuals who meet eligibility criteria.


Here are some of the key VA benefits for burials in a private cemetery:

  • Burial Allowance: The VA provides a burial allowance to help offset the cost of interment for eligible veterans. This allowance can be used to cover various expenses related to the burial or cremation, including funeral home services, transportation, casket or urn, and administrative fees.
  • Plot Allowance: If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA may provide a plot allowance to help cover the cost of the burial plot. This allowance can be a significant financial assistance, particularly for those who choose private cemeteries.
  • Headstone or Marker: The VA offers a headstone or marker for the veteran's grave, whether they are buried in a national cemetery, state veterans cemetery, or a private cemetery. This includes inscribing the deceased's name, military service information, and an emblem representing their branch of service. However, the VA does not cover transportation and placement of the marker. In most cases, the family must arrange and pay for that.
  • Transportation Reimbursement: The VA may provide reimbursement for transportation expenses if the veteran's death occurred in a VA-approved nursing home or VA hospital. This benefit helps cover the cost of transporting the deceased to a burial location.


Families of eligible veterans typically need to complete VA Form 21P-530, "Application for Burial Benefits," to access these benefits. This form can be obtained from a local VA office or downloaded from the VA website. It's crucial to submit the application along with any required supporting documents, such as proof of the veteran's honorable discharge and a death certificate.


For an individual to be eligible for federal burial benefits for burial in a private cemetery, specific criteria must be met. These requirements include:

  • Veteran's Discharge Status: The deceased veteran must have received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions from their military service. Other discharge statuses, such as dishonorable discharges, are generally not eligible for federal burial benefits.
  • Service-Related Death: The veteran's death must be related to their military service in some way. This means that the death should have resulted from an injury, illness, or condition that can be connected to their service. Alternatively, if the veteran was receiving VA disability benefits at the time of their passing, they are typically considered eligible.
  • VA-Related Burial: To qualify for certain benefits, the deceased veteran must be buried in a cemetery under the jurisdiction of the VA. These include national cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, and tribal veterans cemeteries that have an agreement with the VA.
  • Nonservice-Related Death in a VA Hospital or Nursing Home: If a veteran with a nonservice-related cause of death was residing in a VA hospital or VA-approved nursing home at the time of their passing, they may be eligible for a burial allowance to help cover funeral expenses.


It's important to note that the amount of the burial allowance can vary based on factors such as the veteran's circumstances and whether their death was service-related or nonservice-related.


To ensure the veteran meets all the necessary requirements when applying for federal burial benefits and that you have completed the correct forms, it's advisable to work closely with the VA or seek assistance from a knowledgeable source, such as a VA-accredited service officer or a Funeral Director experienced in handling veterans' funerals. This will help ensure that the process is carried out smoothly and that the veteran receives the honors and benefits they deserve for their service to the nation.


3) Explore State and Local Assistance

In addition to federal VA benefits, many states and local governments offer assistance programs to help cover funeral expenses for veterans. These programs may provide additional financial support or cover specific costs not addressed by federal benefits. To access state and local resources:

  1. Contact Your State's Department of Veterans Affairs: Reach out to your state's Department of Veterans Affairs to inquire about available programs and benefits specific to your region. Each state may have its own eligibility criteria and application process.
  2. Check with Local Veterans' Organizations: Organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and other local veterans' groups may offer financial assistance or support services. These organizations often have dedicated funds to help veterans' families during times of need.


4) Explore Military Service Organizations

Several prominent veterans' service organizations in the United States provide support and assistance to veterans and their families in various ways. While they do not offer direct burial benefits themselves, they can play a crucial role in helping veterans and their families access the burial benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These organizations include:

  • American Legion
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
  • Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
  • Military Order of the Purple Heart
  • Fleet Reserve Association


It's important to note that these organizations primarily serve as resources and advocates for veterans and do not directly provide burial benefits. However, they can be a valuable ally in helping veterans and their families navigate the complexities of VA benefits and ensuring that eligible veterans receive the support and honors they deserve for their service.


When a family is arranging a veteran's funeral, collaborating with these organizations or seeking assistance from their accredited service officers can be a proactive step to ensure that the veteran's burial benefits are properly accessed and that the funeral service includes appropriate honors.


5) Funeral Payment Plans

Many funeral homes offer payment plans or financing options to help families manage the cost of a funeral over time. Discuss your financial situation with the funeral director, and they can help you explore these options. Be sure to ask about any interest or fees associated with payment plans to make an informed decision.


6) Seek Financial Counseling

If you're unsure about how to navigate the financial aspects of a veteran's funeral, consider seeking financial counseling or advice. Financial counselors can help you assess your options, create a budget, and make informed decisions regarding funeral expenses. Nonprofit organizations like the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offer free or low-cost financial counseling services.


7) Review Personal Assets and Life Insurance

Before seeking external financial support, review the deceased veteran's personal assets and any life insurance policies they may have held. These assets and policies may help cover some or all of the funeral costs. Consult with an estate attorney or financial advisor to ensure you maximize the use of available resources.


8) Compare Funeral Service Costs

Compare costs and services from different funeral homes to find the most affordable and suitable option for your needs. Request itemized price lists from funeral homes to make an informed decision.


Arranging a veteran's funeral can be emotionally and financially challenging, but with the right resources and support, families can ensure a dignified farewell for their loved ones. By understanding and accessing VA benefits, exploring state and local assistance programs, engaging with military service organizations, and utilizing crowdfunding and fundraising, families can navigate the financial aspects of a veteran's funeral while honoring the veteran's service to our country. As a compassionate and empathetic Funeral Director, your expertise and guidance are essential in helping families make informed decisions during this difficult time.

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