Veterans Entitled To Memorial and Burial Services

Did you know that qualified active duty, reserve, and Veterans and there families are eligible for Memorial and Burial services? These include burial in any of the 120 national cemeteries.

To be eligible for burial services, you must be a qualifying member of one of the following groups:

• Veterans & members of the armed forces
• Members of Reserve components and Reserve Officers’ training
• Commissioned Officers of NOAA
• Public Health Service
• World War II Merchant Mariners
• The Philippines Armed Forces
• Spouses & dependents

The VA will pay up to $1500 for service-related deaths prior September 10, 2001, and up to $2000 for service-related deaths on or after September 11, 2001. If they are buried in one of the 120 VA national cemeteries, some or all of the transporting of the deceased costs may be reimbursed.

The VA will pay up to $300 towards burial and funeral expenses, and a $300 plot-interment allowance for non service-related deaths.

On the day of the funeral, funeral honors can be provided by the Department of Defense at no cost, if requested by the family. These honors include Flag presentation and folding, and the playing of Taps.

The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in national, state veteran or federal cemeteries. Flat and upright markers are available. Niche markers also are available to mark columbaria used for the inurnment of cremated remains.

Retirees are not eligible for the full range of mortuary benefits at Government expense unless, while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days, they become an inpatient in a U.S. government hospital, are retired while an inpatient, and die before being discharged from the hospital.

Families should prepare in advance by discussing cemetery options, collecting the veteran's military information including discharge papers (DD-214 form), and by contacting the cemetery where burial is desired.

For the complete discussion about VA Memorial Benefits, go to http://www.military.com/benefits/burial-and-memorial .