Military funeral benefits and family benefits

Between the many forms and requirements for military funeral honors, beginning end-of-life arrangements for a veteran can be a confusing process.

You don’t have to do it alone – it’s best to consult your local funeral director or cemetery professional who will help you cut through the red tape. It is their responsibility to stay up-to-date on memorialization benefits for veterans and their families.

Here is a quick guide on the type of benefits you can inquire about.

Veteran interment benefits

Veterans who are interred in private cemeteries may be eligible to receive complimentary memorial items in honor of their service. Below, you’ll find the documents and basic requirements for applying to each benefit.

Before you begin, remember to consult with your funeral director or cemetery professional – they have a wealth of experience concerning this process and will save you time and effort.

Burial flag
Document requirements:

• VA Form 27-2008

Your funeral director will help you obtain a burial flag; check with them, and they may ask you to fill out the VA Form 27-2008. You can also print out the form and bring it to your local Veterans Affairs (VA) office or United States post office.

Commemorative urn or plaque
Document requirements:

• VA Form 40-1330UP

Interment rules for urns and plaques are strict: If the family requests a commemorative urn or plaque, the VA is prohibited by law from also providing a headstone, marker, or medallion. So, if loved ones request a commemorative urn or plaque, they must be certain of their decision, as it cannot be undone.

The VA will only provide one urn or plaque per veteran, and the recipient must confirm that they are in possession of all of their loved one’s ashes (a portion cannot be interred elsewhere).

Headstone, marker, or medallion
Document requirements:

• Veteran’s DD-214
• VA Form 40-1330 (headstone or marker)
• VA Form 40-1330M (medallion)

The VA may provide a headstone (granite or marble), flat marker (granite, marble, or bronze), or bronze niche marker. Note that these headstones and markers do not allow for customization aside from emblems of belief. Titles and nicknames must be approved by the VA.

Presidential Memorial Certificate:
Document requirements:

• Veteran’s DD-214
• VA Form 40-0247
• Certified copy of Death Certificate

Contact your funeral director for information on applying for a Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Note: This should not be considered a comprehensive list of requirements. Consult with your funeral director or cemetery professional to make the proper arrangements.

Benefits for next-of-kin

Burial allowance
The person who is paying for a veteran’s funeral and interment services may be eligible for a Veteran burial allowance. Visit the VA website and the Burials and Memorials section to see if your/your loved one’s situation qualifies.

According to the VA, if you’re claiming a burial allowance for a non-service-connected death or unclaimed remains,you must file a claim within 2 years after the Veteran’s burial.

Bereavement counseling
The spouse, child, or parent of a departed veteran may qualify for free bereavement counseling with trained counselors.

This service is available to the family members of:

• Armed Forces personnel who died in service
• Reservists and members of the National Guard who die while on duty
• Veteran who was receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran’s death (if the death was unexpected or occurred while the eligible individual was receiving hospice or similar care)
• Veterans and service members who die by suicide

Bereavement counseling is available at local Vet Centers or through telehealth. Visit VetCenter.VA.gov to locate a Vet Center near you, or call 1-877-927-8387.

Headstone, marker, medallion
The VA does not provide a headstone, marker, or medallion to the spouse or dependent if they are interred in a private cemetery.

Learn more
Visit the VA website and its Benefits for Family and Caregivers section for additional information about Survivors Pension and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

Also, be sure to review our article on military funeral FAQs.

Photo: AI generated A US Soldier Sharing a Heartfelt Moment with Her Son, Embodying Strength and Love Stock photos by Vecteezy