Preparing for the Future

It can be hard to keep up with the benefits afforded to veterans and their families. Planning for the future is one of the best things a veteran can do to guarantee that they and their family are given all of the support they're eligible for and keep the process simple when the time comes. With the help of NeptuneSociety, we've created a list of what to know about preplanning for a cremation or burial.

What You Need to Know

Veteran benefits are different than those of active service members

Veteran benefits only apply to those who are fully out of the service, and typically only to those whose DD Form 214 records a discharge status that is not dishonorable.

Families of veterans do have access to some benefits

Some of the survivor and dependent benefits include pension payments, help with home loans, and educational assistance programs. These benefits can be impacted by remarriage, disability statuses, and dependent statuses.

Dependency and Indemnification Compensation

Spouses and children of veterans can apply for DIC benefits if the veteran passes away due to a service-related injury or illness. This benefit also applies to the families of those who are killed in the line of duty. Eligibility requirements are very specific, though, and can be found on the VA website.

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

This scholarship is one of the benefits provided to surviving spouses and children of those who pass away during active military service, but it is not for the survivors of veterans.

What memorial benefits are guaranteed?

By federal law, here are the memorial benefits guaranteed to eligible veterans:

Representation by the appropriate military branch at the funeral or memorial.
Presentation of a memorial flag.
Taps played at the service
A government headstone or marker
A Presidential certificate
If desired, a place in a national cemetery

Burial in a national cemetery

While a veteran can pre-confirm eligibility for their benefits and can prepay for services via a provider, burial plots in national cemeteries cannot be reserved and are granted as the need arises and if the cemetery in question has room. Eligibility documentation must also be submitted and approved by the National Cemetery Scheduling Office. The costs of transportation and burial in a national cemetery are completely covered under the veteran's benefits.

Assistance with cremation costs

The VA provides a $300 reimbursement benefit that can be used toward the costs of cremation. Providers should also be alerted if a family believes they might need assistance with cremation costs so that any necessary action can be made in a timely manner.

How to apply for veteran funeral benefits

To request reimbursement for burial expenses from the VA, families can fill out the VA Form, Application for Burial Allowance. To request military honors, families must contact the specific branch the veteran served under. Funeral directors can also help with these processes.