Quick summary: Eligible veterans may qualify for funeral and burial benefits determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Military funeral honors include folding and presenting the flag and the playing of Taps, at no cost.
- Burial in a national or state veterans cemetery can include the gravesite, marker, burial flag, and perpetual care.
- A private-cemetery burial may still qualify for a government marker, burial flag, and memorial certificate.
- Eligibility rules and allowances can change, so confirm current details with the VA.
Veterans who served our country may be eligible for a range of funeral and burial benefits, and their families are often unaware of what is available. Understanding these benefits ahead of time helps ensure a veteran receives the honors they earned. Here is a general overview of what eligible veterans and their families should know.
Please note: eligibility and benefits are determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and can change. Always verify current details with the VA or a knowledgeable funeral director.
Military funeral honors
Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors, a dignified ceremony that traditionally includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the family and the playing of Taps by at least a two-person uniformed detail. These honors are provided at no cost and can be requested through your funeral home, which typically coordinates with the appropriate military branch.
Burial in a national or state veterans cemetery
Many veterans are eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery or a state veterans cemetery. Benefits associated with national cemetery burial commonly include:
- The gravesite itself
- Opening and closing of the grave
- A government headstone or marker
- A burial flag
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
Eligible spouses and dependents may also be buried in a national cemetery, often alongside the veteran.
Benefits for burial in a private cemetery
If a family chooses a private cemetery instead, the veteran may still be eligible for certain benefits, such as a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. Some families combine a private graveside service with military honors provided by the service.
Possible financial allowances
In certain circumstances, the VA provides burial allowances that may help with funeral and burial costs, particularly for service-connected deaths or for veterans who meet specific criteria. Because eligibility rules are detailed and subject to change, families should confirm what applies to their situation directly with the VA.
Documents you will need
To access veterans’ benefits, families typically need proof of military service — most importantly the veteran’s discharge papers (DD Form 214). It is wise to keep this document in a safe, known place. If it cannot be located, the funeral home or the National Archives can help request a copy.
How a funeral home helps
An experienced funeral home routinely helps families arrange military honors, coordinate with national cemeteries, request burial flags and markers, and complete the necessary paperwork. This guidance ensures nothing is overlooked during an emotional time and that the veteran is honored properly.
Planning ahead for a veteran’s honors
Families can make the process far smoother by gathering key information in advance. Keep the veteran’s discharge papers (DD Form 214) in a safe, known location, along with a record of their service branch and dates of service. If your loved one is pre-planning their own arrangements, they can note their wish for military honors and, if desired, burial in a national or state veterans cemetery, so nothing is left to guesswork. Letting your funeral director know of a veteran’s service early allows them to coordinate honors, flags, and cemetery arrangements in good time. Taking these small steps ahead of need ensures the recognition a veteran earned is fully in place when the family needs it most.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible for military funeral honors? Generally, veterans who served and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The VA determines eligibility.
Is there a cost for the flag or honors? The burial flag and standard military funeral honors are provided at no charge to eligible veterans’ families.
What if we can’t find the DD-214? A funeral director can help you request a copy, or the family can obtain records through the National Archives.
SF Mortuary in Auburn is proud to help veterans’ families in Placer County arrange the honors their loved ones earned. Call us at 530-889-0767 for compassionate guidance, or learn more about our funeral home services.
