What Benefits Do Veterans Qualify For, and What Is Included?
Summary
• Eligible veterans may receive burial in a national cemetery, a government-furnished marker, a burial flag, and military honors if eligible.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provide burial and memorial benefits at no cost.
• Funeral homes often assist families with required applications and coordination of military honors.
• Spouses and certain dependents may also qualify for burial benefits depending on eligibility.
What Benefits Do Veterans Qualify For, and What Is Included?
Families in Athens often ask what veterans’ benefits include when planning a meaningful farewell for a loved one who served. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), honorably discharged veterans, certain reservists, and National Guard members may qualify for burial and memorial benefits recognizing their service.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) oversees burial benefits in national cemeteries, which may include a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, and a government-furnished headstone or marker, along with a burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate.
When burial takes place in a private cemetery, certain benefits may still apply, including a government-issued headstone or marker and burial flag if eligible.
Military funeral honors typically include the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral homes assist families by coordinating honors and completing required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits are available for veterans’ funerals?
Eligible veterans may receive burial in a national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors if eligible.
Do all veterans receive military funeral honors?
Most honorably discharged veterans typically qualify for military funeral honors, including the folding of the American flag and the playing of Taps.
Can family members be buried with a veteran?
According to the VA, eligible spouses and certain dependents may be buried with a veteran in a national cemetery, depending on eligibility and space availability.
Written for Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, proudly serving families in Athens with compassion and care.
About Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes
Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes is located at 4355 Lexington Rd, Athens, GA 30605 and can be reached at 706-546-1587. The staff assists families in Athens, Georgia, with understanding veterans’ funeral benefits, coordinating honors, and navigating required VA paperwork.
