VA Burial Benefits Fact Sheet: Losing a loved one who served in the armed forces may be quite distressing, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) understands how vital it is to honour them with dignity. This fact sheet summarizes the VA’s funeral benefits, which are meant to relieve some financial burden on families in such challenging circumstances.
Thanks to the VA, veterans, their spouses, and, in certain cases, their children, are qualified for burial at national cemeteries. Though the VA provides these services, they cannot guarantee interment in a specific cemetery. The VA’s guidelines define eligibility and ensure veterans get the respect they deserve.
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Veterans and their families can pre-apply for burial in a national cemetery to ensure peace of mind. You can determine your pre-need eligibility online or by mailing your application to P.O. Box 5237, Janesville, WI 53547, which is the NCA Intake Center. A pre-need decision letter will be sent out if it is accepted. When necessary, this letter should be distributed to family members to help with the procedure.
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The memorial benefits offered by the VA cover a range of services to guarantee a dignified and enduring remembrance:
- National Cemetery Burials: Burials in national cemeteries are subject to many regulations, such as gravesite opening and closure hours, inscriptions on headstones or markers, burial flags, Presidential Memorial Certificates, and ongoing site maintenance.
- Casket vs Cremation Burials: There are options for both conventional casket burials and cremation services.
- Burials at Private Cemeteries and Allowances: The VA may offer headstones, monuments, or medallions, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate to those who choose private cemetery interment. Burying allowances may also be provided to assist with funeral expenses.
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If a pre-need decision letter is present, it will determine how to schedule a burial at a national cemetery when the time comes. In recognition of the veteran’s service, the VA provides free burial and memorial services to veterans who have received pre-need approval. These services are also available to spouses and kids.
The necessary paperwork (DD-214 form or other discharge documents) must be faxed to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 866-900-6417 to plan a burial. Next, call 800-535-1117, Option 1, to make an appointment.
Go to VA.gov/burials-memorials for additional details on VA memorial benefits. This website provides comprehensive instructions on how to benefit from the benefits that are offered to veterans and their families.
