DOES VETERAN AFFAIRS PAY FOR FUNERALS?
If you’ve served in the American Armed Forces and passed away, you may be entitled to death benefits for Veterans that will cover the cost of your funeral.Our detailed guide on VA burial benefits can help you understand eligibility and how survivors and Vets can access this allowance.As it stands, these military benefits work as a reimbursement. This means survivors of qualifying Veterans will still have to cover funeral expenses before submitting receipts for a one-time payment from the VA.Keep in mind that while eligible Veterans can receive compensation, along with things such as headstones, markers, etc., they might not cover the full cost of the funeral.On average, funerals cost thousands of dollars. Depending on the nature of your ceremony, costs elevate higher to cover the bells and whistles that may go into honoring a loved one.While Vet death benefits are helpful, it’s also important to plan ahead. Consider saving for final expenses and utilizing tools, such as burial insurance. This is to help pay for the cost of the funeral.
Do All Veterans Get a Military Funeral?
Answering the question, "if a Veteran dies who pays for the funeral" is not as straight forward as you might think. Not all Veterans are eligible for a military funeral. You must meet certain criteria to be buried or receive any sort of benefits from the VA.For the most part, you need to be a Veteran who separated from service with an honorable discharge. Or, you need to be a service member killed while serving to qualify for compensation.Some family members are also eligible but they must meet criteria through honorably discharged Vets or qualifying service members before meeting additional guidelines.Military funerals have their own traditions, such as the playing of “Taps” and specific items used to highlight their service to our nation.Funeral directors are going to be important resources every step of the way for a number of reasons during these trying times:
- Every cemetery and funeral is different. Your funeral director is going to understand the nuances and other details of what it takes to make your celebration of life the best it can be.
- Planning a funeral is stressful for multiple reasons. Utilizing a cemetery or funeral home’s staff is a great way to eliminate some of these stress points. That way you can focus on being there with and for loved ones.
- Finally, military funerals have specifics that facilities handle. They can take care of many of your questions and arrangements while coordinating with the VA.
Can a Spouse Be Buried With a Veteran?
If you are a spouse or a minor child, you can be buried alongside qualifying Veterans. You can also receive compensation for the cost of the funeral. Furthermore, some adult children may also qualify, if they are dependents of the Vet.Minor children can still receive these military benefits even if their parent, the qualifying Vet, passes away before they do.The same considerations, however, should be remembered by all families. Even those who qualify for benefits may not receive adequate compensation to bury everyone without having to cover some of the costs.
Can Spouses Be Buried in a VA Cemetery?
So, if a Veteran dies who pays for the funeral? The VA does. The VA offers burial allowance amounts for service-connected deaths, which provides a maximum of $2,000. This amount varies depending on the year their death occurred. But what about military spouses? Most spouses who qualify for burial benefits from the VA can be buried in national VA cemeteries. In sum, these burial benefits are part of what is earned for fighting as a part of the U.S. military.Related reads:
- Planning the Ultimate Montana Road Trip for Veterans
- Your Guide to VA Burial Benefits in 2024 (Updated)
- VA COMPACT Act – Free Emergency Suicide Care for Vets
Sources:Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery, VA. Accessed May 2024. https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/