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This overview is provided by Unity Mortuary; for more details, ask your Unity grief counselor or mortician..
Veterans
All veterans are entitled to burial in a national cemetery, a grave marker (regardless of the cemetery), and a flag. Spouses and dependent children are also entitled to a lot and marker, but only in a national cemetery. There is no charges for opening or closing the grave, a vault or liner, or setting the marker in a national cemetery. Depending on the circumstances, the family is responsible for all other expenses, including transportation to the cemetery.
- Death during active duty. All funeral expenses will be paid by the military—body preparation, casket, transportation to the place of disposition, interment (if in a national cemetery), and marker. In addition, as of July 2005, and retroactive to October 7, 2001, next-of-kin are entitled to a "death gratuity" of $100,000.
- Death due to a service-related injury. The families of these veterans receive a $2,000 "burial allowance" that may be used to cover some of the funeral director's expenses, the casket, and transportation to the cemetery. If the veteran died occurred in a VA facility, transport of the body to the cemetery will be paid, provided the distance is no farther than the last place of residence. If burial is not in a national cemetery, a $300 "interment allowance" is paid. It is unlikely that this allowance will cover opening and closing or vault charges, or the cost of the lot. Although a marker is available at no charge, the private cemetery will likely have a setting fee.
- Nonservice-related death in a VA facility OR while collecting a VA pension or disability compensation. A $300 "burial allowance" may be used to defray some of the usual funeral expenses, including burial in a private cemetery. Although burial in a national cemetery is free to these veterans, all other mortuary expenses are the responsibility of the family. Transportation to a national cemetery (not farther than the residence of the deceased) will be provided only if the death occurs in a VA facility..
- Death of a veteran outside a VA facility, not receiving military pension or compensation. The $2,000 and $300 burial allowances do not apply, nor is there reimbursement for transportation to the cemetery. The lot in a national cemetery, any required vault, interment, a marker, and flag are the only burial benefits. If interment is in a private cemetery, the family is responsible for the cost of the lot, opening and closing charges, the vault, and any fee charged for setting the government marker, if selected. The family must also bear all other funeral costs.
Spousal and dependent benefits
- A spouse and dependents of an eligible veteran are entitled to burial in a national cemetery even if the veteran is not buried there.
- A spouse who remarries a nonveteran may claim burial rights from the prior marriage.
- Spouses receiving military pay and those who die in a military medical facility are eligible for military transport to the nearest national cemetery or no farther than the last permanent residence.
- Disabled and dependent adult children of veterans are entitled to burial benefits.
Others who may be eligible
A person who has provided military-related service, as well as civilians who were involved with military efforts during war-time, may be eligible for veterans’ burial benefits. Members of the National Guard and Reserves with 20 years of service are eligible. Some Public Health Service personnel are also eligible. If you believe the deceased may be entitled to such benefits, please inquire with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Ineligible persons
- Divorced spouses
- Adult children
- Parents, siblings and others—even if they are dependents
- Those dishonorably discharged
- Those convicted of subversive activities and capital crimes
Markers
Memorials are available to all veterans, spouses, and dependent children buried in a national cemetery and will be set without charge. For veterans who died before September 11, 2001, markers are available, butnot to the spouse or dependents, for use in other cemeteries unless the grave has already been marked by a private memorial. For veterans who died on or after September 11, 2001, the government will provide a headstone even if the grave already has a private marker. The installation cost must be borne by the family when in a non-government cemetery. Several styles of markers are available and must be consistent with existing monuments. Niche markers for cremains are also available.
The inscription must include, in this order, name, branch of service, year of birth, year of death and may include emblem of belief, rank, and decorations earned. At your expense, additional items, such as nickname and terms of endearment, may be added, but must be approved by the VA.
Miscellaneous benefits and other information
- Space in a national cemetery may not be reserved ahead of time; arrangements are made only at the time of death. Therefore, there is no guarantee that spouses can be interred side-by- side.
- Burials in a national cemetery are not usually conducted on weekends.
- National cemeteries provide space for both body burial and cremated remains.
- The cemetery should be contacted regarding gravesite adornments other than natural, cut flowers.
- Military honors or a funeral honor guard may be available from nearby military installations or veterans groups. Fly-overs are reserved for those on active duty at the time of death.
- On request, a flag is provided for the burial of a veteran. Apply through the VA and pick it up at a U.S. Post Office. Family members may consider purchasing a flag case for later display, available through private sources.
- Next-of-kin, other relatives or friends may request a "Presidential Memorial Certificate." More than one may be requested.
- A family may apply directly to the VA for all benefits. Although it may be convenient to let the undertaker do so, you should ask if the mortician charges for submitting claims.
- When the body of a veteran without next-of-kin is unclaimed from a VA facility and the estate is without sufficient assets, the VA will assume responsibility for burial.
- Other than for sea burial, there are NO casket requirements for routine body burial. An undertaker handling the unclaimed body of a vet must supply something more durable than cardboard, unless the body is to be cremated.
- "No-fee" passports are available for family visiting overseas grave-sites or memorials.
- The National Cemetery System can locate anyone interred in a national cemetery. In addition to general vital statistics, you will need to provide the state in which the veteran entered military service.
- There are STATE-run veterans’ cemeteries that may offer the same or similar benefits, with some restrictions. For a listing of VA cemeteries, check http://cem.va.gov
Caution!
The VA has received complaints from veterans who have been approached by commercial funeral businesses that offer free cemetery lots and other so-called veterans benefits. They DO NOT represent the US government! Be sure to ask:
- Must you also purchase another lot?
- Where is it located? How much will it cost?
- Is "perpetual care" additional?
- What are the costs for opening and closing each grave?
- Must certain memorials be purchased through the cemetery?
- What are the costs for setting memorials?
- Is a vault required? Even for cremated remains? May it be purchased elsewhere?
- Are there restrictions regarding markers or plantings?
- What are the "administrative" charges?
- Who owns the cemetery? Are there nearby municipal or religious cemeteries that charge less for the same services?
Burial at Sea
- Burial at sea (or the scattering of cremains) is available to all veterans and dependents, and is provided by the Navy or Coast Guard. A flag is required and, if supplied by the family ,can be returned. If supplied by the Navy, it will not be.
- Because sea burials are done at the convenience of the military, the family may not witness a sea burial.
- Bodies waiting for sea burial must be embalmed to a state of preservation that will last for at least 60 days. (This is accomplished with undiluted embalming fluid.)
- A nonsealing metal casket must be used, bound with six bands of nylon. The casket must carry 150 lbs. of extra weight.
- Twenty two-inch holes must be drilled in the top, bottom, and at each end.
- To reach the regional Veterans office in your area, call 800-827-1000.
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