VA officials are wanting to inform vets that some of their benefits extend not just during their lifetime, but also after they pass.
And the benefits are being widely underutilized by veterans.
According to officials, only 20% of eligible veterans who died last year were buried in a VA-managed or VA-supported cemetery. This benefit comes free of charge to the families of veterans.
So as the VA pushes to expand awareness of this little-used benefit, we thought we'd compile information for you all about how to take advantage of it.
Some of the most important veteran burial benefits include:
Burial Allowance: This is a lump sum payment to help with burial expenses. The amount of the allowance varies depending on a number of factors, including the veteran’s service status and the location of the burial.
Burial in a National Cemetery: Eligible veterans can be buried in one of the 155 national cemeteries managed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This service is provided at no cost to the veteran’s family.
Headstones and Markers: The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of eligible veterans. The markers can be inscribed with the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service, and dates of birth and death.
Presidential Memorial Certificates: These certificates are signed by the President of the United States and are given to the families of eligible veterans as a symbol of gratitude for their service.
Transportation: The VA will often pay for the transportation of the veteran’s remains from the place of death to the national cemetery.
Flag: The VA will provide a burial flag for eligible veterans. This flag can be used to drape the veteran’s casket or accompany the urn.
Spouse and Dependent Eligibility: Spouses and dependents of eligible veterans may also be eligible for certain burial benefits, including interment in a national cemetery and the issuance of a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
It is important to note that eligibility for veteran burial benefits varies depending on a number of factors, including the veteran’s service status, length of service, and location of burial. To learn more about the eligibility requirements for these benefits, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
In conclusion, the U.S. government provides a variety of benefits to eligible veterans and their families to help with the expenses associated with their burial. These benefits serve as a symbol of gratitude for the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and help to ease the financial burden on their families during a difficult time.