The military provides veterans with a number of benefits and funeral benefits are one of them. It’s vital that veterans and their family members be aware of what these benefits are, and what kind of assistance they can expect from the US government. This guide will give you an understanding of the types of benefits you’re eligible for under various circumstances:

Veterans that have served in the military are eligible to get:

• A burial in any national cemetery at a location of their choice
• Flag
• Marble or granite headstone
• The veteran’s family members aren’t required to bear the costs of opening & closing the grave, setting the grave liner or the grave marker.

For veterans that have died on active duty:

The military will bear all the expenses for the funeral. Their next-of-kin can expect approximately $100,000 in gratuity. The expenses that will be covered include:

• Preparing the veteran’s body
• Transportation to the cemetery
• Cost of the casket
• Cost of adding a marker
• Interment

Veterans that have died outside of active duty but from a service-related injury are assigned a burial allowance of $2,000, which can be used for:

• Engaging the services of a funeral director
• Buying the casket
• Transportation to the cemetery
• The veteran can also be buried at the national cemetery free of cost
• Other expenses will be determined on a case-to-case basis.

For veterans that have died of causes unrelated to their service in the military are eligible for:

• A burial in the national cemetery
• Headstone
• Flag

If you want any additional information about burial for military veterans, contact us at Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and our funeral director can provide all the assistance you need with organizing an elegant burial for your loved one.