Veterans benefits and your funeral service

There is a common belief that the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) pays for all the funeral or cremation arrangements of an honorably discharged veteran. There are certain monetary, recognition, and service benefits that may be available. However, reimbursement for funeral or cremation service expenses is limited, and usually only applies to veterans who retired from the Armed Services, or were disabled due to a service-related injury, or died in a VA hospital or while in a nursing home under VA contract. A veteran is generally entitled to the following burial benefits: a burial flag and a headstone or grave marker. As a standard policy, neither the VA or the various branches of service provide a free casket for a deceased veteran, unless death occurs on active duty.

The American Memorial Plan can help relieve your family from the burden of your funeral or cremation expenses. It is an easy way to ensure that enough funds are available whenever and wherever needed.