Veteran Funeral Services
If you have lost a loved one who served their country, you want to make certain that you know what benefits are available. Here are some things you want to know before you start.
Losing a loved one who has served their country is something that can allow you to get help for the burial or cremation process. You want to make certain that you know what to expect and that you are certain your loved one is eligible for the benefits you want for them. If that is something that you are wondering about, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Dover, DE want you to keep in mind.
You want to know what the benefits are for a veteran. A veteran can be buried without cost at a national cemetery or at many state ones. It is important to note that you cannot reserve a location in advance. If you have a local cemetery that you want for your loved one, it can be a good idea to reach out to them and speak with them about the veteran benefits they may offer. In a national cemetery, a veteran is entitled to a free burial, the opening and closing of the grave, a free grave marker, perpetual care, and even a burial flag. If you are not sure about any of this, speak with the VA.
Another thing you may be wondering is if the VA will pay for the funeral or memorial service. Most of the time, they will not. You can pay for the service, as well as for the casket, flower, and transportation, and sometimes you can be reimbursed. This is something that you definitely want to clarify with the VA before making any arrangements.
You want to also know who is eligible for these benefits. A person who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force will be eligible. Their spouses and their small, dependent children can also get these benefits. Many times, members of the National Guard can also get these benefits if they died in the line of duty. In some instances, even the parents of veterans can get some assistance if they pass away. The person has to not have had a dishonorable discharge from service, although there are some instances in which this can also be something you can argue. You want to reach out to the VA to learn about all of the regulations and what you have to provide.
These are some important things you want to remember when getting ready to make arrangements for a loved one who has passed away and who has served their country. There are many benefits that you can expect and you want to definitely reach out to the VA before making any kind of arrangements. If you have more questions or if you want to get started with planning funerary services, you can reach out to a Dover, DE funeral home like us at Bennie Smith Funeral Home. We are here to help you get the exact services you want for your loved one. Stop by one of our locations or call us right now to learn more about what we can offer.