Important Benefits for Veterans

When making arrangements for a loved one who died, it can be important to consider if they were a veteran. If they served their country, they may be eligible to receive some veteran benefits. For those who are struggling with the arrangements or who want to know more about what to expect, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Post Falls, ID want you to know about veteran funerary benefits. 

You want to have an idea of what benefits the VA offers. A veteran can get buried in a national cemetery at no cost, and they can receive a grave marker or stone, perpetual care, free opening and closing of the grave, and a number of other honors. There are also some state cemeteries that work with the VA to offer these options. Keep in mind that you cannot reserve a space in advance. There can be limited spaces, too, so you may not be able to choose the national cemetery you may want for your loved one. Reach out to the VA to know more about the options you have. 

You also want to make sure that your loved one is eligible for these services. A veteran who received a general discharge from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard can receive funerary benefits. If your loved one served in the National Guard and died on duty, then they, too, are entitled. If the person received a dishonorable discharge, this usually means they are no longer eligible, but there are exceptions, so reach out to the VA to find out for certain. The spouses and small children of veterans can receive these benefits, and many times, the parents, as well. The most important thing is to speak with the VA and confirm that your loved one is eligible. 

When making arrangements, you want to be sure that you also know that there are some things that the VA cannot cover. They will not pay for the actual funeral or memorial service. This includes the casket, the flowers, the rental of the space, or the transportation of the service. Many times, the VA will reimburse you for these options, but you do want to ask before you make any kind of arrangements. These are important things to consider. 

When deciding if your loved one can receive veteran benefits, these are all crucial things to consider. It can be important that you take the time to reach out to experts who know about these arrangements so that you can make the right choice for yourself and for your family. You do not want to run the risk of choosing an option for someone who is not eligible, so check with the VA if your loved one can receive these benefits. You can start making the arrangements by contacting a Post Falls, ID funeral home like us. We are here to help you with all of the plans you want to make for your loved one. Call us now to learn more.