What to Know About Funeral Benefits for Veterans

Honoring a loved one who served in the United States Armed Forces is an important responsibility. Many families may not realize that eligible veterans are entitled to special funeral and burial benefits recognizing their military service. Understanding these benefits can help families make informed decisions while creating a meaningful tribute.The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides several burial and memorial benefits for qualifying veterans. These may include burial in a VA national cemetery, a government-provided headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.For eligible veterans buried in a national cemetery, benefits generally include the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a burial liner, and ongoing cemetery maintenance at no cost to the family. Some spouses and dependent family members may also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.Military funeral honors are another meaningful benefit. Eligible veterans may receive a cer