Veteran Benefits

When deciding on the kind of funerary services that a loved one will receive, you want to take into consideration whether they were a veteran. A veteran can receive a number of funerary benefits, so it is something that you want to check. If this is something that you are worried about or if you do not know what options are available, it can help to reach out to a funeral home in DeWitt, NY for more information.

You want to always make sure you know who is eligible for these benefits. If the person served in the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard and they had a general discharge, then they are eligible to receive benefits. If your loved one received a dishonorable discharge, they are usually not eligible but you want to check with the VA, since there are some cases where they can be. Also, if your loved one was a member of the National Guard and they died on duty, they may also be eligible. The spouses and small children of the veteran also can have these benefits. In some instances, even the parents of the veteran can receive them.

Another thing that you want to know is the kind of options that you can expect your loved one to be entitled to. A veteran can receive a burial in a national cemetery at no cost, which includes the opening and closing of the grave, the grave marker, perpetual care, and a number of other things. Be sure to remember that you cannot reserve a space in advance at a national cemetery, so your loved one may not get buried where they would have preferred. There are state cemeteries that you can choose for this, as well.

It is also important to remember that the benefits do not usually cover the funeral or memorial service. Sometimes, the costs of these can be reimbursed, but that is something that needs to be checked with the VA. They will let you know if it is possible to be reimbursed for the flowers, casket, transportation, and the actual service. This goes case by case, so take the time to speak with experts about this before starting any kind of plans.

When deciding on how to honor a loved one who was a veteran and who deserves the right tribute for their service, these are all things you want to remember. You need to consider that speaking with the VA about benefits for veterans is crucial. They will be able to guide you in this and they will be able to make certain that you get the information you need before you start making plans. If your loved one is eligible for benefits, these can really go a long way into helping you make the arrangements you want for them. You can learn more about all of this by reaching out to a DeWitt, NY funeral home like us. We are here to help you with the options that you want for your loved one, so do not hesitate to reach out. Give us a call today to speak with one of our experts.