Summary
• Eligible veterans may qualify for burial and memorial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if eligibility requirements are met.
• Benefits may include a national cemetery gravesite, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and military funeral honors.
• The National Cemetery Administration oversees burial benefits provided in national cemeteries.
• Funeral homes often assist families with paperwork and coordination of honors.
What Benefits Do Veterans Qualify For, and What Is Included?
Families in Laguna Hills, California, often ask what
veterans’ benefits include when planning a service for a loved one who served. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), honorably discharged veterans, certain reservists, and members of the National Guard may be eligible for burial and memorial benefits.
The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) administers
burial benefits in national cemeteries. If eligible, benefits may include a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, and a government-furnished headstone or marker. A burial flag and Presidential Memorial Certificate are also typically provided.
When burial takes place in a private cemetery, some benefits may still be available, such as a government-issued headstone or marker and burial flag, depending on eligibility.
Military funeral honors generally include the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral directors often assist families by coordinating honors and helping complete required VA documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What benefits are available for veterans’ funerals?
Eligible
veterans may receive burial in a national cemetery, a government-furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors if eligible.
Do all veterans receive military funeral honors?
Most honorably discharged veterans typically qualify for military funeral honors, including the folding of the American flag and the playing of Taps.
Can family members be buried with a veteran?
According to the VA, eligible spouses and certain dependents may be buried with a veteran in a national cemetery, depending on eligibility and space availability.
Written for O'Connor Mortuary, proudly serving families in Laguna Hills with compassion and care.
About O'Connor Mortuary
O'Connor Mortuary is located at
25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653 in Laguna Hills, California, and can be reached at (949) 581-4300. The staff assists families with understanding veterans’ funeral benefits, coordinating military honors, and navigating required VA paperwork.
www.oconnormortuary.com
