In gratitude for their service to the country, the Veterans Administration (VA) provides current and former service members with various burial benefits. However, the reimbursement your loved ones receive after you pass away will depend on distinct factors. Make the funeral arrangement process easier for your family when the time comes by reviewing the guide below to understand these benefits better.

What Are the Different Types of Reimbursement?

Death During Active Duty

If a service member dies during active duty, their military branch will pay all burial expenses. This benefit covers various funeral arrangement services, such as body preparation, caskets or urns, gravesites in a private or national cemetery, and flags. The military will also pay the transportation costs for immediate family members to attend the funeral. The next of kin is also eligible for additional monetary benefits to cover other immediate needs. 

Death Due to Service-Related Injuries or Illnesses

Non-active duty veterans who die of an injury or illness related to their service are entitled to a burial in a national cemetery at no cost. The VA will also pay for a headstone or marker and a flag. In some cases, the cost of transporting the body to the cemetery is also covered.

The veteran's family can receive monetary assistance to cover other funeral expenses, such as caskets or urns. If the service member is buried in a private cemetery, the family would be responsible for the costs of the gravesite. 

Nonservice-Related Deaths

An honorably discharged veteran whose death is nonservice-related is entitled to burial in a national cemetery at no cost, a headstone or marker, and a flag. In some instances, such as if the deceased was receiving a VA pension or disability, the family could be eligible for assistance in covering other expenses. These funeral arrangement costs can include caskets, urns, or burials in private cemeteries.

Are There Benefits if a Veteran's Spouse or Child Dies?

Eligible veterans' spouses and minor children are entitled to burials and markers or headstones in national cemeteries if they pass away. Adult children can only receive these benefits if they are unmarried, disabled, and dependent. However, there are no burial benefits if these family members are buried in private cemeteries.

If you're a veteran with questions about your burial benefits, consult Brown Funeral Homes & Cremations in Martinsburg, WV. From preplanning to immediate needs, these caring professionals help their clients make funeral arrangements to honor the life and service of lost loved ones. Call them today at (304) 263-8896 or visit them online to find out how you can begin arranging your service today to make the funeral planning process easier for your family.