Each November, our nation observes Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifices of those in the U.S. Armed Forces. For veterans and their families, discussing end-of-life plans is an important consideration, though often surrounded by misconceptions and unanswered questions.
To help clarify these details, Karin Mikkelsen, Funeral Director Intern at Harper Ridgeview Funeral Home, shares key information about memorial benefits available to veterans and their families.
Mikkelsen explains that there is sometimes confusion over which funeral expenses the Veterans Administration (VA) will cover. A common misconception is that the VA covers all funeral costs, but this isn’t the case. While some financial assistance may be available, eligibility requirements mean that assistance is typically partial and provided as a reimbursement to the family, with the amount varying based on individual circumstances.
For instance, the VA may cover certain expenses if a veteran passes away in a VA hospital or while en route to a hospital. Additionally, veterans who became disabled due to a service-related injury with a disability rating of at least 30 percent may qualify. “The primary criteria include being killed in action, being a retiree receiving a pension, or having a 30 percent or greater service-connected disability,” Mikkelsen says.
Families of veterans who qualify for these benefits can receive reimbursement once the required documentation, including the DD-214, VA Burial Allowance application, death certificate, and the funeral home’s Statement of Goods and Services (showing expenses have been paid), is submitted to a regional VA center.
Veteran services
Families of deceased veterans may receive military funeral honors at no cost, which can take place at a cemetery, church, or even a private venue. These honors typically involve a two-person military team from the veteran’s branch who present a flag to the next of kin and play TAPS. For veterans with a substantial military history, full honors often include a seven to ten-member team who serve as pallbearers, a bugler, and a rifle team for a 21-gun salute.
Additional benefits include a burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, and a VA Memorial Marker or headstone (or medallion, if the burial is in a private cemetery). For those choosing burial in a National Cemetery, the VA provides burial spaces, headstones, and markers at no cost for both casketed and cremated remains, covering the veteran, their spouse, and any dependent adult children. As a full-service funeral home, Harper Ridgeview Funeral Home assists veterans in accessing these memorial benefits.
Mikkelsen emphasizes the importance of pre-planning for both veterans and non-veterans. By planning ahead, you can ensure your wishes are fulfilled and protect your family from inflation and financial stress during a difficult time.
To learn more about Harper Ridgeview Funeral Home and pre-planning arrangements, reach out to their supportive team at (360) 452-9701 or visit www.peninsulafuneralhomes.com
