As a member of the armed forces, people are entitled to veteran benefits when they die. If you have a loved one who has died recently and who is a veteran, the best thing you can do before making any arrangements is to learn about the options that the VA has. Here are some things that providers of cremation services in Mount Healthy, OH want you to keep in mind about veteran benefits.

When you start thinking about these benefits, it can be helpful to first know who is eligible. If your loved one served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, they are likely eligible for funerary benefits. If the person died while on duty, even members of the National Guard can be eligible. They must have received a general discharge and not a dishonorable one. You also want to know that spouses and dependent children can also have these benefits. In some cases, parents may also get benefits. If you are not sure if your loved one is eligible, be sure to reach out to the VA to ask.

Do remember that the VA will not pay for the costs of the actual funeral or cremation service. They will not pay for the casket, the flowers, the rental of the space, or the transportation of the casket to its resting place. You may be able to get reimbursed for these things, however, so do keep that in mind as you decide on the kind of funeral or memorial service you want to have for the person.

You also want to know what services the VA will cover. Your loved one can be buried in a national cemetery at no cost. The grave will receive perpetual care, as well as a grave marker or gravestone. The opening and closing of the grave will also be at no cost to you or your family, so do remember that. There are some state cemeteries that can also offer these options for veterans. Keep in mind that spaces in cemeteries cannot be reserved for veterans, so you may not be able to get a space in the one you want for your loved one.

These are all crucial things to remember when laying a loved one who was a veteran to rest. The VA will take care of the actual burial, and they will provide the grave marker that you want for your loved one. Remember that you may not get the space in the cemetery that you want for the person, so you will need to be flexible with this. To learn more about veteran benefits or to get started making arrangements, reach out to a Mount Healthy, OH cremation services provider like us. Our team has years of experience, and we are here to help you find the exact options that you need for your loved one. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by one of our locations today to learn more.