People who have lost a loved one who serviced their country and who was a veteran sometimes are not sure about the benefits that their loved one may be entitled to. If that is something that you want to know and are not sure about what to expect, it can help to learn a bit about the funerary benefits that veterans have. Here are the things that directors of funeral homes in Jacksonville, AR want you to know.
The first thing that you have to do is make certain that your loved one is eligible for the benefits. If the person was part of the Army, Navy, Air Forces, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, they are entitled to benefits. They need to have gotten a general discharge and not a dishonorable one. You want to also remember that if your loved one was part of the National Guard and died while on duty, you may be able to get the benefits. The spouses of veterans as well as the dependent children of veterans can also apply. In some instances, even the parents of veterans can be eligible. Be sure to reach out to the VA to learn more about eligibility.
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.
Another thing that you may be wondering is if the VA will pay for the funeral or memorial service. Most of the time, they will not. You can pay for the service, as well as for the casket, flowers, and transportation, and sometimes you can be reimbursed. This is something that you definitely want to clarify with the VA before making any arrangements.
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 Jacksonville, AR funeral home 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 our location today to learn more.