If you have a loved one who has passed away and who was a veteran, you want to make certain that you know what benefits they were entitled to. Veteran benefits for funerary services can make a difference in the options you choose and in how much you have to pay. If that is something that you want to know more about, there are some frequently asked questions that providers of cremation services in Lowell, MA want you to know about.
What are the burial benefits the person is entitled to?
The place to start with this is to know what kind of benefits you can expect for your loved one. Benefits are provided for eligible veterans, their dependent children, and their spouses. The VA offers a free burial at a national cemetery where there is space. You cannot plan these spaces ahead of time. Some state cemeteries also offer free burial for veterans, so be sure to ask the cemeteries in your area about their policies. At a national cemetery, the burial site will receive free maintenance, free opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, and a number of other services.
Will the VA pay for funerals or memorials?
Most of the time, the VA will not pay for the funeral or memorial service, or for the casket, flowers, transportation, and other services. Some family members who pay for these services will be able to get reimbursed, however, so be sure to ask the VA directly about this to see if you qualify.
What determines eligibility?
To be eligible to a free burial the person has to have been part of the army, navy, air force, marine corps, or coast guards. They cannot have gotten an honorable discharge. If the person got anything but a general discharge, you will want to contact the VA because they may not qualify. National Guard members can sometimes be eligible, depending on whether they died on active duty or following orders. Also, spouses and young children of the veteran can also be eligible for these services. There are some cases in which the parent of an eligible veteran can also have these benefits, so you want to speak with the VA about it.
Losing a loved one is always difficult, but having the burial and other funerary options paid for can help. It will be one less thing to stress about. You will want to take the time to ask about the options that you have and about the benefits that you can expect for your loved one if they were a veteran. If you still have questions, you can reach out to a Lowell, MA cremation service provider like us at Dolan Funeral Home. We are here to help you find the best options for your loved one and for your family. You can stop by our location today or you can give us a call to learn more about the options we can offer.