Veteran Services
At Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.
Our team is proud to support veterans and their families by providing compassionate guidance and expert assistance in securing the benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We are here to ensure every veteran is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.
What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?
The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.
Who qualifies for burial benefits and burial in a national cemetery?
Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:
- A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge
- A service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training
- The spouse or minor child of a veteran, even if the veteran died first
- In some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran
What are military funeral honors and a committal service?
Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:
- Served in wartime
- Died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
- Served after January 31, 1955
- Served in peacetime and left military service before June 27, 1950, after serving at least one enlistment or because of a disability that was caused - or made worse - by their active military service
- Served in the Selected Reserves, or served in the military forces of the Philippines while in service of the United States and died on or after April 25, 1951.
What are burial benefits and how do I apply?
The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.
You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/
The Department of Veteran Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veteran Affairs
5109 Russell Road
- Quantico, VA 22134-3909
For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit:
https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/
or contact the VA office at
1-800-827-1000.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have Questions About
Veteran Services?
What funeral benefits are veterans entitled to?
Veterans may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery, a grave marker or headstone, a burial flag, and military honors, all provided at no cost by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Can veterans receive military honors at their funeral?
Yes, eligible veterans can receive military honors, which typically include the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of "Taps" by a bugler or recording.
Can a veteran be cremated and still receive military honors?
Yes, cremation does not affect eligibility for military honors. The cremated remains can be buried or interred in a national cemetery with full honors, just like a traditional burial.
How do families apply for veterans' funeral benefits?
Funeral homes can assist families in applying for veterans' funeral benefits by helping to complete the necessary paperwork, such as obtaining the DD-214 form (discharge papers) to prove eligibility.
