Published in the Independent Summer 2023

by Nikki Anne Schmutz

Funeral directors play a vital role in providing compassionate and dignified services to families during their time of loss. When it comes to honoring veterans, it is essential for funeral directors to be knowledgeable about the benefits available through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits not only assist families in arranging meaningful funerals for their loved ones but also ensure that veterans receive the recognition and respect they deserve for their service. There are key aspects of VA benefits that funeral directors should be aware of, enabling them to guide and support families in navigating the process.

Eligibility for VA Funeral Benefits:

To qualify for VA funeral benefits, the deceased individual must have been a veteran or an active-duty service member who received an honorable discharge. Some benefits may also extend to certain reservists, National Guard members, and spouses or dependents of eligible veterans. Funeral directors should verify the deceased’s military service record by requesting a copy of the DD Form 214, commonly known as the discharge papers.

Burial in VA National Cemeteries:

One of the significant benefits available to veterans is burial in a VA national cemetery. Funeral directors should inform families about the option of interment in these hallowed grounds, which include over 140 cemeteries across the United States. VA national cemeteries provide a final resting place with military honors, perpetual care, and a grave marker or headstone at no cost to the family. Funeral directors can assist families in coordinating burial arrangements with the nearest national cemetery.

Funeral Reimbursement Allowance:

The VA offers a funeral reimbursement allowance to help cover the costs associated with the veteran’s burial or cremation. Funeral directors should inform families about this benefit, which can help alleviate the financial burden of funeral expenses. The reimbursement amount is based on various factors, such as the veteran’s service-related death, whether the funeral took place in a VA or non-VA facility, and whether the family incurred out-of-pocket expenses.

Military Funeral Honors:

Funeral directors should be familiar with the military funeral honors program, which provides veterans with final honors as a token of the nation’s gratitude for their service. This program includes the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the family, the playing of Taps, and the presence of a uniformed military detail at the graveside service. Funeral directors can assist families in arranging for military funeral honors by contacting the appropriate military branch or coordinating with the VA. If a family doesn’t choose to do military honors, they are still entitled to a flag. Flags can be applied for through the VA or picked up at any United States Post Office with the proper paperwork.

Headstones and Markers:

The VA provides granite headstones or markers for eligible veterans’ graves, regardless of whether they are buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery. Funeral directors should guide families in selecting the appropriate headstone or marker design, which can include personalized inscriptions to honor the veteran’s military service. The VA will ship the headstone or marker directly to the chosen cemetery at no cost.

Presidential Memorial Certificates:

Funeral directors should inform families about the availability of Presidential Memorial Certificates. These certificates, signed by the President, express the nation’s appreciation for the veteran’s service. Funeral directors can assist families in requesting these certificates, which can serve as cherished mementos for the next of kin.

Collaboration with VA and Veteran Service Organizations:

Funeral directors can enhance their understanding of VA benefits by establishing partnerships with local VA offices and veteran service organizations. These entities can provide valuable information, training, and resources to funeral directors, ensuring they are well-equipped to guide families through the process of accessing VA benefits. Two of the best local resources are the VFW and the American Legion. While both are organizations that serve veterans, they have different requirements for entry. The VFW is open only to veterans who served in combat, while the Legion is open to anyone who has served in the military.

Knowing what is available through the VA for veterans can be a little more complicated if the veteran was disabled or retired from a branch of the military. This is where it is best to rely on those who understand it best – the VA, local VFW, or local American Legion. These can be found easily by an internet search of your city or county.

Benefits for Career Military Veterans:

For those who had a career in the military and retired from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), there are several VA benefits available. These benefits are designed to provide support and assistance to retired veterans and their families. Here are some key VA benefits available to retired military personnel:

• VA Healthcare: Retired military personnel are eligible for enrollment in the VA healthcare system. This comprehensive medical service provides a range of medical treatments, preventive care, and specialized services. VA healthcare includes access to VA hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities across the country, ensuring retired veterans have access to the medical care they need.
• Disability Compensation: Retired veterans who have service-connected disabilities are eligible for disability compensation. This benefit provides monthly tax-free payments to veterans with disabilities resulting from injuries or illnesses incurred during their military service. The compensation amount is determined based on the severity of the disability and its impact on the individual’s ability to work and function.
• VA Pension: Veterans who have low income and meet specific service requirements may be eligible for a VA pension. This pension provides financial assistance to help cover living expenses for retired veterans and their spouses or dependent children. The eligibility criteria for VA pension consider factors such as age, income, and disability status.
• Education and Training Programs: Retired military personnel can take advantage of educational benefits offered through the VA. The GI Bill provides funding for education and training, including college degrees, vocational courses, and apprenticeships. Programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill offer financial support for tuition, housing allowances, and other educational expenses.
• Home Loan Guarantees: Retired veterans can access VA home loan guarantees, which provide favorable loan terms for purchasing, building, repairing, or refinancing a home. VA-guaranteed loans typically offer lower interest rates, no down payment requirements, and protection against default. This benefit assists retired veterans in achieving homeownership or making improvements to their existing homes.
• Survivors’ Benefits: Retired military personnel can ensure their surviving spouses and dependents receive support through VA survivor benefits. These benefits may include Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), which provides a monthly payment to eligible surviving spouses and dependents of veterans who died as a result of military service. Additional benefits may include educational assistance and healthcare coverage.
• Burial and Memorial Benefits: Retired veterans are entitled to burial benefits to ensure they receive a dignified final resting place. These benefits may include burial in a VA national cemetery, provision of a headstone or marker, and military funeral honors. Spouses and dependent children of retired veterans may also be eligible for burial benefits.

Beyond the well-known benefits, the VA offers a range of lesser-known programs that provide crucial support and resources to veterans and their families. These hidden gems can make a significant difference in the lives of those who have served our country. While these benefits won’t come into play as much for a funeral director, it’s always good to know about resources when families are preplanning or for surviving spouses of veterans who are in need of help.

• VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Benefits: Veterans who require assistance with daily activities or are housebound due to a disability may be eligible for Aid and Attendance or Housebound benefits. These benefits provide additional financial support to veterans or surviving spouses who require the aid of another person for everyday tasks. Aid and Attendance can help cover the costs of in-home caregivers, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes, while Housebound benefits offer a monthly stipend for individuals confined to their homes.
• VA Adapted Housing Grants: The VA provides grants to help veterans with disabilities modify their homes to accommodate their specific needs. The Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant offer financial assistance to eligible veterans for constructing, purchasing, or remodeling a home to improve accessibility and enhance independent living. These grants can cover costs such as ramps, widened doorways, modified bathrooms, and other necessary modifications.
• VA Automobile and Adaptive Equipment Grants: Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities may be eligible for grants to purchase a vehicle or obtain adaptive equipment for their existing vehicle. The Automobile Allowance grant provides financial assistance towards the purchase of a vehicle, while the Adaptive Equipment grant covers the cost of adaptive features such as wheelchair lifts, hand controls, and other specialized equipment to facilitate safe and independent transportation.
• VA Caregiver Support Program: The VA Caregiver Support Program recognizes the critical role of family caregivers in supporting veterans with significant disabilities. This program provides a range of services to caregivers, including education and training, respite care, counseling, and financial assistance. Caregivers may be eligible for a stipend, access to healthcare coverage, and support networks to help them navigate the challenges of caregiving.
• VA Home-Based Primary Care: For veterans with complex medical conditions or those who have difficulty accessing traditional healthcare services, the VA offers Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC). This program brings comprehensive medical care directly to veterans’ homes, including primary care, nursing, mental health services, and rehabilitation therapies. HBPC ensures that veterans receive personalized, high-quality care in the comfort of their own homes.
• VA Dental Insurance Program: While comprehensive dental care is not automatically provided to all veterans, the VA offers a Dental Insurance Program (VADIP) that allows eligible veterans to purchase affordable dental insurance coverage. VADIP provides access to preventive, diagnostic, and restorative dental services through a network of participating providers.
• VA Legal Assistance: Veterans can access free or low-cost legal assistance through the VA’s legal services program. This program provides support in various legal matters, including benefits claims, disability appeals, estate planning, family law, and landlord-tenant issues. Veterans can seek guidance from VA-accredited attorneys or receive referrals to pro bono legal services in their local communities.

Even past everything listed so far, there are hundreds of programs outside of the VA across the country that have been created to assist veterans with things like job assistance, healing, service dogs, housing, therapy, hunting retreats, help for caretakers of veterans, education, fund raising, and local memorials to honor veterans.

As funeral directors, it is essential to be well-informed about the VA benefits available to honor veterans’ service and support grieving families. Know what is available in your area, create relationships with those resources, and lean on them when an in-depth knowledge of the VA is needed.