Veteran Funeral and Burial Benefits
Veterans and their families may be eligible for funeral and burial benefits that honor a lifetime of service. For families in New Braunfels, Texas, these benefits can include burial in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors, with a possible burial allowance in some cases. Eligibility and amounts depend on service history, so the Department of Veterans Affairs is always the authority for what your family qualifies for. Lux Funeral Home helps eligible families organize documents and coordinate these benefits. Call (830) 624-0500 for guidance.
Benefits that may be available
- Burial in a VA national cemetery, including a gravesite at no cost for eligible veterans
- A government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion
- A United States burial flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate signed in recognition of service
- Military funeral honors, including the playing of Taps and the folding and presentation of the flag
- A possible burial allowance toward certain expenses in qualifying cases
How is eligibility established?
Eligibility for veteran funeral benefits is generally established with the veteran’s discharge document, most often the DD-214. Keeping this document accessible allows the funeral home and the Department of Veterans Affairs to confirm eligibility and request honors and benefits without delay.
Documents to gather
It helps to have the DD-214 or equivalent discharge paperwork, the veteran’s Social Security number, and basic service details such as branch and dates of service. If the DD-214 cannot be found, the VA and the National Archives can help you request a copy. Lux can assist with organizing these when you arrange veteran burial services or veteran cremation services.
Does the VA cover the whole funeral?
In most cases, no. VA benefits can offset specific costs such as a national cemetery gravesite, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag, and may include a burial allowance in certain situations, but they do not generally cover the full cost of a funeral. For exact eligibility and current amounts, consult the Department of Veterans Affairs directly.
Veteran Benefits FAQ
What funeral benefits are available to veterans?
Eligible veterans may qualify for benefits that can include burial in a national cemetery at no cost for the gravesite, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and in some cases a partial burial allowance. Military funeral honors may also be provided. Eligibility and amounts vary, so confirm your situation with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
How do we prove a veteran’s eligibility for benefits?
Eligibility is usually established with the veteran’s discharge paperwork, most commonly the DD-214. Having this document available helps the funeral home and the VA confirm eligibility and request honors and benefits. If the DD-214 cannot be located, the VA and the National Archives can help request a copy.
What documents do we need to arrange veteran benefits?
Typically you will need the DD-214 or equivalent discharge document, the veteran’s Social Security number, and basic service information such as branch and dates of service. Lux can help you organize these documents and coordinate with the VA when you make arrangements. Call (830) 624-0500 for guidance.
Does the VA pay for the entire funeral?
Not usually. VA benefits can offset specific costs, such as a gravesite in a national cemetery, a headstone or marker, and a burial flag, and may include a burial allowance in certain cases, but they generally do not cover the full cost of a funeral. The Department of Veterans Affairs is the authoritative source for what your family qualifies for.
