Veterans and their families are entitled to several funeral benefits from the VA, including headstones and, often, the right to a burial plot. To learn more about these benefits and prepare to honor a loved one, review the following guide.

Funeral Options

Private Burials

Veterans who choose to be buried or interred privately will have to pay their own way, but they may be eligible for full or partial reimbursement from the VA. Services and goods, such as cremation, embalming, caskets, flowers, and receptions or religious services, must be paid for. However, veterans buried privately are entitled to headstones and funeral flags.

National & State Cemetery Funerals

The US National Cemetery System consists of 147 cemeteries in 40 states. Plots in these cemeteries are available to veterans with honorable discharges, and a headstone and burial flag are provided free of charge. Expenses for those killed in active duty will be paid by the military, along with a $100,000 “death gratuity.”

Connecticut has four state military cemeteries, in which honorably discharged residents are entitled to plots. Services covered for all veterans include opening and closing the grave and setting the headstone. Additionally, transportation is provided free for families of those killed on active duty.

Although many people are interested in receiving a plot in Arlington National Cemetery, these plots are only available to military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, or members who die in active duty.

Burial at Sea

The US Navy and Coast Guard provide burial at sea for the cremated remains of veterans. This service is free, but ashes must be prepared before committal, and a flag must be provided for the ceremony. Because this burial is carried out while ships are actively deployed, the family is rarely allowed to be present. However, the crew will notify family members of the time, day, and longitude and latitude of the ceremony.

Eligibility

The only eligibility requirement for these benefits is to be a veteran of any of the armed services with an honorable discharge. Recipients of any other kind of discharge, including general or medical, can request benefits on a case-by-case basis.

Members of Reserve forces or the National Guard may also be eligible for benefits if they died while on active duty, or if they fulfilled 20 years of service in these branches. Additionally, spouses and minor or disabled children of veterans may qualify for burial benefits.

If a veteran in your family recently passed away, turn to Porto Funeral Homes in New Haven County, CT. These compassionate professionals have helped the families of veterans give their loved ones dignified departures for over 75 years. To learn more about their funeral options, call (203) 934-5000 to reach their location in West Haven and (203) 467-3000 for East Haven, or visit them online.