Veteran Benefits and What to Know

If you have lost a loved one who served their country and who was a veteran, then you will want to know what funerary services they are entitled to. There are a number of benefits that a veteran can receive after their death, so do take the time to learn about them. If you are starting to make arrangements for a loved one, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Gloucester City, NJ want you to be aware of.

One of the most important things to do first is to make certain that your loved one is eligible for the benefits. If the person served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard and received a general discharge, they are entitled to benefits. If your loved one served in the National Guard and died while on duty, they may also be able to receive the benefits. Most of the time, people who were dishonorably discharged will not be able to receive the benefits, so do reach out to the VA to learn more. The spouses and small children of the veteran can also receive these benefits, and sometimes even the parents may be able to do so, as well. If you have questions, you want to reach out to the VA for more information.

The next thing you have to do is to learn the exact kind of options that are available. Your loved one can be buried in a national cemetery at no cost and they can receive a grave marker or gravestone at no cost. They will also get perpetual care, as well as other services. Keep in mind that it is not possible to reserve a space ahead of time in a national cemetery. If you prefer, you can also opt for a state cemetery.

It can also be helpful to know that the VA will not cover the actual funeral or memorial service. This means that you will have to pay for the casket, the flowers, the transportation to the location of burial, and the rental of the space where the service will take place. There are many instances in which the VA does reimburse people, however, so be sure to ask about this.

There are all manner of benefits that a loved one who served their country can receive. It can make a difference to be sure that you know what to expect and that you can verify that your loved one is eligible for these benefits. You want to talk with the VA and you always want to hire a provider of funerary services to help you. If you want to know more about veteran benefits, you will want to reach out to a Gloucester City, NJ funeral home like us at Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Homes. We are here to help you with the exact kind of options that you want for your loved one. Stop by one of our locations right now or give us a call today.