Veterans Benefits
If your loved one served in the United States military, they may be entitled to several funeral and burial benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The following is an overview of the most common VA funeral and burial benefits. Eligibility varies based on service history and discharge status. Our funeral directors can help you determine what applies to your situation.
VA Burial Allowance
The VA provides a monetary allowance to help offset funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans. The amount varies depending on whether the death was service-related and whether the veteran is buried in a national cemetery or a private one. Claims are submitted to the VA after the funeral, and Saddleback Chapel Mortuary can assist your family with the paperwork.
Burial in a National Cemetery
Eligible veterans, their spouses, and certain dependents may be buried in a VA national cemetery at no cost for the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and perpetual care. Riverside National Cemetery, located approximately 40 miles from Tustin in Riverside, CA, is the closest VA national cemetery to Orange County. It is one of the busiest national cemeteries in the country.
Government Headstone or Marker
The VA provides a headstone, grave marker, or bronze medallion at no cost for eligible veterans. This benefit applies whether the veteran is buried in a national cemetery, a state veterans cemetery, or a private cemetery. For private cemetery burials, the family is responsible for the setting fee; the headstone itself is provided free of charge.
Burial Flag
A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran. After the service, the flag is folded and presented to the next of kin. Additional flags are not available through the VA, but may be obtained through veterans organizations.
Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved certificate signed by the current President, honoring the memory of the veteran. Eligible family members and friends may request copies. There is no limit to the number of certificates that can be issued.
VA Survivor Benefits
In addition to burial benefits, surviving spouses and dependents may be eligible for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), pension benefits, or education benefits. These programs are administered separately from funeral benefits and require separate applications to the VA.
Saddleback Chapel Mortuary is here to help you navigate the VA benefits process. Call us at (714) 544-1450 for assistance.