Due to their sacrifices, it’s important that military members be honored not just when they are alive but also when they pass away. If you are a spouse or family member of a military member, you should know that funeral homes in Shelby Charter Township, MI can help you honor the unique life of your family member. Here are things you need to know about planning a military funeral for your loved one.
Find Out If Your Loved One Is Eligible For A Military Funeral
You need to verify that your loved one is eligible for a military funeral before you plan for a military funeral. A person is eligible for military burial benefits if one of these is true: the person must be a Veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge, a service member who died while on active duty or training, the spouse or minor child of a Veteran, or in some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a Veteran. It is important to check all of the qualifications to make sure that your loved one is eligible for a military funeral.
A Military Funeral Means Access To Certain Benefits
An average funeral can cost up to $9,000 or more depending on the circumstances. But for military members, some of the funeral costs are covered by the VA. For any army veteran that died on or after September 2011, the family receives up to 2,000 in burial benefits. The amount is only $1,500 for service-related deaths that occurred before September 2011. Family members may also be reimbursed for the costs of transportation to the VA National Cemetery.
Other Benefits That Family Members Of Veterans May Receive
If your loved one passed away in a VA hospital, you may be entitled to up to $1,400. But you only get $300 if your loved one did not pass away in a VA hospital. You also get $300 for buying land for burial in a private cemetery. You should consult the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to see if you can access these burial allowances or benefits. The VA only informs you about the benefits you are entitled to if you ask them about it.
Where Can Your Loved One Be Buried
After locating or obtaining the DD 214 form which verifies your loved one’s military service, you can then start looking for a suitable cemetery for burial. Most active duty service members, veterans, and reservists can be buried in a VA National Cemetery. If the state has a veteran cemetery, you may be able to bury your loved one there but you must meet specific requirements. For instance, state VA cemeteries often require that the deceased must have been a resident. People who are eligible to bury in state VA cemeteries may get benefits such as a grave site, a burial flag, a headstone or marker, and so on.
We have years of experience helping families to plan or arrange funerals when they use our funeral and cremation services in Shelby Charter Township, MI. Our main focus is to provide you with the highest quality service.