Losing a loved one who has served their country is something that can allow you to get help for the burial or cremation process. You want to make certain that you know what to expect and that you are certain your loved one is eligible for the benefits you want for them. If that is something that you are wondering about, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Monroe, NJ want you to keep in mind.

The place to start with this is to know what kind of benefits you can expect for your loved one. Benefits are provided for eligible veterans, their dependent children, and their spouses. The VA offers a free burial at a national cemetery where there is space. You cannot plan these spaces ahead of time. Some state cemeteries also offer free burial for veterans, so be sure to ask the cemeteries in your area about their policies. At a national cemetery, the burial site will receive free maintenance, free opening and closing of the grave, a government headstone or marker, and a number of other services.

You also want to make sure you know who is eligible for these benefits. People who have served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, are eligible for these benefits. If a member of the National Guard died while on duty, they can also be eligible. They need to have received a standard discharge and not to have been dishonorably discharged. The spouses of veterans as well as dependent children can also receive the benefits. Sometimes, the parents of veterans can also get these benefits, but it is a case by case scenario, so be sure to speak with the VA if you have questions about whether someone is eligible or not.

The benefits do not usually cover the funeral or memorial service. You will have to pay for the casket, the flowers, the location of the service, and the transportation. Many times, the VA will reimburse you for these costs, but you always want to check with the VA before making any plans. Keep that in mind as you start thinking about the kind of services that you want for a loved one.

When you start thinking about offering your loved one the kind of service they deserve, you do want to take some time and see if they are eligible for veteran benefits. Take the time to speak with the VA and get a clear sense of what you can expect. You also want to remember that they will not cover all costs and that there are limits to what they can offer. If you want to know more about this, you can reach out to a Monroe, NJ funeral home like us. We are here to help you with the options that you need for your loved one and we can ensure that you get the quality service you want. You can give us a call right now.