Like everyone else, end-of-life planning for veterans is a personal process and will vary depending on one’s family situation, beliefs and tradition. However, as a veteran, you are eligible for certain benefits and resources related to end-of-life costs and planning, as well as certain honors to be bestowed upon you when you’re laid to rest. Understanding these benefits, as well as exploring other resources like final expense insurance, can make end-of-life planning easier for veterans and their families. In this article, we’ll help you understand the funeral planning benefits and resources available for veterans so you can make informed decisions regarding burial and other final expenses.
What final expense benefits and resources are available for veterans?
Families of veterans may receive certain financial assistance for end-of-life expenses. The level of assistance will depend on whether the veteran died in service, whether they are being buried at a Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery and whether they were hospitalized at a VA hospital at the time of their death. For service-related deaths, the VA will pay up to $2,000 for burial expenses and will cover some or all of the cost of transporting the deceased if they are buried in a VA National Cemetery.For non-service related deaths, the VA will pay:
Up to $796 toward burial and funeral expenses if the veteran was hospitalized at a VA hospital at the time of death
$300 toward burial and funeral expenses if the veteran was not hospitalized at a VA hospital at the time of death
In addition to financial assistance, veterans may have certain military honors presented at their funeral ceremony, such as the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and service members presenting a burial flag. Families can arrange for military funeral honors through their funeral director, a Veterans Service Organization or through VA National Cemetery staff.
How much does a funeral for a veteran cost?
The cost for a funeral in the United States varies depending on factors like location, whether the deceased is buried or cremated and the type of memorial or funeral ceremony performed. The average funeral typically costs between $7,000 and $12,000. In addition to VA assistance, final expense insurance is an affordable type of policy that can help families of veterans manage end-of-life and burial expenses.
Do you have questions about final expense insurance for veterans? Let SelectQuote help.
Veterans make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and they deserve to be laid to rest honorably and without imposing a financial burden on their families. SelectQuote’s experienced licensed insurance agents can answer any questions you have about final expense insurance for veterans. We quickly and easily gather unbiased quotes from trusted carriers, helping you find the right policy for your situation.
