Memorial Benefits

Veteran Burial and Memorial Benefits You Are Entitled To
By Beth Gabriel

Do you know what Veteran Burial and Memorial Benefits you are entitled to?

Veterans honorably discharged from active duty, members of the military who die while on active duty, and spouses and dependent children of veterans, may be eligible for VA burial and memorial benefits. The veteran does not have to die before a spouse or dependent child for them to be eligible. For specific questions, call 1-800-827-1000, or visit: http://www.cem.va.gov/.

Eligibility for burial of dependent children is provided for unmarried children under 21 years of age, or under 23 years of age if a full-time student at an approved educational institution. This benefit also applies to unmarried adult children who become physically or mentally incapable of self-support before age 21 or 23 if a full-time student.

Veterans are eligible for an inscribed headstone or marker to mark their grave at any cemetery; anywhere in the world. This applies for national, state veterans or private cemeteries and the marker will be delivered at no cost, Spouses and dependent children are eligible to receive a government headstone or marker if they are buried in a national or state veterans cemetery.

Many different styles and materials of markers are available. For national cemeteries, the style must be consistent with existing monuments already in place. Niche markers used for inurnment of cremated remains, are available to mark columbaria.