Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Administration)

Benefits 1) burial allowance 2) flag 3) headstone/marker 4) burial in National cemetery 5) Presidential Memorial Certificate 6) military honors

Burial Allowance COD is not service-related (active duty) 2 payments: burial & funeral expense plot interment allowance plot interment allowance conditions must be met $2000: service-related death $300: non-service related death VA Form year time limit for non-service related death

Flag honorable discharge Former Members of Selected Reserve presented to spouse, next of kin, friend, close associate obtained at VA regional offices, national cemeteries and most post offices protocol for display VA Form 2008

Headstone/Marker must be inscribed with name of deceased, branch of service, and year of birth and death no graphics, only approved emblems spouse or non-veteran dependent is not eligible placement costs are at private expense VA Form (headstone) VA Form (marker) VA Form (memorial marker)

Burial in National Cemetery no charge for burial graveliner supplied (family may upgrade) flag (obtained by FD) no reservations Dependents buried based on eligibility of veteran DD214 determines eligibility; “20 year letter”

Presidential Memorial Certificate honorable discharge bears the President’s signature multiple copies can be issued DD214 will prove eligibility

Military Honors Effective Jan. 1, Must be requested. Consist of at least 2 members of the Armed Forces. 1 member a representative of parent Service Folding and presenting flag and playing taps. At least 48 hours notice (access code: 33634)

Eligibility for Military Honors Active Duty Military Military Retirees Members and Former Members of the Selected Reserve Eligible US Veterans of Any War Other US Veterans Who Serve at Least 1 Term of Enlistment and Honorably Discharged

Active Duty Deaths Funeral/Burial Costs: same for active and reserve members of the Armed Forces and for the National Guard Do not include transportation of the body from an airport or other terminal. $4325$3000$600

Life Insurance Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance Death Gratuity H.R “Military Family Tax Relief Act” $12,000

Final Payment SF1174 Claim for Unpaid Compensation Government Housing

Verifying Discharge Status If no DD214 call the VA Regional Office Records Management Center in St. Louis

Acquiring a DD214 Funeral Honors Coordinator: Army: (703) Army: (703) Marine Corps: (703) Marine Corps: (703) Navy: (901) Navy: (901) Air Force: (703) Air Force: (703) Coast Guard: (202) Coast Guard: (202)

Arlington Cemetery 612 acres over 245,000 buried Department of the Army 1864: Civil War, 200 acres of Robert E. Lee family property was taken to establish the cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns: Third U.S. Infantry

Arlington Cemetery Requirements Active duty deaths Retired Honorable discharge 30% or greater disability Military decorations POWs Spouse/unmarried minor or dependent Also: elected officials of U.S. Gov’t, members of the U.S. Supreme Court, other gov’t officials

Burial Benefits Gravesite Opening and Closing Government Headstone/Marker Burial Flag Presidential Memorial Certificate

Arlington Columbarium One niche that accommodates 2 urns. No charge for the niche or for the inscribed marble plaque.