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Do Veterans Receive A Free Government Burial Service?

The answer to “do veterans receive a free government burial service” is definitely – yes and no! That’s a good start isn’t it? Let’s elaborate a bit.

Firstly, veterans are indeed entitled to a free burial within a national cemetery along with some type of grave marker. This is also true for some civilians who have been involved in military service and certain Public Health Service personnel.

Spouses and Family Burials

The spouse and family of these veterans who are entitled to a free burial are also entitled to a lot and a marker, when they are buried in a national cemetery. There should be no charges for either opening or closing up the grave, or for any type of burial vault or liner, however, the family are responsible for other charges and expenses (transport to the cemetery etc – that’s the “no” bit, nothing is entirely for free).

The eligibility of these free plots does vary from state to state so please check it out in your particular area. You just might be eligible which will be great, but then again you might not so don’t rely on it and spend the money you’d put aside on a once in a lifetime vacation!

Veterans Specials

Sounds good doesn’t it, but approach with extreme caution and make sure that you read all of the small print (even if you need a magnifying glass!). It is not unusual for some cemeteries to offer a free plot for the veteran, but guess what, the plot next door (for the spouse) is charged out at an extraordinarily high fee, plus high costs for opening and closing each of the graves. You need to weigh up all of the pros and cons before making your final decision.

How Much Does The VA Pay For A Burial?

The VA pays for burials up to a given amount, depending on how the VA member died.

VA Service-Connected Death

  • If the Veteran died on or after September 11, 2001, the maximum service-connected burial allowance is $2,000.
  • If the Veteran died before September 11, 2001, the maximum service-connected burial allowance is $1,500.
  • If the Veteran is buried in a VA national cemetery, the VA may reimburse some or all of the costs of transporting the deceased Veteran’s remains.

VA Non Service-Connected Death

  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, VA will pay a $300 burial allowance and $747 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015, VA will pay $300 for burial allowance and $745 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but before October 1, 2014, VA will pay $300 burial allowance and $734 for a plot.

As of October 1, 2011, there are higher non-service-connected death rates payable if the Veteranwas hospitalized by VA at the time of his or her death.

  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2015, VA will pay a $747 burial allowance and $747 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2014, but before October 1, 2015, VA will pay a $745 burial allowance and $745 for a plot.
  • If the Veteran died on or after October 1, 2013, but Before October 1, 2014, VA will pay a $734 burial allowance and $734 for a plot.

For more information see the VA Veterans Burial Allowance Fact Sheet

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Final Expense Insurance Quote

Final Expense insurance (aka funeral insurance) is a basic issue life insurance policy that covers people until they reach 100 years old. Final Expense insurance (also known as funeral insurance) is promoted as a way to pay in advance for your funeral expenses so that your loved ones won’t have to pay for your funeral. There are many things you can do to make your death easier on the wallets of those you love. Preplanning your funeral saves money and grief, as well as deciding whether you want to be buried in a casket or cremated and put into and urn, figuring out who gets what part of your estate and all the related turmoil associated with the end of life.