If you have lost a loved one who was a veteran, they are likely entitled to funerary services and benefits. You always want to check on this to ensure that you know what to expect, so take the time to reach out to experts and ask lots of questions. If you are not sure about what to expect from veteran services, directors of funeral homes in College Park, MD have some things that they want you to remember.

You want to be sure that you know who is eligible for the benefits. You always want to check this with the VA. If your loved one served in the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard, and they received a general discharge, they are entitled to benefits. In some instances, a person who received a dishonorable discharge is also eligible, so be sure to check with the VA about this. The spouses and dependent children of a veteran are also eligible, and in some instances, even the parents. If your loved one was a member of the National Guard and died on duty, then they too can be eligible for this. It is always important to check.

Another thing you want to be sure you know about is the services and benefits that are available. Your loved one can be buried in a national cemetery at no cost, which includes the opening and closing of the grave, the grave marker, perpetual care, and many other things. Remember that you cannot reserve a spot in a cemetery ahead of time, so your loved one may not be able to get the option that they may have wanted. There are state cemeteries that also offer these options, so be sure to reach out to the provider who is helping you for more information.

You also want to know that the VA will not cover the cost of the actual funeral or memorial service. This is something that can be confusing, so you always want to speak directly with the VA. You will have to pay for the service, the casket, the transportation, and a number of other things. The VA may reimburse you for these costs, however, so do ask.

By knowing what to expect from veteran benefits, you will be able to make the best arrangements for your loved one. You want to always be sure that you ask lots of questions from the provider and that you reach out to the VA to learn about all of the services they offer. All of this can make a difference when deciding on the funerary options you want for your loved one. You can learn more about veteran benefits by reaching out to a College Park, MD funeral home like us at Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, P.A. Our team is ready to help you with all of the arrangements that you want for your loved one. You can give us a call now or stop by our location to learn more about what we can offer.