If you have lost a loved one who was a veteran, then they are likely to be entitled to benefits for their funerary services. It is important to know what benefits to expect so that you can start making the necessary arrangements. If you are not sure what the person is entitled to, here are some things that providers of cremation services Cornwall, PA want you to keep in mind. 

You want to know what the benefits are for a veteran. A veteran can be buried without cost at a national cemetery or at many state ones. It is important to note that you cannot reserve a location in advance. If you have a local cemetery that you want for your loved one, it can be a good idea to reach out to them and speak with them about the veteran benefits they may offer. In a national cemetery, a veteran is entitled to a free burial, the opening and closing of the grave, a free grave marker, perpetual care, and even a burial flag. If you are not sure about any of this, speak with the VA. 

When you start thinking about these benefits, it can be helpful to first know who is eligible. If your loved one served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, they are likely eligible for funerary benefits. If the person died while on duty, even members of the National Guard can be eligible. They must have received a general discharge and not a dishonorable one. You also want to know that spouses and dependent children can also have these benefits. In some cases, parents may also get benefits. If you are not sure if your loved one is eligible, be sure to reach out to the VA to ask. 

Do remember that the VA will not pay for the costs of the actual funeral or cremation service. They will not pay for the casket, the flowers, the rental of the space, or the transportation of the casket to its resting place. You may be able to get reimbursed for these things, however, so do keep that in mind as you decide on the kind of funeral or memorial service you want to have for the person. 

When getting ready to decide on whether or not to turn to veteran benefits after the death of a loved one, you want to remember all of these things. It can help to know if your loved one was eligible and to see if the services are the options that you want. If you want to get started making arrangements for a loved one, you can reach out to a Cornwall, PA cremation services provider like us. We are ready to help you with the arrangements that you want for your loved one. Give us a call today or stop by our location to speak with one of us right now about the services we can offer our clients after a death.