Veterans Funeral & Burial Services

Honoring Those Who Served

Serenity Funeral Home & Cremation helps families understand and request the honors and burial benefits an eligible veteran may receive. We coordinate funeral or cremation services, military honors, cemetery arrangements, and the documents needed to move forward with confidence.

VA Burial & Memorial Benefits

Benefits depend on the veteran's eligibility, discharge status, service history, cause and place of death, and chosen cemetery. VA assistance does not normally pay the full funeral-home bill, but eligible families may receive valuable cemetery, memorial, allowance, and transportation benefits.

a book titled what are my burial benefits as a veteran

Veterans eBook

Serenity coordinates funeral or cremation services, military honors, cemetery arrangements, and required documentation. Download the guide for an overview, then call us for personalized assistance.

Download eBook

What Eligible Veterans May Receive

  • Will the VA pay the entire funeral bill?

    Usually not. Funeral-home and cremation services are generally the family's responsibility. Depending on eligibility and the circumstances of death, the family may qualify for VA burial, plot, or transportation allowances, as well as cemetery and memorial benefits. Benefit amounts and requirements can change, so Serenity will help the family review current VA guidance and submit the appropriate documents.

  • Who may be eligible for VA burial benefits?

    Eligibility depends on service history, discharge status, and other VA requirements. Veterans, service members, spouses, and eligible dependents may qualify for certain burial or memorial benefits. Because eligibility and available benefits vary, Serenity will help your family gather the appropriate service and discharge documents and coordinate with the VA. Final eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

  • What may be included in burial at a VA national cemetery?

    For an eligible veteran, burial in a VA national cemetery with available space may include a gravesite or cremation placement, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate at no cost to the family. Military funeral honors may also be requested. Funeral-home, cremation, and some transportation services are separate, and benefits for private cemeteries differ.

  • What military funeral honors may be available?

    Eligible veterans may receive a military funeral honors detail that includes at least two uniformed service members, the ceremonial folding and presentation of the United States flag, and the sounding of Taps. Additional honors depend on eligibility, branch resources, service history, rank, and location. Honors must be requested in advance, and Serenity will help coordinate the request and required documents.

  • How can my family contact the VA?

    For burial in a VA national cemetery, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117 (TTY: 711). For questions about burial allowances and other VA benefits, call 800-827-1000 (TTY: 711). Families may also visit VA.gov/burials-memorials. Serenity will help coordinate the request and required documentation.

To ensure that you don’t miss any step of the process, don’t forget to download our Veterans' Burial Benefits Checklist by clicking here: Veterans' Burial Benefits Checklist.