Veteran Cremation Costs: Understanding Expenses and Options for Military Families

Veteran cremation costs vary widely depending on the provider, location, and selected services. Understanding available options can help military families make informed decisions during a challenging time. Here’s what you need to know about funeral costs for veterans. 

What You Need to Know About Cremation Options for Veterans

• Veterans and their families may be eligible for specific VA burial benefits, including a burial allowance of $300 to $2,000, free burial in national cemeteries, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, military honors, and headstones for private cemeteries.
• Cremation options vary in cost, from direct cremation (the most affordable) to cremation followed by a memorial service, and traditional funerals followed by cremation (the most expensive due to additional costs for caskets and embalming).
• When planning a cremation for a veteran, it’s essential to contact the VA for benefit verification, select a funeral home experienced with veteran arrangements, and consider pre-planning to lock in current prices and ensure the veteran’s wishes are honored.
• While the VA does not pay for cremation directly, it may provide partial reimbursement for cremation costs, offering some financial relief to families during a challenging time.

VA Burial Benefits 

Veterans and their families may be eligible for specific benefits to help offset burial and funeral costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a burial allowance, which can cover some cremation expenses. As of 2024, this benefit ranges from $300 to $2,000. Visit the VA website to learn about eligibility requirements.

Here are some additional benefits your loved one may be entitled to that will help offset funeral expenses. 

1. National Cemeteries: Veterans are entitled to free burial in a national cemetery, including a gravesite, headstone, and perpetual care. For cremations, the VA pays for a niche in a columbarium or interment in a gravesite in a VA national cemetery — as space allows.
2. Presidential Memorial Certificate: The family can receive a certificate signed by the current president, honoring the deceased veteran’s service.
3. Military Honors: Eligible veterans can receive military honors at their memorial service, including a flag-folding ceremony and the playing of Taps.
4. Headstones: Eligible veterans can receive a headstone to mark burial in a private cemetery. 

It’s important to note that the VA does not pay for cremation directly. However, the government agency may provide a partial reimbursement to the family for cremation costs up to a specific amount. 

Types of Cremation

Since not all burial and cremation expenses are typically covered, you must understand the cost of final disposition options. Here’s what you need to know about cremation. 

Direct cremation

Direct cremation is the most affordable option. It involves cremation soon after death occurs, with the cremated remains returned to the family. There’s no need to purchase a casket and pay for embalming with direct cremation. 

Cremation followed by memorial service

Some families opt for direct cremation followed by a memorial service. The cost of a memorial service depends on the venue and the scope of the event.

Traditional funeral followed by cremation

Some families feel it is essential to have a viewing or visitation – followed by cremation. This is one of the most expensive options since casket and embalming costs are added to the list of expenses. 

Choosing the Right Option

When planning a cremation for a veteran, consider the following steps:

1. Contact the VA: Verify eligibility for burial benefits and allowances. The VA can provide guidance on available benefits and how to apply.
2. Select a Cremation Provider or Funeral Home: Choose a funeral home experienced in handling veteran arrangements. The funeral director can assist with paperwork and coordinate with the VA.
3. Consider Pre-Planning: Pre-planning cremation services can lock in current prices on cremation and burial expenses and ensure the veteran’s wishes are honored.

Understanding the costs and options associated with veteran cremation can help military families honor their loved ones without undue financial strain.

At Smart Cremation, we have extensive experience helping families navigate the veteran burial process. We aim to make the veteran’s cremation as simple and seamless as possible. Ready to learn more about veteran’s burial benefits and cremation pricing? Please fill out this contact form to receive our free booklet.