Military funerals are special services that celebrate those who served our country. Depending on the deceased’s wishes, they will include playing “taps”, a rifle salute, a color guard, a flag ceremony, or more. But who will be paying for these services? Are there any additional charges that you should be aware of? Does the government provide all of these services for free?
We’ll answer every question about military funerals including the exact amount you’ll get from the Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security. Of course, if you have not served in the military or anticipate outstanding debts after you pass, final expense insurance is your best option.
Call us at (866) 786-0725 every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and one of our agents will work with you to find the best burial insurance for you, your family, and your budget. We’ve even got a quoting tool that gives you an estimated monthly premium for final expense insurance.
How Much Does a Military Funeral Cost?
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median for a traditional funeral will cost $9,995, and the cost of a funeral in the USA is increasing yearly. However, those costs don’t consider supplemental costs like grave markers, monuments, flowers, or obituaries. Military funerals include even more fees for the rifle salute ceremony, flag ceremony, a “taps” performance, and more.
Veterans are entitled to a free burial and grave marker if they choose to be buried in a national cemetery. However, your family must cover any additions you want to your funeral which can add up to around $3,000 or more.
Generally, the funeral home you work with will let you know how much everything will cost and coordinate the ceremonies you request. Consider getting burial insurance if you’re unprepared to pay for those services. Call our agents at (866) 786-0725 every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to start looking at coverage options that are perfect for you.
Veterans Affairs Reimbursements
If you choose to be buried in a national cemetery, your beneficiaries will receive an allowance towards burial expenses. The amount your family will receive depends on how and when you pass. Here’s what you need to know:
Burial Reimbursements
Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the government will cover every burial expense. Here’s how much you’ll receive:
- Service-Connected Death: $2,000
- Non-Service-Connected Death: $948 burial allowance and $948 for plot allowance
Transportation Reimbursement
The government will pay for full or partial transportation reimbursement. Transportation can cost upwards of $945, so having your costs covered can help subsidize other expenses. However, you can only expect reimbursement if you transport your remains to a VA National Cemetery.
How to Claim Military Funeral Reimbursements
To claim military funeral reimbursements, you’ll need to gather the deceased’s death certificate, an itemized receipt for transportation costs (if you are asking for transportation reimbursement), a copy of a Veteran’s DD214, or other separation documents. If you’re claiming for a service-connected death, you’ll also need to submit the Veterans medical records.
Once you gather all the necessary documents, you’ll submit the information online through their portal.
Pay for Other Military Funeral Costs With Final Expense Insurance
While the VA Benefits are substantial, they will not pay for an entire funeral. With median funeral costs of $9,995 and increasing yearly, final expense insurance is more necessary than ever. You can pay for all your funeral expenses and debts that you might have incurred with final expense insurance.
Our talented agents await your call at (866) 786-0725 every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will ensure you get the benefits you need at the most affordable price.
Conclusion
Military funerals are an incredible honor, but they can be pricy if you aren’t prepared for the cost. Luckily, final expense insurance can help supplement those costs without breaking the bank. Our agents at Final Expense Benefits are experts at finding the perfect funeral insurance for you and your budget.
Call us at (866) 786-0725 every weekday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or use our free quoting tool to start your journey to having peace of mind before you pass. We’ll show you all the plans available to you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Veterans Entitled to a Military Funeral?
Most veterans are eligible for a military funeral. However, a burial allowance may not be dispensed if the deceased died while on active duty, serving as a member of Congress, or serving a federal prison sentence.
Will the Military Pay for a Funeral?
The US Department of Veterans Affairs will give you an allowance to cover burial costs, but they will not cover the entire cost of the funeral.
Can You Have Both a Masonic and Military Funeral?
A Masonic Funeral Service is a special funeral reserved for the Freemasons, a fraternity that believes in helping others and moral discipline. If you served in the US Military and are a Freemasons member, you can have a Masonic and Military Funeral.