When a veteran passes away, their service to our country deserves to be honored. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers funeral and burial benefits to help families give their loved ones a dignified farewell.
If you are searching for information about veterans funeral benefits in Columbus, Ohio, this guide will explain what is available, who qualifies, and how Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception can help you through the process.
Veterans have made sacrifices to protect our freedom. When they pass away, it is only right that they receive the recognition they have earned. The VA provides several benefits to help cover funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans.
These benefits can ease the financial burden on families during a difficult time. They also ensure that veterans receive the honors they deserve.
At Evergreen, we are proud to serve veteran families in Columbus, Ohio. We understand the importance of military honors and work hard to make sure every detail is handled with care and respect.
Not all veterans qualify for every benefit. Eligibility depends on the type of service and discharge status. Here is a general overview of who may qualify.
Eligible Veterans Include:
Those Who May Not Qualify:
If you are unsure whether your loved one qualifies, our team at Evergreen can help you find out. We can also connect you with local VA resources for more information.
The VA offers several types of funeral and burial benefits. Here is an overview of the most common ones.
The VA may provide a burial allowance to help cover funeral and burial costs. The amount depends on the cause of death and other factors.
Service-Related Death: If the veteran died from a service-related injury or illness, the family may receive a higher burial allowance. This is meant to help cover funeral, burial, and transportation costs.
Non-Service-Related Death: If the death was not related to military service, a smaller allowance may still be available. The veteran must have been receiving VA benefits or pension at the time of death to qualify.
The burial allowance is paid as a flat rate and is meant to help offset costs. It does not cover the full expense of a funeral, but every bit of help matters.
Eligible veterans can be buried in a national cemetery at no cost to the family. This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care of the site.
In Ohio, veterans may be laid to rest at national cemeteries such as Dayton National Cemetery. There are also state veteran cemeteries that offer similar benefits.
Burial in a national cemetery is a meaningful way to honor a veteran's service. The grounds are kept beautiful, and families can visit to pay their respects.
The VA provides headstones, markers, and medallions for eligible veterans at no cost. This benefit is available whether the veteran is buried in a national cemetery, state cemetery, or private cemetery.
Headstones and Markers: These are provided for veterans buried in any cemetery. The VA will ship the headstone or marker to the cemetery or the family.
Medallions: For veterans buried in private cemeteries who already have a headstone, the VA offers a bronze medallion that can be attached to the existing marker. This shows that the person served in the military.
Families of eligible veterans can request a Presidential Memorial Certificate. This is a certificate signed by the current President that honors the veteran's service. It is a meaningful keepsake for many families.
There is no limit to the number of certificates a family can request. You can ask for one for each family member who would like to have it.
A United States flag is provided at no cost to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran. After the service, the flag is given to the next of kin as a keepsake.
The flag is a powerful symbol of the veteran's service and sacrifice. Many families choose to display it in a special case in their home.
Eligible veterans are entitled to military funeral honors at no cost. At a minimum, this includes a ceremony with two uniformed service members who fold and present the burial flag and play Taps.
Some veterans may qualify for additional honors, such as a rifle salute or a full military ceremony. The level of honors depends on the veteran's rank and service history.
Military funeral honors are a moving tribute to a veteran's life and service. They bring comfort to families and show respect for the sacrifices made.
Applying for VA benefits can feel overwhelming, especially while grieving. Here is a simple overview of the process.
Step 1: Gather Documents
You will need certain documents to apply for benefits. These may include:
If you do not have the discharge papers, you can request them from the National Personnel Records Center.
Step 2: Complete the Application
For burial allowances, you will need to complete VA Form 21P-530. This form can be filled out online, by mail, or in person at a VA office.
For headstones, markers, or medallions, you will need to complete VA Form 40-1330.
Step 3: Submit and Wait
After submitting your application, the VA will review it and contact you with a decision. Processing times can vary, so it is best to apply as soon as possible.
At Evergreen Funeral Cremation and Reception, we have experience helping veteran families in Columbus, Ohio. We know how important it is to honor your loved one's service, and we are here to make the process easier for you.
Guidance with Paperwork: VA forms can be confusing. Our staff can help you understand what documents you need and how to fill out the applications. We want to make sure you receive all the benefits your loved one earned.
Coordination of Military Honors: We work with local veterans' organizations to arrange military funeral honors. Whether you want a simple flag presentation or a full ceremony, we can help coordinate the details.
Personalized Services: Every veteran is unique, and their service should reflect that. We can help you plan a funeral or memorial that honors your loved one's life, values, and military career.
Respectful Care: We treat every veteran and their family with the utmost respect. From the moment you contact us, we are here to support you with kindness and compassion.
Losing a veteran is never easy. Their service and sacrifice leave a lasting mark on their families and communities. At Evergreen, we believe every veteran deserves a farewell that honors their dedication.
If you have questions about veterans funeral benefits in Columbus, Ohio, we invite you to visit our Veterans Benefits page for more information. You can also contact us to speak with a member of our team.
We are available 24/7 to help you navigate this process with dignity and care. Thank you for trusting Evergreen to serve your family.
