Are you searching for a funeral homes Skokie, IL to host a veteran’s funeral? Veterans spend their lives protecting Americans and the government acknowledges their perseverance and dedication to the country by providing a myriad of benefits to the veterans and their families after their death.

Below are the veteran benefits that the bereaved families should be aware of while planning their end-of-life celebrations.

1.Veteran Can Be Buried in a National Cemetery

There are around 155 national cemeteries in the US and veterans are allowed to be laid at rest in any cemetery they choose. However, the family has to fill out specific documentation involving the loved one’s discharge, branch, and service.

2. Free of Cost Traditional Services

The department of defense officially provides for various traditional services to be conducted at the funeral of a veteran as a way of honoring the deceased. These services are made available to the bereaved family without any cost and include:

Opening and Closing of Grave: This service is required for both in-ground and above-ground burials/entombment. The government bears all the expenditure.

Presentation of a Burial Flag: As a tribute to the departed soul, an American flag is folded and presented to the next of kin – often by one or two military representatives. Most often, at least one person of the military representative is from the same branch in which the lost loved one had served.

Government Headstone, Marker, or Medallion: No matter where the veteran is to be buried, the government provides a no-cost headstone or a grave marker. However, the family may have to pay for the placement charges, if the ceremony is held at a private place.

Presidential Memorial Certificate: The PMC is an engraved paper certificate signed by the incumbent president, to honor the sacrifices of the deceased veteran.

The bereaved family applies for the PMC either in person at any VA regional office or by U.S. mail and if found eligible for burial in a national ceremony, the PMC is issued by the government.

Additionally, the government bears the expenditure for lifetime repair and maintenance of the gravesite.

3. Managing Funeral Costs

Funerals may be an unexpected strain on the surviving family’s fortunes. In honor of the services rendered, the US government provides for a part of the total expenditure, while the remaining needs to be covered by the family.

• Here’s the breakdown of veteran benefits:
• If the veteran died on or after September 11, 2001, the family may receive up to $2000 in burial benefits for service-related deaths.
• If the veteran died before September 11, 2001, the family may receive up to $1500 in burial benefits for service-related deaths.
• $255 from government benefits.
• $300 for a plot allotment for a veteran choosing burial in a private cemetery.
• The government reimburses some or of all transportation costs to a VA National Cemetery.
• $700-$1,400 for burial if the deceased died in a VA hospital and $300 if he or she didn’t die in a VA hospital.

Start working with funeral homes Skokie, IL, today to plan your loved one’s veteran funeral.