What does the Army pay for in a funeral?

Quick Answers

The Army provides several funeral benefits for veterans and active duty service members. Key things the Army pays for include:

  • Transportation of the remains
  • Casket
  • Cremation (if chosen)
  • Burial plot allowance
  • Interment services
  • Military funeral honors

The Army works with the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide funeral and burial benefits. The exact benefits available depend on whether the deceased was an active duty service member or a veteran.

Transportation of Remains

One key thing the Army pays for is transportation of the deceased service member’s remains. This includes:

  • Moving the remains from the place of death to the chosen funeral home or mortuary
  • Transporting the remains to the chosen burial site if different from the funeral location

For veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs pays for transportation to the chosen national cemetery closest to the deceased’s home. For active duty members, the military pays for transportation to the hometown if within the U.S.

Casket

Another funeral expense covered is the casket for the deceased. The casket must meet minimum standards and can have some customizable features within restrictions.

For veterans, the VA will pay up to $300 for the casket for burial at a national cemetery. For active duty members, the military branch pays for the entire casket.

Types of caskets provided include metal, hardwood, and cloth-covered. The casket cannot be ornate or customized beyond certain specifications. The deceased’s wishes are considered if known in advance.

Cremation

If the deceased opted for cremation, the Army will pay the costs associated with this. The VA and military pay for the cremation process as well as an urn or other suitable container.

As with caskets, the urn cannot have excessive customization or ornate designs. But the military does allow some preferences like shape, material, and engraving of information.

For veterans, the VA will pay up to $300 for the urn if burial is at a national cemetery. For active duty members, the military branch covers urn expenses fully.

Burial Plot Allowance

The Army also provides a burial plot allowance for eligible veterans. This refers to reimbursement for the cost of purchasing a grave site and opening/closing fees.

The VA burial plot allowance is limited to $300 for deaths on or after December 1, 2001. It is only paid if the veteran is buried at a private or state cemetery, not a national one. Reimbursement requires submitting a VA claim form and proof of expenses.

Active duty members are eligible for full burial costs at certain private cemeteries at government expense. Arlington National Cemetery is an example of this.

Interment Services

Interment services covered by the Army include burial or inurnment of the casket/urn itself. The military branch will coordinate scheduling and execution of these services at the designated cemetery.

The military or VA will pay for labor costs like opening and closing the grave. Some cemeteries have additional costs beyond the plot itself that the VA burial allowance helps cover.

For certain veterans, spouses and dependent children are also eligible for this benefit. Their casket/urn can be buried or inurned without charge beside the veteran’s site.

Military Funeral Honors

Finally, the Army provides military funeral honors for eligible veterans and active duty members. This includes folding and presenting the flag to the next of kin and playing of Taps.

At minimum, two uniformed members of the Armed Forces will perform the ceremony. For certain high-ranking officials or general officers, more extensive honors are possible. Honor guards and pallbearers may also be provided upon request.

Eligibility and Requirements

The funeral benefits provided depend on whether the deceased was an active duty service member or a veteran.

For active duty members, the military branch pays for all standard funeral expenses. This includes everything discussed above like transport, casket, and honors. Custom additions can be paid for separately by the family.

Veterans must meet length of service requirements to receive full standard funeral benefits from the VA:

  • Entered active duty before September 7, 1980: Veterans are eligible without regard to length of service.
  • Entered active duty after September 7, 1980: Veterans must have served at least 24 months or been discharged for a disability incurred in the line of duty.

Exceptions exist for veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of service-related conditions. Those with dishonorable discharges lose eligibility.

Burial in a national cemetery is an option for most veterans and active duty members. For state or private cemeteries, VA burial allowances help offset costs.

Funeral Planning Assistance

The Army provides support to families for making funeral plans that honor the deceased. Casualty assistance officers are assigned to help guide next of kin through the process.

Key planning considerations include:

  • Burial decision – National cemetery, private cemetery, cremation?
  • Funeral location – Hometown? Near family?
  • Military honors – Standard or specialized?
  • Casket/urn selection – Choices within Army guidelines
  • Graveside services – Clergy, eulogy, military display
  • Memorial registration – For places like Arlington National Cemetery

The casualty assistance officer serves as the main liaison between the family and the military throughout the planning process. Families can also access grief counseling resources if desired.

Costs Not Covered

While the Army pays for many standard funeral expenses, some costs are the family’s responsibility. These include:

  • Flowers
  • printed materials like programs
  • Guest transportation
  • Catering or refreshments
  • Headstone engraving beyond standard information
  • Custom casket/urn embellishments
  • Certain special burial options
  • Additional clergy honorariums
  • Newspaper death notices

There are also limits placed by the VA on reimbursement for costs like burial plots and urns. Work with the casualty assistance officer to determine which expenses will be covered.

Conclusion

The Army provides a variety of funeral benefits to honor deceased veterans and service members. Key expenses covered include transportation, caskets, urns, interment services, and military funeral honors.

Eligibility depends on active duty status, length of service, and character of discharge for veterans. The VA burial allowance helps offset costs for private or state cemetery burials.

While the Army does not cover all funeral costs, its benefits help simplify planning and reduce the financial burden on families. Casualty assistance officers provide guidance to next of kin throughout the process.

Funeral Benefits At A Glance

Benefit For Active Duty For Veterans
Remains Transportation Covered fully by military branch Covered if buried at national cemetery near home
Casket Covered fully by military branch VA reimburses up to $300 if at national cemetery
Cremation All fees covered by military branch Eligible for reimbursement by VA
Burial Plot Covered at certain cemeteries VA reimbursement up to $300 for private or state cemetery burial
Military Funeral Honors Provided for all Provided for all eligible veterans

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