For veterans and their families in Tacoma and Pierce County, a range of funeral benefits is available through the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Understanding these benefits ahead of time can ease the financial and emotional burden during an already difficult period, ensuring your loved one receives the tribute they earned through their service.
Who Qualifies for Veterans' Funeral Benefits
Generally, any veteran who served on active duty and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable qualifies for burial benefits. This includes members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, as well as certain reservists and National Guard members who completed qualifying service or died while on active duty.
Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may also qualify for certain benefits, including burial in a national cemetery alongside the service member. Documentation matters significantly when claiming these benefits, so families should gather military discharge papers (typically the DD Form 214), marriage certificates, and other relevant documents as soon as possible.
Burial in a National Cemetery
One of the most significant benefits available to veterans is burial in a national cemetery at no cost to the family. Tahoma National Cemetery, located in nearby Kent, serves veterans throughout the Pacific Northwest and provides a beautiful, serene final resting place. The benefit includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate.
Veterans may also choose burial in a state veterans cemetery or a private cemetery. When a private burial is preferred, the VA still provides certain benefits, including a headstone or marker and a burial flag, regardless of where the veteran is laid to rest.
Our specialized veterans services team works closely with families to coordinate these arrangements, ensuring that every detail is handled with the precision and respect that military service deserves.
Military Honors at the Funeral
The Department of Defense provides military funeral honors free of charge to all eligible veterans. At minimum, this includes a two-person uniformed military detail, the playing of Taps, and the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the next of kin. For many families, this ceremonial moment becomes one of the most powerful and memorable aspects of the entire service.
Members of various branches and veterans organizations may also participate in honor guards, depending on availability and regional resources. Requesting these honors should happen early in the planning process, as scheduling requires coordination with military units.
Burial Allowances and Plot Reimbursement
The VA offers burial allowances that help offset funeral and burial expenses for eligible veterans. The amount varies depending on whether the death was service-connected and whether the veteran was hospitalized in a VA facility at the time of death. Plot allowances may also be available when a burial occurs in a private cemetery.
While these allowances rarely cover the full cost of funeral services, they provide meaningful financial support during a time when families are managing many expenses at once. Filing the proper paperwork promptly ensures families receive everything they are entitled to receive.
Headstones, Markers, and Medallions
The VA furnishes headstones and markers for veterans buried anywhere in the world, regardless of the date of death. Bronze, granite, and marble options are available, each inscribed with the veteran's name, rank, branch of service, dates of birth and death, and authorized military awards or emblems of belief.
For veterans buried in private cemeteries with existing privately purchased headstones, the VA also provides a bronze medallion that affixes to the existing marker, signifying the deceased's status as a veteran. This option allows families to maintain consistency with existing family plots while still publicly honoring their loved one's service.
Cremation Options for Veterans
Veterans who prefer cremation receive the same benefits as those who choose burial. Cremated remains can be interred in a national cemetery columbarium or in-ground gravesite, with full military honors provided. Families may also keep cremated remains, scatter them in a meaningful location, or memorialize them in other personalized ways.
Our cremation services offer veterans and their families dignified, flexible options that honor military service while accommodating individual wishes. Whether you choose direct cremation followed by a military memorial service or cremation with a traditional viewing beforehand, every option remains available.
Planning Ahead Saves Stress Later
Many veterans choose to make their final arrangements in advance, sparing their families the stress of decision-making during grief. Pre-planning allows veterans to specify their preferences for military honors, burial location, headstone inscription, and service details. It also gives families peace of mind knowing that wishes have been clearly documented.
Taking time to plan ahead is one of the greatest gifts a veteran can give their family. Beyond logistical clarity, pre-planning often includes financial arrangements that lock in current pricing and protect against future cost increases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Families sometimes miss benefits because they were unaware of eligibility requirements or filing deadlines. Common mistakes include failing to locate the DD Form 214 in time, not requesting military honors early enough, choosing a funeral provider without veterans' experience, or assuming that benefits automatically apply without filing the necessary paperwork.
Working with a funeral home that understands veterans' benefits inside and out makes an enormous difference. Experienced providers know which forms to file, which deadlines apply, and how to coordinate seamlessly with the VA, the Department of Defense, and national cemetery administrations.
Honoring Service With Compassionate Care
Every veteran deserves a final tribute that reflects the magnitude of their service and sacrifice. The dedicated professionals at Scott Funeral Home and Cremation Services have extensive experience guiding military families through every aspect of veterans' funeral planning, from securing benefits to coordinating military honors with precision and grace. We understand the unique needs of veterans and their families, and we are honored to serve those who have served our country. Speak with our knowledgeable team today to learn more about how we can help you create a fitting tribute that honors a lifetime of service.
