Veterans Status: What to Know Right After a Death
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 18, 2026
Quick answer
If your loved one served in the military, mention this to the funeral home right away — many benefits (burial in a national cemetery, a headstone, a burial flag) require documentation like the DD-214 discharge paperwork, which is worth locating as early as possible.
If your loved one served in the U.S. military, this is worth mentioning to the funeral home as early as possible — it can unlock meaningful benefits and doesn’t cost the family anything extra to ask about.
Why to mention it early
Veterans’ burial benefits — burial in a national cemetery, a government headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate — often require documentation, and starting that process sooner avoids delays.
The key document: DD-214
The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the main document used to verify eligibility. If your family doesn’t have a copy on hand:
- Check with the funeral home — they often assist with this regularly
- The National Archives can help locate discharge records if the original is lost
What benefits typically apply
- Burial in a national cemetery, at no cost to the family
- A government headstone or marker
- A burial flag
- A Presidential Memorial Certificate
For more detail on these benefits, and on how many tribal nations also have their own veteran honor traditions, see our guide on veterans’ burial benefits.
This applies broadly
Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for basic burial benefits — this isn’t limited to combat veterans or a specific era of service.
Specific eligibility and required documentation can vary — the VA or a local veteran service officer can confirm details for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
What documentation do I need to access veterans' burial benefits?+
The DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty) is the key document. If you can't find it, the funeral home or the National Archives can often help request a copy.
Does this affect timing?+
Mentioning veteran status early can help avoid delays, since some benefits and national cemetery burial require documentation to be processed in advance.
What if I can't find the discharge paperwork right away?+
Let the funeral home know your loved one served even without the paperwork in hand — they can often help track it down through the National Archives, and arrangements don't need to wait entirely on this.
Are these benefits only for combat veterans?+
No — most veterans who received an honorable or general discharge qualify for basic burial benefits, regardless of whether they saw combat.
Sources
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