Veterans Status: What to Know Right After a Death

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.

Does mentioning veteran status early affect timing?

Yes - 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.

What documentation do I need to access veterans’ burial benefits?

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 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.

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.

Are these benefits only for combat veterans?

No - 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.