The Myth, the Truth, and the Reality of Veterans Benefits

The Myth, the Truth, and the Reality of Veterans Benefits

One of the most persistent misconceptions we encounter is the belief that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays all funeral expenses for veterans. Families are often surprised to learn that this is not the case. In order to apply for and receive any veterans benefits, form DD214 or a separation document must be provided, and the discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable.

The truth is that the VA provides partial reimbursements and honors, not full coverage. These are divided into two very important categories and are classified as “Service Connected” and “Non-Service Connected” benefits. Both service-connected and non-service-connected benefits can be applied for and provided by the federal government, through the Department of Veterans Affairs, or “VA” and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

• Service-Connected Benefits – for veterans whose death is directly related to their military service.
• Non-Service-Connected Benefits – for veterans whose death is not related to military service.

At Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes, we believe it’s important for families to understand this distinction so they can apply for the benefits they are entitled to while planning a meaningful tribute for their loved one.

Veterans Benefits Explained

Service-Connected vs. Non-Service-Connected

Service-Connected Death

• One-time reimbursement of $2,000 for funeral and burial expenses
• Additional reimbursement for transportation costs if the veteran is interred in a state or national veterans cemetery.

Non-Service-Connected Death

• One-time reimbursement of $948 for funeral service and merchandise expenses.
• One-time reimbursement of $948 for burial plot and interment expenses.
• Transportation reimbursement if the veteran is interred in a state or national veterans cemetery.

Applications must be submitted within 2 years of the burial or cremation.

This distinction is critical: families who assume “the VA covers everything” often miss important timelines or are unprepared for uncovered costs.

Ceremonial Benefits

Every eligible veteran may receive ceremonial honors, including:

• A U.S. burial flag for the casket or urn.
• Military honors provided, at a location of the families' choosing - one time, by the veteran’s branch of service, including an honor guard, folding and presentation of the flag, and the sounding of Taps.

Cemetery & Final Disposition

An eligible veteran may receive

Washington Crossing National Cemetery

• Available to veterans, legally married spouses, civil union/domestic partners, and dependents.
• No expense for grave or niche placement.
• Includes, at no expense, grave/niche, opening & closing, outer burial container, and marker/engraving
• Military honors may include a firing squad and gun salute.

Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery (NJ State)

• Same eligibility as above.
• Proof of New Jersey residency required.

County Managed and Operated Veterans Cemeteries

• Proof of County residency required.

While county veterans cemeteries do exist and are available to all eligible veterans, it’s important for families to know that these cemeteries often operate differently from national or state veterans cemeteries. Many county facilities charge fees for burial plots, openings, or other services. They may not provide the same “no expense” comprehensive benefit that comes with interment at a national or state veterans cemetery, where burial, markers, and perpetual care are provided at no charge. Families should always confirm what costs may apply before making decisions.

Headstones, Grave Markers, Medallions & Monuments (check with your chosen private cemetery)

Eligible veterans may receive:

• Upright granite or marble headstone.
• Flat granite, marble, or bronze marker.
• Bronze niche marker.
• Medallion for private monuments.
• Reimbursement of $231 if a private marker is purchased.

Each cemetery operates under its own policy and procedure. The cemetery of your choosing will advise you of what type of marker is permissible (if any) and what the fees are in the cemetery to add the marker.

Memorial Items

Every eligible veteran may receive

• Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by the President.
• VA-provided urn or plaque

 Selecting a VA-provided urn or memorial plaque disqualifies the veteran from future national or state cemetery interment and receiving a permanent marker/monument.

VETERAN'S SURVIVOR BENEFITS - EXPLAINED

When a veteran passes away, their surviving spouse may be entitled to ongoing benefits.

Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)

• Tax-free monthly benefit: $1,653.07/month (as of Dec. 1, 2024).
• Additional allowances for Aid & Attendance, Housebound status, children, or length of marriage.
• Available if the veteran’s death was service-connected or occurred while on active duty.

Survivors' Pension (formerly “Death Pension”)

• Tax-free, means-based, monthly benefit for surviving spouses of wartime veterans with limited income and assets.
• 2025 Maximum Annual Pension Rate (MAPR): $11,102/year ($925/month) for a surviving spouse with no dependents.
• Net worth cap: $155,356 (excluding primary residence and personal effects).
• Applications must include financial documentation; unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce countable income and increase eligibility.

Health Care (CHAMPVA)

• Shared-cost health coverage for surviving spouses and dependents if TRICARE is not available.
• Eligibility is tied to service-connected death or permanent and total service-connected disability.
• Spousal remarriage rules apply (benefits may end before age 55, resume if remarriage ends, or continue if remarriage occurs after age 55).

Home Loan Benefits

• Surviving spouses may qualify for a VA-backed home loan with no down payment or private mortgage insurance.

 Educational Benefits

• Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA): up to 45 months of benefits for spouses and children.
• Fry Scholarship: full tuition at public schools (or capped tuition at private), plus living stipend, for spouses and children of post-9/11 service members who died in the line of duty.

Bereavement Counseling

• Free counseling is available to surviving spouses, children, and parents through VA Vet Centers.

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding whether a veteran’s death is considered service-connected or non-service-connected makes a significant difference in the benefits awarded. While both categories provide meaningful recognition, the financial assistance and eligibility rules vary widely.

At Creran Celebration, we guide families through these distinctions—helping ensure they receive every honor, reimbursement, and support available

.

Final Thoughts

The VA does not cover all funeral expenses, but important benefits do exist. The distinction between service-connected and non-service-connected deaths determines how much financial help is available, while survivors may also be eligible for pensions, healthcare, education, and home loan support. Our role is to help families understand the myths, truths, and realities of veterans' benefits—and to walk with them step by step through the process.



If you have questions, please reach out to Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes. We are here to honor your loved one’s service with dignity, care, and respect.

#crerancelebration #heartfelt

DOWNLOAD our eligibility checklist: HERE