For the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, California and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide a range of burial and memorial benefits to honor their service and sacrifice. Navigating these benefits, however, can be a complex process for families.
As a proud Level One Founding Community Partner with We Honor Veterans, the San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home is committed to ensuring every eligible veteran receives the honors they have earned. This guide provides a clear overview of the funeral and burial benefits available to veterans in California.
Who is Eligible for VA Burial Benefits?
In general, eligibility is open to most veterans who were not dishonorably discharged. This includes:
- Veterans who die on active duty.
- Veterans who served a minimum period of active duty service.
- Reservists and National Guard members with 20 years of qualifying service.
Spouses and dependent children of eligible veterans may also qualify for certain benefits, such as burial in a national cemetery.
Core VA Memorial Benefits
Every eligible veteran is entitled to three core benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost to the family. These are often referred to as "The Three Bs."
1. Burial in a VA National Cemetery
Eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependents can be buried in one of the 155 VA national cemeteries across the country. This benefit includes:
- The gravesite or columbarium niche itself.
- Opening and closing of the grave/niche.
- Perpetual care of the site.
- A government-provided headstone, marker, or niche cover.
Note: While the burial is free, VA benefits do not typically cover the costs of cremation, funeral home services, or transportation to the cemetery. The closest national cemetery to San Francisco with available space is the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery.
2. Government-Furnished Headstone, Marker, or Medallion
For veterans buried in a private cemetery or whose remains are housed in a private columbarium like the San Francisco Columbarium, the VA can provide a headstone, marker, or medallion to mark the grave or niche, free of charge.
- Headstone/Marker: Available in bronze, granite, or marble in various styles.
- Medallion: A bronze medallion that can be affixed to a privately purchased headstone or columbarium niche front.
Our staff at the SF Columbarium can assist your family in applying for and affixing the VA medallion to your loved one’s niche.
3. Burial Flag & Flag Folding Ceremony
Every eligible veteran is entitled to a U.S. burial flag. This flag is presented to the next of kin as a keepsake after the funeral service. The flag is typically draped over the casket or placed near the urn during the memorial service.
Military Funeral Honors
Perhaps the most moving tribute, the Military Funeral Honors ceremony is a right of every eligible veteran. This solemn ceremony is performed by a detail of two or more uniformed service members representing the veteran’s branch of the military.
The core ceremony includes:
- The folding and presentation of the U.S. burial flag to the next of kin.
- The playing of "Taps" by a bugler or a high-quality recording.
Depending on the availability of personnel, the honors may also include a rifle detail, color guard, and pallbearers.
Financial Reimbursement: Burial Allowances
The VA may also provide a monetary burial allowance to help cover a portion of the funeral and burial expenses. The amount varies based on whether the death was service-connected or non-service-connected.
- Service-Connected Death: If the veteran’s death was a result of a service-related injury or disability, the VA may reimburse up to $2,000.
- Non-Service-Connected Death: For most non-service-connected deaths, the VA may provide up to $948 for burial and funeral expenses if the veteran was hospitalized by the VA at the time of death, or up to $300 if not.
How We Can Help
As a We Honor Veterans partner, our staff is specially trained to guide families through this process. We can help you:
- Determine eligibility for all VA benefits.
- Complete and submit all necessary applications and paperwork.
- Arrange for the Military Funeral Honors ceremony.
- Coordinate with the VA for the burial flag, headstone, or medallion.
- Plan a personalized memorial service that incorporates these military honors in a meaningful way.
Your family does not have to navigate this alone. Contact the San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home to speak with a specialist who can ensure your veteran receives every honor they deserve.