We hear this request several times a year from families looking to honor their fallen hero. It’s a powerful sentiment—and one we deeply respect. But it’s also important to clarify what a military funeral truly entails, and what benefits our veterans are actually entitled to. Let’s take a brief, respectful walk through history.

A History of Veteran Burial Benefits

In 1917, during the height of World War I, the U.S. government enacted the War Risk Insurance Act Amendment, which provided a $100 burial allowance for veterans who died from war-related injuries. Adjusted for today’s economy, that’s about $2,500—a significant sum at a time when funerals cost about $200.

By 1930, the Veterans Administration (now the Department of Veterans Affairs) was formally established. In 1957, the Veterans' Benefits Act expanded compensation, pensions, and burial benefits. A year later, the burial allowance increased to $250.

In 2001, the Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act raised the burial benefit for service-connected deaths from $1,500 to $2,000, and the cemetery plot allowance from $150 to $300.

In 2023, the VA expanded burial reimbursements again. As of October 1, 2024, the VA will pay up to $978 toward burial and funeral expenses, and another $978 for plot or interment allowances—for non-service-connected deaths and only if the veteran meets eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

These benefits are reserved for veterans who meet at least one of the following:

• Receiving VA pension or compensation
  
  
• Eligible for VA benefits but received military retirement or disability pay
  
  
• Died while hospitalized by the VA or under VA-contracted care
  
  
• Died while traveling for VA medical purposes
  
  
• Had a VA claim pending at the time of death and would have been entitled to benefits
  
  

Standard Honors for All Veterans

• Military honors: rifle volley (when available), Taps, and flag presentation
  
  
• Bronze plaque or medallion for their grave
  
  
• Burial in a state or federal VA cemetery
  
  

Helpful Clarifications

A 21-gun salute is for the President. A veteran receives three volleys—if four members fire three times, you’ll hear 12 shots. The U.S. burial flag is large (5’ x 9½’), cotton, and not suitable for outdoor flying due to color bleeding when wet.

How We Help

Yes, there’s paperwork—and yes, it must be done correctly. At O’Connell Funeral Homes, we handle all the forms, work with service officers, and ensure all earned honors are provided. We’re proud to work with amazing partners in Pierce County, including Service Officer Melissa Hildebrandt and Benefits Specialist Tami MacGregor.

We honor your service—and we’re honored to serve you.



Sincerely,

Mike O’Connell
O’Connell Family Funeral Homes