Most people know that veterans are entitled to funerary benefits when they pass, but most people do not know the specifics. Who is entitled to the benefits? What do the benefits comprise of? If that is something that you are wondering and you want to be able to offer your loved one the kind of quality services they earned and deserve, there are some things you will want to know. Here are the tips that providers of cremation services in Riverside, IL want you to be aware of. 

One of the first things that you have to do is to make sure that your loved one is eligible for the services. If the person served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard and they received a general discharge, they will be eligible for these services. If the person was a member of the National Guard, they can also be eligible if they died while on duty. For those who have a loved one who received a dishonorable discharge, you still want to reach out to the VA to be certain whether or not they are eligible. You also want to keep in mind that the spouse and the dependent children of a veteran can get these benefits, as well. Many times, even the parents of the veteran can receive them. 

Once you have made sure that your loved one is eligible for funerary benefits, you will want to know what these actually are. The burial at a national cemetery will be at no cost to you, and this includes the opening and closing of the grave, the grave marker or headstone, perpetual care, and a number of other services. You want to take some time to ask about the options you have. Keep in mind that you cannot reserve a spot at a national cemetery ahead of time.   

Another thing that you want to remember is that the benefits do not usually cover the funeral or memorial service. Sometimes, the costs of these can be reimbursed, but that is something that needs to be checked with the VA. They will let you know if it is possible to be reimbursed for the flowers, casket, transportation, and the actual service. This goes case by case, so take the time to speak with experts about this before starting any kind of plans. 

If you are getting ready to lay a loved one to rest who served their country, you want to find ways of honoring them and their service. You can add mentions of this in their obituary and you can also plan to add honors at their funeral or memorial service. If that is something that you want to know more about or if you want to start making arrangements, you want to reach out to a Riverside, IL cremation services provider like us. Our team is here to answer all of the questions you may have about this. You can give us a call right now or you can visit us today to get started.