Understanding Veterans Funeral Benefits
Eligible veterans may qualify for funeral and burial benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, including military funeral honors, a burial flag, a government headstone or marker, and burial in a national or state veterans cemetery. Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, formerly Meador, helps families in Gainesville and Whitesboro, Texas understand which benefits apply and assists with the paperwork. Benefit amounts and eligibility are set by the VA. To learn what your family may qualify for, call (903) 564-3800 or speak with a director who can review the records.
Serving Gainesville and Cooke County, including Lindsay, Valley View, Callisburg, Lake Kiowa, Era, and Muenster; and Whitesboro and Grayson County, including Collinsville, Sadler, Tioga, Southmayd, Pottsboro, and Gordonville.
Eligible veterans may receive military funeral honors, a burial flag, a government headstone or marker, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and in some cases a burial allowance or interment in a veterans cemetery, as determined by the VA.
The veteran’s discharge document, the DD-214, establishes eligibility for most benefits. Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow helps families locate this record and submit it with the appropriate Department of Veterans Affairs forms.
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow, the homes formerly known as Meador, guides families through which benefits apply and assists with applications, while the VA sets the actual amounts and eligibility.
Benefits Veterans May Qualify For
- Military funeral honors. Flag presentation and honor guard for eligible veterans.
- Burial flag. A United States flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn.
- Headstone or marker. A government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion.
- Memorial certificate. A Presidential Memorial Certificate honoring the veteran’s service.
- Cemetery and allowances. Possible interment in a veterans cemetery and certain VA burial allowances, as eligibility allows.
FAQ
What is the DD-214, and why is it needed for veteran benefits?
The DD-214 is the veteran’s certificate of discharge from military service. It establishes eligibility for most funeral and burial benefits, so the Department of Veterans Affairs requires it when a family applies. A director helps locate and submit it.
What is a Presidential Memorial Certificate?
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved certificate signed by the President honoring an eligible veteran’s service. Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow can help an eligible family request one as part of the benefits process.
Are spouses and dependents eligible for any veteran benefits?
In some cases, eligible spouses and dependents may qualify for benefits such as interment in a national cemetery. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a director can help the family understand what may apply.
Reviewed by the funeral directors of Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, serving Gainesville and Whitesboro, Texas.
Texas Funeral Service Commission license number 4450 (Whitesboro) and license number 4457 (Gainesville). Benefit amounts and eligibility are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
