BURIAL AND MEMORIAL BENEFITS

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides Burial and Memorial Benefits to help honor eligible Veterans and assist families with certain funeral, burial, and memorial-related expenses. These benefits may include burial allowances, reimbursement for funeral expenses, burial in a VA national cemetery, government-issued headstones or markers, Presidential Memorial Certificates, burial flags, and other memorial honors available to qualifying Veterans and their families.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County (VACCC) Veteran Service Officer (VSO) Program provides free assistance to eligible Veterans and surviving family members seeking to apply for VA Burial and Memorial Benefits. VACCC VSOs assist individuals by reviewing eligibility requirements, helping gather required documentation, preparing and submitting applications, and helping families better understand available burial and memorial-related resources and benefits.

Common Required Documentation

Individuals seeking assistance with Burial and Memorial Benefits should be prepared to provide:

  • Veteran’s DD214 or qualifying military discharge paperwork
  • Veteran’s Death Certificate
  • Current government-issued photo ID for the applicant or next of kin
  • Funeral home invoice or burial-related expense documentation, if applicable
  • Marriage certificate or proof of relationship to the Veteran, if applicable
  • Cemetery or burial location information, if available
  • Any prior VA correspondence or VA benefit documentation related to the Veteran

Important Notes

  • Eligibility for Burial and Memorial Benefits depends on the Veteran’s military service history and discharge characterization
  • Certain burial benefits may be time-sensitive and should be requested as soon as possible following the Veteran’s passing
  • Additional documentation may be required depending on the requested benefit or burial circumstances
  • VACCC VSOs provide assistance free of charge

Veterans or surviving family members interested in this service must either complete the intake form online using the QR code located on the VACCC home page, or contact the VACCC office directly at 312.433.6010 and press Menu Option 2 to speak with a Veteran Service Officer.