Veterans Funeral Specialist: 6 Benefits for Veterans and Their Families

Losing a loved one is difficult enough without navigating military burial benefits to add to the stress. A certified Veterans Funeral Specialist (VFS) removes the guesswork and handles applications, paperwork, and special requests with care and expertise. If you’re a Veteran interested in planning your funeral, working with a VFS professional ensures your family won’t have to struggle with these details when the time comes. We’re also here to help if you are a family member making funeral arrangements for a Veteran.

What Is a Certified Veterans Funeral Specialist?

When a Veteran passes away, their loved ones face not only grief but also the overwhelming task of arranging military honors and securing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) burial benefits. A certified Veterans Funeral Specialist (VFS) is trained to handle these details, ensuring every eligible Veteran receives the recognition they deserve. Whether you're a Veteran looking to plan your own funeral or a family member navigating arrangements after a loss, a VFS professional can help relieve the burden by guiding you through the process.

Here are six key ways a certified Veterans Funeral Specialist meets the unique needs of military service members and their families:

1. Helps Obtain Proof of Eligible Service 

One of the first steps in accessing VA burial benefits is providing proof of service with a DD-214 discharge document. Unfortunately, many Veterans and families struggle to locate this paperwork when they need it most. If the DD-214 is missing, a VFS professional will assist in filing an SF-180 (Request Pertaining to Military Records) to retrieve it. This ensures you or your loved one receive all entitled benefits, including burial in a VA national cemetery, military honors, and financial assistance. While families might try to navigate this process independently, having a trained funeral professional can make it easier. 

2. Ensures Every Veteran Receives a U.S. Burial Flag

A United States burial flag, draped over a Veteran’s casket or placed beside an urn during a memorial service, symbolizes honor and service. Families are often unaware of how to request one. A Veteran funeral professional takes care of the process by filing VA Form 27-2008 (Application for United States Flag for Burial Purposes) on your behalf. 

3. Assists in Obtaining a Government-Issued Headstone, Marker, or Medallion

Every Veteran who meets eligibility requirements is entitled to a government-issued headstone, marker, or medallion. A VFS professional helps families complete VA Form 40-1330 (Application for Standard Government Headstone or Medallion) or VA Form 40-1330M (Claim for Government Medallion) so this lasting tribute can be placed at the Veteran’s final resting place. 

4. Requests a Presidential Memorial Certificate for Your Family

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an official document signed by the current president that acknowledges the Veteran’s service. The VA can issue additional copies by filing VA Form 40-0247 (Presidential Memorial Certificate Request Form), so several family members have a keepsake recognizing their loved one’s service to their country. A VFS professional can handle this administrative task and file on the family’s behalf.

5. Helps Veterans and Families Access Additional Benefits

Veterans or family members may qualify for burial allowances, survivor benefits, or state and county assistance programs, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. A Veterans specialist helps determine eligibility and submits VA Form 21-530 (Application for Burial Benefits) to maximize available support. If you are a Veteran looking to make funeral arrangements in advance, they can help you understand what benefits you qualify for now, so your family isn’t left figuring it out later.

6. Requests Military Service Medals and Ribbons

Veterans who have earned military service medals and ribbons deserve to be honored. A Veterans Funeral Specialist helps families or Veterans request these awards from the appropriate military branch, ensuring that service and sacrifice are appropriately recognized. This can be especially meaningful when planning, as it allows Veterans to ensure their honors are included in their memorial service.

Support Beyond VA Burial Benefits

A VFS does more than help with VA paperwork. They also assist families in planning meaningful memorial services that honor their loved one’s legacy. Whether selecting a casket or urn, arranging a military-themed ceremony, or coordinating with a private or national cemetery for burial or interment, a VFS professional ensures that every detail is seamlessly achieved. Their expertise helps ease the burden on families, smoothing the planning process and ensuring that Veterans receive the dignified farewell they deserve. They can also help you select sympathy and memorial gifts from the Memorial Store, including a curated Veterans collection. Click here to locate a certified Veterans Funeral Specialist near you.

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