Those who have served in the armed forces are eligible for a number of items from the government. The last of these items are burial services from the Veterans Administration. If you are involved in the planning of a veteran funeral in your family, here are some things to consider for their final farewell. Taking care of things while the veteran is still alive will provide you with all the information necessary to send your decorated military official off in a classy way.

Choose a funeral homes that know the veteran process

When paying final respects to your loved one, it is best to go with a funeral home company that has worked with military veterans before. Veterans have special ceremonies during their funeral, which funeral homes can provide only if they are prepared. Veterans are entitled to several benefits during their memorial services, including an American flag draped coffin and flag folding ceremony. Speak with the funeral home directors about a proper service before going forward with using the funeral home.

Learn your burial allowance

Paying for the burial with insurance is often the quickest and easiest used method, but it is not the only method available for military vets. Funeral homes know how to work with burial insurance and benefits. If you plan to pay for the burial with insurance money, bring in the specific policy for the vet. Once verifying that the money will be released to the person planning the services, most funeral homes will ask to have the policy holder assign the burial insurance money to the funeral home. This will allow the family to plan and host the funeral immediately, without waiting for insurance red tape to clear. Along with the insurance information, the office of veteran affairs will also provide a burial allowance and money for a plot to be paid after you make a claim.

Get all paperwork in order

Discharge papers are necessary for those who wish to have veteran funeral benefits. Either the veteran themselves will have to request the paperwork, or the next of kin will have to seek it out prior to the funeral. The office of veteran affairs will have all of the information required to receive payment for funerals and burial plots, and will be able to set up the family to receive a certificate from the president of the United States. Make this easier for everyone during the time of grief by having the paperwork together with any necessary insurance and burial information.

Map out a plan with burial plots

Veterans can be buried in veteran cemeteries around the country. Discuss whether your loved one would prefer a family plot near your home, or if they would rather be transported to a specific cemetery for vets. The family of veterans, meaning the spouse and children, may also be buried with them in the veteran cemetery. Some veterans with little family may prefer to be buried near friends they served with or reserve a plot for their spouses and dependents in a cemetery similar to Arlington National Cemetery. Allow the veteran to provide the final say on their final resting place, then discuss with the funeral home.

Locations such as the Hartsell Funeral Home may be able to offer more ideas and guidance.