Burial Benefits & Memorial Honors

Information for Veterans and Families

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides burial and memorial benefits to honor eligible veterans and assist their families. Benefits may include burial allowances, burial in a national cemetery, transportation assistance in certain circumstances, government headstones or markers, burial flags, and other memorial benefits.

Eligibility requirements and available benefits depend on the veteran’s service history, discharge status, and individual circumstances. Please contact the Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about these benefits, resources, and what documentation is needed to apply. 

VA Burial Allowances

VA burial allowances may help reimburse certain funeral and burial expenses for eligible veterans.

Eligibility depends on factors such as:

  • The veteran’s military service and discharge status
  • Whether the veteran’s death was service-connected or non–service-connected
  • Whether the veteran died while hospitalized by VA or under VA-authorized care
  • The location of burial

Generally, the veteran must have:

  • Served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, and
  • Been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

In certain situations, VA may also assist with the transportation expense. This includes the pickup and the transportation of the veteran's remains to their final resting place.

Burial in a VA National Cemetery

Eligible veterans and certain family members may be buried in a VA National Cemetery.

Benefits of burial in a national cemetery include:

  • Gravesite in a national cemetery
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • Perpetual care of the gravesite
  • Government headstone or marker
  • Burial flag
  • Presidential Memorial Certificate

Michigan VA National Cemeteries

The closest Michigan national cemeteries for Lenawee County residents are:

15501 Dickman Rd
Augusta, MI 49012
269-731-4164

Great Lakes National Cemetery

4200 Belford Rd
Holly, MI 48442
248-328-0386

All Michigan National Cemeteries

Eligibility for National Cemetery Burial

Veterans
A veteran may be eligible for burial in a national cemetery if they:

    • Served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, and
    • Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

Members of the Reserve or National Guard may also be eligible if they:

    • Were called to active federal service (other than for training), or
    • Completed the required years of qualifying service and are eligible for retirement pay

Spouses and Surviving Spouses
The following individuals may also be eligible for burial in a national cemetery:

    • Spouse of an eligible veteran
    • Surviving spouse of an eligible veteran

A surviving spouse may remain eligible even if the veteran is not buried in a national cemetery.

Dependent Children
Certain minor children and qualifying dependent adult children of eligible veterans may also qualify for burial in a national cemetery.

More information on eligibility for national cemetery burial can be found here. Veterans and their spouses may apply in advance for a Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for burial in a VA national cemetery.

This program allows families to:

  • Confirm eligibility before death
  • Simplify burial arrangements for loved ones
  • Reduce uncertainty during a difficult time

Applications are submitted using VA Form 40-10007.

VA Headstones, Markers, and Medallions

VA provides free government headstones or markers for the graves of eligible veterans anywhere in the world.

Government Headstones and Markers
Available for eligible veterans buried in:

    • National cemeteries
    • State veterans’ cemeteries
    • Private cemeteries

Options include:

    • Upright headstones
    • Flat markers made of granite, marble, or bronze

Veterans Medallions
If a veteran is buried in a private cemetery and already has a privately purchased headstone or marker, a Veterans Medallion may be requested to indicate the individual’s veteran status.

Presidential Memorial Certificate
A Presidential Memorial Certificate is an engraved certificate signed by the President of the United States honoring the veteran’s military service. Eligible family members may request this certificate.

Burial Flags

VA provides a United States burial flag to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran.

After the funeral service, the flag is generally presented to the next of kin as a keepsake in recognition of the veteran’s service.

Commemorative Urn and Plaque
The urn and plaque are two memorial items that commemorate a Veteran whose cremated remains have not been interred. A "commemorative urn" is used to hold the remains of a deceased cremated Veteran and a "commemorative plaque" is designed to hang on a wall. Claimants may request either the urn or the plaque to honor the Veteran's service according to their preference.
 

The Lenawee County Burial Allowance

Available for Eligible Veterans, Spouses, and Surviving Spouses

The Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs reminds residents that a County Burial Allowance may be available to assist with burial expenses for eligible veterans and their spouses or surviving spouses.

Under Michigan law (Public Act 235 of 1911, MCL 35.801), counties may provide financial assistance toward burial expenses when an eligible wartime veteran or their spouse or surviving spouse passes away. This benefit is intended to help families in financial need with funeral costs while ensuring that veterans receive the dignified recognition they deserve for their service.

Veteran Eligibility
To qualify, the deceased Michigan veteran must have:

  • Served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces (other than for training purposes) during a period of war 
  • Been honorably discharged
  • Asset limitation

Additional service, residency, and financial requirements established by state law and the county must also be met.

Spouse or Surviving Spouse Eligibility
The benefit may also be available for the spouse or surviving spouse of an eligible wartime veteran if other eligibility requirements are met.

Application Requirements
The executor or administrator of the estate, or the individual who incurred or paid the burial expenses, should contact our office to learn more about the application process and required documentation.

Applications must be filed within two years of the date of death.