Discharge Documents (DD-214) Available Online at vetrecs.archives.gov BURIAL IN A NATIONAL CEMETERY Burial benefits available include a gravesite in any of our 123 national cemeteries with available space, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains. Burial benefits available for spouses and dependents buried in a national cemetery include burial with the veteran, perpetual care, and the spouse or dependents name and date of birth and death will be inscribed on the veteran’s headstone, at no cost to the family. BURIAL IN A PRIVATE CEMETERY Burial benefits available for veterans buried in a private cemetery include a Government headstone or marker, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowances. There are not any benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery. In certain circumstances, a Burial Allowance is available from the Veterans Benefits Administration.  For assistance, please call 1.800.827.1000. DEATH PENSION BENEFITS Death Pension is a benefit paid to eligible dependents of deceased wartime veterans.  You may be eligible if: • the deceased veteran was discharged from service under other than dishonorable conditions,  AND • he or she served 90 days or more of active duty with at least 1 day during a period of war time.  However, 38 CFR 3.12a requires that anyone who enlists after 9/7/80 generally has to serve at least 24 months or the full period for which a person was called or ordered to active duty in order to receive any benefits based on that period of service.  With the advent of the Gulf War on 8/2/90 (and still not ended by Congress to this day), veterans can now serve after 9/7/80 during a period of wartime.  When they do, they generally now must serve 24 months to be eligible for pension or any other benefits.  But note the exclusions in 38 CFR 3.12(d),  AND • you are the surviving spouse or unmarried child of the deceased veteran,  AND • your countable income is below a yearly limit set by law. How Much Does VA Pay ? VA pays you the difference between your countable income and the yearly income limit which describes your situation.  This difference is generally paid in 12 equal monthly payments rounded down to the nearest dollar.  Call the toll-free number below for details. How Can You Apply ? You can apply by filling out VA Form 21-534, Application for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation Or Death Pension by Surviving Spouse or Child.  If available, attach copies of dependency records (marriage & children's birth certificates). For more information call 1-800-827-1000 Or visit the VA website at http://www.va.gov. It is the policy of Stapish Cederberg Funeral Homes to provide the family of every veteran with a flag case at no charge with respect and grateful recognition of the service the veteran has provided our country.