veterans funeral services & VA Burial Benefits

VA Burial Benefits for Veterans and Spouses in Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA, and Chester County, PA

As a veteran or spouse of a veteran, you may be entitled to burial benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These benefits can help cover the costs of a burial or memorial service and provide a final resting place for your loved one.

In Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA, and Chester County, PA, there are a variety of VA burial benefits available to eligible individuals. Here are some of the most important benefits to be aware of:

1. Burial Allowance: The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover the cost of a veteran's burial or cremation. The allowance is paid directly to the funeral home or cemetery and varies depending on the circumstances of the veteran's death. For example, if the veteran died of a service-connected disability, the VA will pay up to $2,000 toward burial expenses. If the veteran's death was not service-connected, the VA will pay up to $796.
2. Plot Allowance: The VA also provides a plot allowance to help cover the cost of a burial plot or interment in a national cemetery. The allowance is paid directly to the cemetery and varies depending on whether the veteran is buried in a national cemetery or a private cemetery. For example, if the veteran is buried in a national cemetery, the VA will provide a gravesite, headstone or marker, and perpetual care at no cost to the family. If the veteran is buried in a private cemetery, the VA will provide up to $796 toward the cost of the plot.
3. Headstone or Marker: The VA provides a headstone or marker for the grave of an eligible veteran. The headstone or marker is available at no cost to the family and can be customized with the veteran's name, rank, and other information.
4. Presidential Memorial Certificate: The VA provides a Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor the memory of an eligible veteran. The certificate bears the signature of the President of the United States and expresses the country's grateful recognition of the veteran's service.

To be eligible for these VA burial benefits, the veteran or spouse must meet certain requirements. For example, the veteran must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and the spouse must have been married to the veteran at the time of their death. Additionally, some benefits may have income or asset limits.

If you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran in Philadelphia, Delaware County, PA, or Chester County, PA, and you believe you may be eligible for VA burial benefits, it's important to contact your local VA office or one of our funeral homes as soon as possible. We can help you navigate the application process and ensure that you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to.

The Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery is a memorial park for local veterans and their spouses who have served our great nation with distinction. Located close to our three funeral homes in Newtown, Pennsylvania, the cemetery offers a peaceful and dignified setting for those who have given so much to our country.  If you are a veteran or spouse of a veteran and are interested in being buried at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery, here is what you need to know:

• To be eligible for burial at the Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery, veterans must have received an honorable discharge from their military service. Spouses are also eligible for burial, even if they predecease the veteran. For more information on eligibility requirements, visit the official website of the National Cemetery Administration.
• The Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery provides a number of benefits to eligible veterans and their spouses, including a gravesite, a government headstone or marker, perpetual care of the gravesite, a burial flag, and a Presidential Memorial Certificate. In addition, some veterans may be eligible for a burial allowance and plot allowance.
• The Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery is open to visitors every day of the year, including weekends and holidays, from sunrise to sunset.
• The Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery is located at 830 Highland Road, Newtown, PA 18940. It is situated on 205 acres of land and offers a beautiful and serene setting for those who come to pay their respects.

For more information on burial eligibility, benefits, or to schedule a burial, please contact us or the cemetery's administrative office at (215) 504-5610.