Veterans Benefits

The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is proud to offer an array of cremation packages and services to those who proudly served our country. The American Veterans Cremation Program was developed to assist veterans and their families with the bureaucracy and numerous forms associated with obtaining monetary, service and recognition benefits provided by the government. Research has shown that most veterans do not receive all of the benefits to which they are entitled. Generally, all that we need to begin the process is a copy of the veteran's discharge paper called a "Report of Separation from the Armed Forces of the United States" otherwise known as "DD Form 214." If this form or its equivalent is not available, we can guide you in obtaining documentation showing proof of military service. Our counselors are especially trained to handle every detail in making crematory arrangements for veterans, including applying for monetary benefits from the Veterans Administration, coordinating with state and federal VA cemeteries, arranging and scheduling military honors, obtaining a flag and ordering the veterans cemetery marker. The special packages offered as part of our American Veterans Cremation program are only available to veterans and their families.

 Veterans Benefits (paid upon death should you be eligible)

Benefits for veterans who die at a VA hospital:

1. Gets $300 burial or cremation allowance.
2. Gets $300 plot allowance if they don't use a national cemetery.
3. Gets transportation from VA hospital (our charges reimbursed)
4. Gets transportation to place of interment or services (our charges reimbursed)

Benefits for veterans who die outside a VA Hospital:

Scenario #1: VA service connected disability pension

1. Gets $300 burial/cremation allowance.
2. Gets $300 plot allowance if they don't use a national cemetery.
3. If you are service connected, transportation will be paid only if buried in a National Cemetery.

Scenario #2: VA support pension

1. Gets $300 burial/cremation allowance
2. Gets $300 plot allowance if they don't use a national cemetery.
3. No transport money is allowed, ever.

Scenario #3: 100% service connected Veteran

1. Must have died from service connection! If so, up to $2000 is reimbursed to family on funeral - cremation costs.

*All Vets and their spouses, with honorable discharge & with one day of active duty are entitled to free cemetery property, headstone, opening and closing and perpetual care at any National Cemetery. At the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, the family is responsible for the urn vault and paying a non-veterans spouse fee of $350.

 Military Honors

Many people do not know that military honors services are available to all veterans regardless of rank or location of burial. The military does not accept payment for these services under any circumstance. Our staff will do their best to set as many honors as they can. We consider the ordering of military honors a priority. 

Military Honors
Military honors are performed if honors team is available. Because of cutbacks and limited staff we sometimes use an honors team from a group such as a local VFW or DAV. Rules about military honors often change. 

Burial Flag
Eligible deceased veteran's families will receive a flag. Veteran must have been honorably discharged. Flag is folded and presented to next-of-kin or close friend of veteran. Veterans Funeral Care will obtain flag. 

21 Gun Salute
Seven soldiers fire three volleys of ammunition. Sometimes available, never guaranteed.

Bugler to play "taps"
Lone soldier plays "taps." This is an extremely solemn occasion. 

Burial in National Cemetery
All honorably discharged veterans are entitled to free gravespace for the veteran, spouse and dependent children. 

Conditions to be met: 

• Honorably discharged veteran serving any length of time before 9/7/80. 
• Veterans entering service after this time must serve 24 months of continuous active duty or for the full time for which the person was called to active duty 

All associated cemetery services and merchandise are also free. 

Headstone or Marker 
In National Cemetery, veteran, spouse and dependent children receive a free headstone. If burial is in a private cemetery, government will provide a simple marker for the veteran only, if the grave is unmarked. 

Memorial Monuments
These monuments are used for: 

• Cremation when the ashes are scattered. 
• Burial At Sea. 
• Veterans whose remains are non-recoverable. 

Burial Flag 

• For casket burial: Flag is draped on casket of veteran. After the funeral, flag is presented to next of kin.
• For cremation: Flag is folded and placed on pedestal next to urn. After the ceremony, flag is presented to next of kin.