Military funeral honors
What military funeral honors include
What the law guarantees at a veteran's funeral and how to ask for it.
Every veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable can have military funeral honors at no cost (10 U.S.C. § 1491). At minimum, two service members, one from the veteran's branch, fold and present the flag, and Taps is played. The funeral director asks the branch for honors, ideally 48 to 72 hours before the service.
What does the law guarantee?
Under 10 U.S.C. § 1491, an honor detail for an eligible veteran has at least two members of the armed forces, and one of them represents the veteran's branch. At a minimum, the detail folds and presents the American flag to the next of kin, and Taps is played.
Taps is played by a bugler if one is available, or on a ceremonial bugle if not.
What can be added to the minimum?
Veterans Service Organizations and authorized partner programs can add a rifle detail, pallbearers or an escort. These depend on who is available locally, so ask early.
How do you ask for military funeral honors?
- Tell the funeral director the person was a veteran and that the family wants honors.
- The funeral director, or another family representative, contacts the veteran's branch. VA suggests doing this at least 48 to 72 hours before the service.
- Have the DD-214 or other discharge papers ready to show eligibility.
- At a VA national cemetery, the cemetery staff can help arrange honors too.
Where can you get help?
VA benefits line: 800-827-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET, for the burial allowance and other benefits.
National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET, to schedule a burial in a VA national cemetery.
Accredited Veterans Service Officers at VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV and county veterans offices help with claims and appeals at no cost.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do military funeral honors cost anything?
No. The branch sends the honors detail at no cost to the family.
Who can request military funeral honors?
Usually the funeral director, on the family's behalf. Another family representative can ask the veteran's branch directly. Military OneSource (800-342-9647) can help if you're not sure whom to call.
Does VA pay for the funeral itself?
Not in full. VA pays allowances toward burial and funeral costs to the person who paid them. For a non-service-connected death on or after October 1, 2026, VA pays up to $1,032 toward burial and funeral costs and $1,032 for a plot; for a service-connected death on or after September 11, 2001, the burial allowance is up to $2,000.
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