Veteran services at James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation
Veteran families in Charleston, SC can turn to James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation for honors and benefit coordination. In their own words: "The funeral home offers specialized support for veterans, including information on burial benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They provide an eBook titled 'What are My Burial Benefits as a Veteran?' to guide families through available financial assistance and benefits." On-site amenities include chapel and parking lot, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $6,295 for basic burial and $3,095 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Veteran-related services offered include online memorials, cremation services, memorial service, and graveside service. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.
On-site facilities of note include chapel. These spaces accommodate full military honors details, family gatherings before and after the service, and the placement of the United States flag during the visitation period.
Published pricing at James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation: direct cremation from $3,095. That places direct cremation roughly 72% above the South Carolina median ($1,795). Veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months may qualify for VA burial allowance to offset funeral costs — this home accepts assignment of those benefits where eligible.
The nearest VA national cemetery is Beaufort National Cemetery in SC, approximately 46 miles from James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation. James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
South Carolina has approximately 460 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,095. Eligible veterans can offset these costs with a VA burial allowance, and burial in a VA national cemetery is provided at no charge.
Where is James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation is located at 1620 Savannah Hwy. in Charleston, SC. You can reach the home at (843) 766-1365. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation offer veteran families?
James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation provides personalized service, immediate need funeral service, pre-plan funeral services, grief support, online memorials, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation help veterans with VA burial benefits?
The funeral home offers specialized support for veterans, including information on burial benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They provide an eBook titled 'What are My Burial Benefits as a Veteran?' to guide families through available financial assistance and benefits.
Which faith traditions does James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic families, among others.
What sets James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation apart
- Fourth-generation family legacy in funeral service dating back to the late 1800s.
- One-level, ADA compliant facility with 150 parking spaces.
- Chapel seating approximately 275 guests.
- Extensive grief support resources, including specialized guidance for children and external online/group support.
- Personalized tribute options including custom online memorials, tribute videos, and incorporating personal music, artwork, and readings.
- Complimentary pre-planning consultations that cover VA burial benefits and asset protection.
Military & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Specializations
- · Children & Grief
- · Death Away From Home
- · Veterans Burial Benefits
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic.
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
Begin Veteran Estate SettlementHow honors are coordinated
Military funeral honors are guaranteed at no cost for any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The funeral home arranges the honors detail by contacting the deceased's last unit or the nearest active-duty installation of the appropriate branch and submitting the DD-214 to verify eligibility.
For requests less than 72 hours from service time, families can call the Department of Defense's expedited honors line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667). See the full honors protocol.