Planning ahead removes a burden from your family at a time of loss.
Most people agree that planning ahead for funeral wishes is a good idea. A written plan protects your family by relieving the burden that falls on loved ones during a time of loss.
Without a plan in place, family members are left with dozens of decisions to make while in the midst of grief. The problem is, many people hesitate to actually create their own plan.
We make it easy.
Check out any of our free resources below, book a meeting, or plan ahead online.
Mary Planner
Preplanning Specialist
"Having gone through three immediate family members' funerals in my life, I understand the importance of preplanning to record one's final wishes and to offer financial stability to one's family. With my role, I'm able to assist the families of my community during a difficult time, and I can also ensure that their loved one's final wishes are properly met.
The pain of losing someone close will always be there, but if a family is not prepared financially, it only magnifies the pain and stress during that difficult time. I want to help families have peace of mind, so they can focus on grieving, not finances."
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Explore more resources to help you plan ahead!
Plan Ahead Online
Some people choose to do their planning online.
Here's how it works:
Select Your Package:
Answer a few questions and select the best package
Customize Package:
Customize your plan so it fits your unique needs
Finalize Plan:
Complete your account information, payment, and signatures
If you need assistance, you can always contact your Preplanning Specialist at any time. To get started now, click the link below!
Benefits of Preplanning
Makes Your Wishes Known
The death of a loved one often brings about unwarranted stress and turmoil among families. One family member wants one thing, while another family member wants something different. By planning ahead, you help prevent those disagreements by letting your family know what your wishes are and how you want your funeral service to be carried out and your business handled.
Makes Your Wishes Known
The death of a loved one often brings about unwarranted stress and turmoil among families. One family member wants one thing, while another family member wants something different. By planning ahead, you help prevent those disagreements by letting your family know what your wishes are and how you want your funeral service to be carried out and your business handled.
Includes Flexible Funding Options
Preplanning a funeral also offers flexible funding options. You can choose to pay for your funeral in advance or set up a payment plan to spread the cost out over time. By taking care of the cost ahead of time, you can alleviate some of the financial burden that may fall on your loved ones when arranging a funeral.
Relieves the Burden on Family
As you can see, funeral preplanning can have a profound effect on your family. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure that your funeral will be arranged according to your wishes and that your family does not have to make hard decisions during an emotionally difficult time.
Common Questions about Preplanning
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Will the Department of Veterans Affairs pay for a veteran's funeral in full?
No, the VA will not pay for a veteran’s funeral in full. This applies to both cremation services and traditional funerals. However, the VA does provide a specified amount, called a burial allowance, to help offset the cost of either burial or cremation for eligible veterans.
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Are there cases when the VA pays nothing toward a veteran's funeral?
Yes. A veteran is not eligible for standard burial benefits if they:
- Received a dishonorable discharge
- Died during active military service (where different regulations apply)
- Were a member of Congress and died while holding office, or
- Were a federal prisoner.
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What does the VA provide for veterans buried in a national cemetery?
Burial in any open VA national cemetery is available to eligible veterans. This includes, at no cost to the family:
- Opening/closing of the grave
- Grave liner
- Perpetual care of the gravesite
- Headstone or marker
- Burial flag
- Presidential Memorial Certificate
- Military honors (such as playing of “Taps,” folding and presentation of flag, etc.)
For those buried in a private cemetery, the VA provides burial and plot allowances, government-issued headstone, burial flag, Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military honors.
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What are the most common military honors provided at a funeral?
The Department of Defense, through a program called “Honoring Those Who Served,” is responsible for providing military funeral honors. In most cases, the military personnel who participate do so on a volunteer basis. Keep in mind, military honors must be requested, and they will vary, depending on status, rank, and place of burial.
The most common military honors are:
- Honor Guard
- Flag-draped casket/urn
- Folding and presentation of the flag
- Playing of “Taps”
In some cases, it may be possible to request additional honors, such as:
- Three-volley salute
- Color Guard
- Pallbearers
- Horse-drawn caisson
- Military flyover
To learn what your veteran is eligible to receive, contact the VA directly.
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What is the VA's contact information?
You can visit the Veterans Affairs' website at www.va.gov, or you can call at any of the numbers below.
National Cemetery Scheduling Office: 800-535-1117
Headstones and markers: 800-697-6947
VA benefits hotline: 800-827-1000
MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411
If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 711.
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