Veteran Cremation Services

You'll no doubt agree with us: we all owe a debt of gratitude to our nation's veterans. And because we feel so strongly, each of us has made a commitment to provide the highest levels of professional and personal attention in our veterans cremation services. Our pledge to veterans and the families who love them is a simple one: when you come to us, you will receive nothing less than the finest in veterans' services. We invite you to read on to learn more about our services for veterans and their families; send an email using the form on our contact us page, or simply call us at (215) 986-2184

What differentiates our veterans cremation services from those of other cremation providers? Affordability aside, it's our experience and expertise in dealing with the three facets of veteran's cremation care:

• Thorough and timely completion of documents related to obtaining military and social security death and funeral benefits, in addition to the completion of the death certificate and all required permits related to cremation and transportation of the deceased.

• Private cremation performed by certified crematory operators in a process governed by proven identification and verification measures.

⇒ In short, our crematory standards not only exceed state cremation requirements; they surpass those set in place by other cremation providers. These exemplary standards form the foundation of all our crematory operational processes, each of which ensures your loved one will be cared for in a respectful, dignified manner, by highly-trained cremation professionals. Ask about the extra steps we take during the cremation process to ensure your peace-of-mind: Contact Us

• Coordination with federal and local veterans' organizations for the performance of military honors at the veteran funeral ceremony, memorial service, or at the time of committal in the cemetery of your choice.

⇒ It's not enough to file all the required paperwork to obtain military benefits and honors; arrangements must be made (some with federal agencies and some with local veterans' groups) for full military honors in the setting of your choice. And should you wish it, we will make all arrangements for a military service and the burial of your veteran's ashes within the grounds of a state owned Veterans Cemetery or Washington Crossing Veterans Cemetery.

There are more than 700,000 veterans living in Pennsylvania and we want to see that every veteran receives a proper military burial when that time comes.  

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers various benefits and services to eligible veterans, including assistance with cremation expenses. In this article, we will explore the cremation benefits that veterans in Philadelphia are entitled to and how to access them.

1. National Cemetery Burial:

   - Eligible veterans have the option to be interred in a national cemetery. The closest national cemetery to Philadelphia is the Washington Crossing National Cemetery in Newtown, Pennsylvania.

   - Cremated remains can also be buried in a national cemetery, and a grave marker is provided to mark the final resting place.

2. Cremation and Burial Allowance:

   - The VA provides a burial allowance to help cover the costs associated with cremation and burial for eligible veterans. As of my last update, the amount of this allowance was up to $2,000 for service-related deaths and up to $796 for non-service-related deaths.

   - To qualify for this allowance, the veteran must have received an honorable discharge.

3. Memorial Services:

   - The VA can provide a military funeral honors ceremony, which includes the folding and presentation of the American flag to the next of kin and the playing of Taps.

   - This service is available for both traditional burials and the interment of cremated remains.

4. Presidential Memorial Certificate:

   - The VA can also provide a Presidential Memorial Certificate to honor the veteran's service. This certificate is typically presented to the next of kin.

5. Eligibility and Application:

   - Eligibility for these benefits varies depending on the veteran's service record, discharge status, and other factors.

   - To apply for cremation benefits and services, the veteran's family or representative should contact the Philadelphia VA Regional Office or a local VA office for guidance and assistance with the application process.

1. Are veterans eligible for cremation benefits in Philadelphia?

Yes. Eligible veterans may receive burial benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including burial in a national cemetery.

2. Does the VA pay for cremation?

The VA may provide reimbursement allowances and cemetery benefits, though it does not typically cover the full cost of cremation services.

3. Can cremated remains be buried in a national cemetery?

Yes. Cremated remains may be interred in a national or state veterans cemetery at no cost for eligible veterans.

4. Are military honors available with cremation?

Yes. Eligible veterans may receive military honors including flag presentation and ceremonial honors.

5. Does Philadelphia Cremations assist with VA paperwork?

Yes. We help families in Philadelphia complete and file required VA documentation.

6. What documentation is required?

A DD-214 discharge document is typically required to verify eligibility.

7. Can spouses be buried with veterans?

Yes, eligible spouses may be buried or interred with veterans in national cemeteries.  Our closest veterans cemetery in Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

8. Is direct cremation available for veterans?

Yes. We offer affordable direct cremation options for veterans in Philadelphia starting at $995.  

9. Can we hold a memorial service for a veteran?

Yes. Memorial services may be held privately or at a place of worship.

10. Why choose Philadelphia Cremations for veterans cremation services?

We are experienced in assisting Philadelphia veterans’ families with affordable cremation and benefit coordination.