Veterans & Family6 min read
VA Burial Benefits: A Kansas City Family's Guide
Veterans and their families are often entitled to more support than they realize. Here's what's typically available and how to start the process.
Who qualifies
Most veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable qualify for at least some VA burial benefits. Eligibility generally depends on service record and discharge status, which is why having a copy of your veteran's DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge) on hand early makes everything downstream faster.
What's commonly available
- Burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost, including the gravesite, opening/closing, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care.
- A burial allowance to help offset funeral and burial costs for veterans not buried in a national cemetery — amount depends on service-connected status, so we recommend confirming current figures directly with the VA.
- A government headstone or marker, even for burial in a private cemetery, at no cost to the family.
- Military honors at the funeral or memorial service, typically including flag folding and presentation, and often a rifle detail or bugler where available.
- A burial flag to drape the casket and later present to next of kin.
Where KC-area veterans are typically buried
Families in the Kansas City metro most often use Leavenworth National Cemetery or Fort Scott National Cemetery, both within driving distance, as well as state veterans cemeteries in Missouri and Kansas. Many families also choose a private cemetery and simply request the VA headstone and honors separately — both paths are valid and we can help you weigh them.
How to start the process
- Step 1. Locate the veteran's DD-214 or other discharge paperwork. If it can't be found, the funeral home or National Archives can often help request a copy.
- Step 2. Tell your funeral home the veteran served — most VA paperwork is filed on your behalf as part of standard arrangements.
- Step 3. Request military honors when scheduling the service; local honor guards typically need at least a few days' notice.
- Step 4. Confirm current burial allowance amounts and eligibility directly at va.gov or by calling the VA, since figures are periodically updated.
Many families never file for the benefits their veteran earned simply because no one mentioned they existed. Asking costs nothing.
We can help you sort out what applies
VA paperwork can feel like its own maze on top of an already difficult time. Call us and we'll help you understand what your family's situation likely qualifies for and connect you with a funeral home experienced in coordinating military honors in the KC metro.
Have questions after reading this?
Call any hour, or request a callback — there's never a fee to talk it through.