Veterans · Kansas City
Veteran funeral benefits, explained for KC families
Most veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable qualify for burial benefits. Many families never file for them because no one said they exist. We help you find out what applies. It is free.
By Kansas City Funeral Homes · Last updated July 19, 2026. Benefit details verified against va.gov.
What veterans can receive
Four benefits most families can use
Burial in a VA national cemetery
At no cost to the family: the gravesite, opening and closing, a headstone or marker, and perpetual care.
A burial allowance
The VA can pay an allowance toward funeral and burial costs for eligible veterans. Amounts depend on service-connected status — confirm current figures at va.gov.
A government headstone or marker
Available even for burial in a private cemetery, at no cost to the family.
Military funeral honors
Flag folding and presentation, and often a rifle detail or bugler. The funeral home you choose can coordinate military honors — honor guards usually need a few days' notice.
Where KC veterans are buried
National cemeteries within reach of Kansas City
Families in the KC 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 instead choose a private cemetery and request the VA headstone and honors separately — both paths are valid.
For the full walkthrough, read VA Burial Benefits: A Kansas City Family's Guide →
How to start
Four steps, in order
Find the DD-214
Locate the veteran's DD-214 (discharge paperwork). If it is lost, the funeral home or the National Archives can help request a copy.
Tell the funeral home the veteran served
Most VA paperwork is filed on your behalf as part of standard arrangements.
Request honors early
Ask for military honors when the service is scheduled. Local honor guards typically need at least a few days' notice.
Confirm allowances with the VA
Burial allowance amounts and eligibility are updated periodically — verify current figures at va.gov before counting on a number.