What Veterans’ Funeral Benefits Include in White Plains, New York

Matt Fiorillo • October 2, 2026

Summary 

• Eligible veterans may receive burial in a national cemetery, a government‑furnished marker, a burial flag, and military honors if eligible. 

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and National Cemetery Administration (NCA) provide several burial and memorial benefits at no cost. 

• Funeral directors often help families with required paperwork and coordinating military honors. 

• Some benefits may extend to spouses and certain dependents based on eligibility. 


What Benefits Do Veterans Qualify For, and What Is Included? 

Families in White Plains often ask what veterans’ funeral benefits include when preparing a respectful tribute for a loved one who served. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), honorably discharged veterans, reservists, and National Guard members may qualify for several burial and memorial benefits. These benefits ensure each veteran is honored with dignity, gratitude, and respect. 

The National Cemetery Administration (NCA) may provide eligible veterans with burial in a national cemetery. Benefits may include a gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a government‑furnished headstone or marker, and perpetual care. Veterans are also eligible to receive a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate recognizing their service. 


Families who choose burial in a private cemetery may still receive certain benefits, such as a government‑issued marker, a burial flag, or a memorial certificate. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral directors often help families file necessary documentation and coordinate military honors. 


Military funeral honors may include the folding and presentation of the American flag and the playing of Taps. These longstanding traditions offer families a meaningful moment of reflection and appreciation for a veteran’s dedication and sacrifice. 


Frequently Asked Questions 


What benefits are available for veterans’ funerals? 

Eligible veterans may receive burial in a national cemetery, a government‑furnished headstone or marker, a burial flag, a Presidential Memorial Certificate, and military funeral honors if eligible. 


Do all veterans receive military honors? 

Typically, honorably discharged veterans are eligible for military funeral honors, which may include the folding of the American flag and the playing of Taps. 


Can family members be buried with a veteran? 

According to the VA, spouses and certain dependents may be eligible for burial with the veteran in a national cemetery, depending on eligibility and availability. 


Written for Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services, proudly serving families in White Plains with compassion and care. 


About Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services 

Located at 2 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601, Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services can be reached at (914) 949-0566. The funeral home is honored to support veterans’ families in White Plains, offering compassionate guidance as they navigate funeral benefits, military honors, and memorial planning. 


www.ballarddurand.com


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