Is there funeral assistance for Veterans?

There are a few benefits for veterans. We have found that you do best if you go to a Veteran's office. There is probably one not too far from you. There are definitely death benefits. Some include the wives of veterans - sometimes that depends on whether the veteran served during war time. Lots of factors involved. I think you will do well to sit down with someone face to face. Good luck!

I had a client that could not get any help on the phone from the VA, but when I physically took him to the VA Hospital, I found several VA support desks that were very willing to help us. I would recommend doing the same thing. (In your case, maybe you should go by yourself).
The VA is notorious for not being helpful on the phone (perhaps its do to lack of funding). But in person, I found everyone to be extremely helpful and willing to go out of the way for fellow Veterans.

Donahue Vanderhider, MSG

First things First...
If you do not have Power of Attorney for your father and he is unable to get to a VA Office with you, then you may be unable establish his eligibility. You should also have any information that will help you and him confirm his Veteran status such as birth certificate, SS Card, Medicare Card, and any Military records such as discharge papers etc. This may not only open the door to funeral benefits but to VA health care benefits as well. (These days it costs a lot more to live with assistance than to pay for a funeral)
Next Step...
Speak with Funeral Directors in your area. Some will offer special plans for Veterans and it is their business to know what assistance is available for families in your situation. A little pre-planning goes a long way when the time comes. But proceed with caution. Ask for references and deal with Businesses that have been around a long time. Just because their clients have never complained, does not mean that their business is upright and honest.
Last Step...
If he is willing and able, get your father involved in the funeral planning exercise. This may sound morbid, but most people--especially Veterans--find consolation in knowing that their final days are not going to leave their family with grief and a big financial burden.

My father did some research before he passed away
about veterans' burials. His burial was in a veteran's
cemetary, completely free. He wanted to be cremated,
which cost less than $1,200.

For burial in a national cemetery you must provide "Discharge Papers" from the branch of the military in which he served. These can be obtained from the VA by mail. Once you have these, the rest is easy. Just call the national cemetery nearest your home, in state or out of state, and tell them that you want a burial there. Funerals at a Funeral Home are not covered.

The Veteran's Administration has a wonderful website - http://www.va.gov/
In the left hand column, you will see 'Benefits' - check out the 'burial benefits' in that section.
Although, sometimes it takes awhile, you may be surprised at what all is available for veterans.

HERE'S A LINK FOR YOU. http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/pension/vetpen.htm#7
There are conditions that must be met.
A very small financial benefit is available, however you can request a Military funeral at a Military cemetary or representation of flag and gun salute at your local cemetary. Contact local VA. It's a volunteer program Vets do for other Vets.
A veteran cannot receive both Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time, but they can receive a penion and ONE of these benefits. The paperwork is extensive and you'll have to provide many documentation. Once submitted the benefits if granted are retroactive to applying because processing can easily take 6 mos. I don't recommend doing it yourself because IF THERE IS AN ERROR in the application, lacking proper documentation, or not completely filled out, you have to start all over and it is not considered retroactive anymore since it was wrong. CONTACT your LOCAL V.A they have staff that will help you.
If your Mother gets sick, and your Father qualified for these benefits, she qualifies also if conditions are met. Yes, spouses qualify whether vet is alive or dead providing the vet meets the standard for benefits.
I hope this helps.

A veteran is entitled to a free burial in a veteran's cemetary, with full military honors. It also will include a headstone. As a bonus, if a spouse wants to be buried with her deceased husband, she can be buried fora minimal price. My mom will be buried with my dad upon her death. There is a $400 fee for opening and closing the gravesite. They willadd the spouses name and dates of birth and death onto the headstone at no extra cost.
Of course, the surviving spouse will have other burial costs that the veteran didn't have to pay such as the funeral home costs.

You're right!

I think he can be buried in a va cemetary free, $250 for help in private burial, nothing right now for cremation. The last time I checked anyway.