Veteran Funeral Services in Brooklyn NY

At Caribe Funeral Home, we hold a deep respect for those who have served our country. Veterans represent the highest ideals of service and sacrifice, values that resonate deeply with our own mission to serve families with dignity and respect. Our commitment to veteran funeral services extends to the special needs of veterans' families. With our experienced staff, we are fully equipped to handle the specific aspects of military funeral services, whether you opt for burial or cremation. We handle every detail with the respect and thoroughness you expect and deserve.

Funeral Services for Veterans Services Included

Professional services from our experienced funeral directors and support staff.
Transportation and professional care of the deceased.
Access to cremation services.
Use of our facilities for visitation or gathering.
A dignified funeral or memorial ceremony.
Automotive services as required.
An interactive online memorial website.
Additional personalization options, including specialized engraving and tribute videos.

For more information on how we can assist you during this time, please contact us. We are here to honor your loved one’s service with the utmost respect.

Helping at Every Step

If you have questions about eligibility for yourself or a family member, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (718) 444-1818, or contact us via email through our website. We’re here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.

Dedicated & Experienced

Eligibility for Veteran Services

Veterans eligible for services must have been honorably discharged.
Eligibility extends to:

Military personnel on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
Former military personnel who served on active duty and were not dishonorably discharged.
Veterans who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of obligated service in the Selected Reserve and were not dishonorably discharged.
Veterans discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

For more information on how we can assist you during this time, please contact us. We are here to honor your loved one’s service with the utmost respect.

Our Dedication to Honoring Veterans

We take great pride in our ability to provide personalized, respectful services for veterans. It’s our way of giving back to those who have given so much to our nation. At Caribe Funeral Home, we make sure that the service for your veteran is conducted with honor and deep personal respect.

Caribe Funeral Home offers comprehensive support to veterans’ families by:

National & State Veteran Cemeteries

Veterans have the honor of being eligible for burial in one of the 136 National Cemeteries maintained by the Veteran Affairs across the United States, ensuring they are remembered with respect and dignity. For those seeking alternatives, many states offer their own veteran cemeteries, which may include additional requirements such as state residency, alongside the federal eligibility criteria.

Headstones and Markers

To honor their service, most veterans are entitled to a complimentary headstone, marker, or medallion.

These markers come in a choice of granite, marble, or bronze for flat markers, while headstones are available in granite and marble, providing a lasting tribute to their commitment and sacrifice.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

A Presidential Memorial Certificate is a heartfelt acknowledgment from the government, commemorating the service of deceased veterans. Accompanying this tribute, an American flag is provided at no cost, which can be draped over the casket or placed with the urn, symbolizing the nation’s respect and gratitude.

Burial Allowances

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial allowances as a flat monetary benefit designed to assist with the funeral costs for a deceased veteran. This support alleviates the financial burden on the family, ensuring the veteran’s service is honored without undue financial stress.

Special Honors and Ceremonies

The honor and ceremony afforded to veterans can include transport of the casket by horse-drawn limbers and caissons, a tradition that adds solemnity and dignity to the final farewell. Additionally, for those who served in air forces, a fighter jet flyover may be arranged, creating a powerful tribute to their service.

Military Honors

A traditional gun salute serves as a poignant farewell to veterans, with the number of shots fired reflecting the veteran’s rank, each volley acknowledging their dedication and sacrifice. For funerals of commanding officers, a poignant military symbol is the riderless horse following the hearse, representing the fallen leader in a tradition that dates back centuries.

FAQ's

Are military funerals free for veterans?

Yes, military funerals are free for veterans. This includes the provision of a gravesite in any VA national cemetery with available space, opening and closing of the grave, a grave liner, perpetual care, a headstone or marker, a burial flag, and the playing of “Taps” at no cost to the family. However, families are responsible for other funeral expenses, such as the funeral home services and transportation to the cemetery.

Do all veterans get a 21 gun salute at their funeral?

No, not all veterans receive a 21 gun salute at their funeral. The tradition of a 21-gun salute is typically reserved for Presidents of the United States and heads of state.

Veterans can receive military funeral honors which include the folding and presentation of the United States burial flag and the playing of “Taps.”

A three-volley salute, which is often confused with the 21-gun salute, is provided for those who are entitled to funeral honors, which include military members on active duty, military retirees, members and former members of the Selected Reserve, eligible U.S. veterans of any war, and other specific service members.

Who gets a full military honors funeral?

Full military honors at a funeral are generally provided to military members who die while on active duty, including active duty for training, retired military members.

Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable, and other specific categories outlined by the Department of Defense.

What disqualifies you from military burial?

Certain circumstances disqualify an individual from receiving military burial honors. These include being dishonorably discharged, convicted of a capital crime, certain serious criminal offenses as defined by federal laws, and subversive activities against the United States.

Veterans who do not meet the minimum service requirements as specified by the VA may also be disqualified, barring some exceptions for service-connected deaths or other specific conditions.

When a veteran dies, is there a death benefit?

Yes, veterans may qualify for a death benefit. This includes a burial and plot-interment allowance for eligible veterans to help cover funeral expenses.

Who pays for a casket in a military funeral?

The family of the deceased veteran is responsible for the cost of the casket. The military does not cover this expense but provides other funeral and burial benefits.

What are all honorably discharged veterans entitled to?

Honorably discharged veterans are entitled to a burial flag, a government headstone or marker, and burial in a national cemetery with available space, including the grave, opening and closing of the grave, and perpetual care, at no cost to the family.

How long do I have to file for VA burial benefits?

Claims for VA burial benefits must be filed within 2 years of the veteran’s burial or cremation.

How much does social security pay for funeral expenses?

Social Security pays a one-time death payment of $255 to the surviving spouse or eligible child.

Who notifies the VA when a Veteran dies?

Typically, the funeral director notifies the VA when a veteran dies, using the Statement of Death by Funeral Director form (VA Form 21P-530). Family members can also notify the VA directly.

What is the cost of a military funeral?

There is no cost for military funeral honors themselves, which include the burial flag, the playing of “Taps,” and the service members who perform the honors. Other funeral expenses, such as the casket and funeral services, are the responsibility of the family.

Dedicated & Experienced

Brooklyn Veterans Service Guide

The Brooklyn Veterans Affairs Office provides comprehensive services that include healthcare, housing assistance, job training, and educational benefits tailored specifically for veterans. Veterans in Brooklyn can seek assistance by visiting local VA facilities or contacting borough-specific veteran services for support.

Financial Hardship Assistance Programs for Veterans in Brooklyn

Brooklyn veterans experiencing financial difficulties may benefit from several programs. The New York State Division of Veterans’ Services offers assistance such as the Veterans Affairs (VA) pensions for low-income veterans, along with other state-specific grants and subsidies aimed at alleviating financial stress.

Money for Veterans in Need

The VFW’s Unmet Needs Program extends financial grants to veterans facing unforeseen financial hardships. These grants can help with essential expenses like housing, utilities, and food, providing temporary relief for veterans in financial crisis.

Emergency Loan for Veterans

Brooklyn veterans seeking emergency financial assistance can explore options for emergency loans through local credit unions and banks that offer special terms for military personnel. These loans are designed to provide rapid financial relief for short-term needs.