The truth of the matter is all kinds of people choose cremation from all different backgrounds for a variety of different reasons. So what kinds of families choose direct cremation and why? Some families will later decide to scatter the cremains at a favorite location, bury them in a cemetery plot, or store them in an urn on the living room mantle. The cremated remains are then returned to the family in an urn of their choosing. A cremation container (also called alternative container) is used for the body instead. Many times, unless the family purchases one, there isn’t even a casket. It doesn’t involve embalming or restorative art (hair, makeup, etc.). Normally, the body is brought to the funeral home or crematory just long enough to secure the death certificate and/or cremation permit and allow for the next of kin to sign the cremation authorization form. In a direct cremation, there are no visitation or funeral ceremonies before the cremation process takes place. It is a minimal service option that includes: basic services of funeral director and staff a proportionate share of overhead costs removal of remains transportation to crematory necessary authorizations and cremation.

In fact, it is as straightforward as it sounds. The phrase direct cremation and its definition came from the Federal Trade Commission Funeral Rule that went into effect on April 30, 1984. Hospitals and hospices are starting to use the term more often as they discuss end-of-life options with families. Have you seen the phrase direct cremation and didn’t know exactly what it meant? Direct cremation is an industry term that is becoming more common on the internet, in advertisements and other public resources. To make burial arrangements at any open VA national cemetery at the time of need, call the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 80.

Information on VA burial benefits is available from local VA national cemetery offices, from the Internet at or by calling VA regional offices toll-free at 80. Veterans are also eligible for a burial flag and may be eligible for a Presidential Memorial Certificate. In 2016, VA honored more than 345,000 Veterans and their loved ones with memorial benefits in national, state, tribal and private cemeteries.Įligible individuals are entitled to burial in any open VA national cemetery, opening/closing of the grave, a grave liner, perpetual care of the gravesite, and a government-furnished headstone or marker or niche cover, all at no cost to the family. For Veterans buried in private or other cemeteries, VA provides headstones, markers or medallions to commemorate their service. VA also provides funding to establish, expand and maintain 105 Veterans cemeteries in 47 states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan. More than 4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA’s national cemeteries. VA operates 135 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers’ lots in 40 states and Puerto Rico. Because laws and personal circumstances change, upon receipt of a burial request, VA will validate all pre-need determinations in accordance with the laws in effect at that time. VA will save determinations and supporting documentation in an electronic information system to expedite burial arrangements at the time of need. VA will review applications and provide written notice of its determination of eligibility. Or mail to the National Cemetery Scheduling Office , , and supporting documentation, such as a DD Form 214, if readily available, to the VA National Cemetery Scheduling Office by: toll-free fax at 1-85 email to

Interested individuals may submit VA Form 40-10007, Application for Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility for Burial in a VA National Cemetery “This new program reaffirms our commitment to providing a lifetime of benefits and services for Veterans and their families.”

“MyVA is about looking at VA from the Veterans’ perspective, and then doing everything we can to make the Veteran Experience effective and seamless,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. Through the Pre-Need Determination of Eligibility Program, upon request, individuals can learn if they are eligible for burial or memorialization in a VA national cemetery. WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it now provides eligibility determinations for interment in a VA national cemetery prior to the time of need.

Keep it simple cremation