Veteran Services
Veteran Services
Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at Hemauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, dedication, and willingness to protect others.
Our staff is committed to providing quality service and professional assistance to help families complete the necessary forms to obtain benefits and honors provided through
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) and the
Last Post Fund for deceased Canadian veterans.
What are VAC Burial Benefits and Memorial Services?
Veterans Affairs Canada and the Last Post Fund provide financial assistance, grave markers, and memorial items to honor the service of eligible Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. These benefits help ease the financial burden of funeral, burial, or cremation costs for surviving families.
Who qualifies for military burial benefits?
Eligibility for VAC funeral and burial assistance depends on military service history and financial need (or service-related disability). Generally, benefits may apply to:
- Former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or recognized Allied forces.
- Veterans whose death was directly related to their military service or a service-related condition.
- Low-income veterans whose estate does not have sufficient funds to cover dignified funeral and burial expenses (administered through the Last Post Fund).
- Spouses or dependent children in designated circumstances.
What are Canadian Military Funeral Honors?
Military honors pay tribute to a veteran’s service and dedication to Canada. Depending on service record and availability, military honors or remembrance services can be coordinated with the
Canadian Armed Forces or a local branch of
The Royal Canadian Legion.
Honors typically include:
- Presentation of the National Flag of Canada to the next of kin.
- The playing of “The Last Post” and “Reveille” (Rouse).
- An Honor Guard or Legion Poppy Service.
- A moment of silence and ritual poppy tribute.
What funeral benefits are available and how do I apply?
Financial assistance for funeral, burial, or cremation expenses is primarily administered through the
Last Post Fund Funeral and Burial Program on behalf of Veterans Affairs Canada. Eligible estates may receive coverage for:
- Standard funeral home services and transportation.
- Casket or cremation urn.
- Cemetery plot, internment, or columbarium niche.
- A standard military grave marker or headstone.
How do I apply for benefits or headstones?
Applications for funeral and burial financial assistance should be submitted as soon as possible after a veteran's passing.
- To apply through the Last Post Fund: You can submit an application online or speak with a counselor by visiting lastpostfund.ca or calling toll-free at 1-800-465-7113.
- For VAC Disability or Service-Related Benefits: Contact Veterans Affairs Canada at 1-866-522-2122 or visit veterans.gc.ca.
If an eligible veteran lies in an unmarked grave anywhere in Canada, the Last Post Fund Unmarked Grave Program can also provide a military headstone free of charge.
For more information or guidance on veteran funeral arrangements, contact Veterans Affairs Canada online at veterans.gc.ca or reach out to our staff at Hemauer Funeral Home to assist you with the process.
