Who Is Eligible for a Burial Flag Through State Veteran Funeral Services?

Any deceased veteran who was honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces qualifies for a free American burial flag from the Department of Veterans Affairs. This includes veterans of active duty, reservists who completed at least one period of active duty for training, and National Guard members who were activated under federal orders. The flag is draped over the casket or accompanies the urn during the funeral and is later given to the next of kin or a close friend.

State veteran funeral services often coordinate flag presentation as part of a broader benefits package that may include burial allowances, cemetery plot assistance, and memorial honors. Eligibility for the flag itself is federal, but state-level programs help families access and arrange it alongside other veteran death benefits.

What Documents Prove a Veteran's Eligibility for a Burial Flag?

The VA requires proof of military service and honorable discharge. The most common documents accepted are:

  • DD Form 214 – Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • NGB Form 22 – Report of Separation and Record of Service (for National Guard)
  • WD AGO forms (for World War II-era veterans)
  • Separation papers from earlier conflicts

If the family cannot locate these documents, the funeral director or a Veterans Service Organization can help request replacements from the National Personnel Records Center. Families in Pennsylvania, for example, can get additional help through the state veterans burial assistance application process, which often involves document verification at the same time.

How Does a Family Actually Get the Burial Flag?

In most cases, the funeral home or cremation provider handles the flag request. Here's how it typically works:

  1. The family informs the funeral director that the deceased was a veteran.
  2. The funeral director submits VA Form 21-2008 to a regional VA office or obtains the flag through a local Post Office.
  3. Most U.S. Post Offices keep burial flags in stock and will issue one on the spot when presented with proper documentation.
  4. The flag is provided at no cost to the family.

Families don't need to apply through the VA ahead of time in most situations. The funeral director typically handles this step as part of veteran funeral benefit coordination alongside Social Security survivor benefits.

Does the Type of Discharge Affect Flag Eligibility?

Yes. The VA specifically requires an honorable or general discharge for burial flag eligibility. Veterans with dishonorable or bad conduct discharges are not eligible. However, some veterans with "other than honorable" discharges may still qualify if their state's Department of Veterans Affairs reviews the case and upgrades the characterization. This is worth pursuing before making funeral arrangements if there's any uncertainty.

Families who aren't sure about discharge status should contact their county veterans service office right away. Processing a discharge upgrade can take months, but some states have expedited review processes for burial-related requests.

Can a Replacement Flag Be Requested After the Funeral?

The VA issues only one burial flag per veteran. If the original flag is lost, stolen, damaged, or worn out from display, a replacement is not available through the VA. However, families can purchase an identical flag from a military supply store, the VA's online store, or a local veterans organization. Some state programs and American Legion posts offer flags at reduced cost or free to families of deceased veterans.

What Other State Benefits Come with the Burial Flag?

The burial flag is usually just one part of a larger set of state and federal veteran funeral benefits. Depending on the state where the veteran lived or died, families may also qualify for:

  • A burial allowance from the VA (up to $2,000 or more for service-connected deaths)
  • Free burial in a state veterans memorial cemetery
  • A government-furnished headstone or grave marker
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate
  • Military funeral honors detail (at least two uniformed members, including one from the veteran's branch)

Some states offer their own cash burial allowances on top of federal benefits. New York, for instance, provides a state veteran burial allowance that families can claim independently. New Jersey offers additional benefits specifically for Purple Heart recipients and their families.

Do Spouses and Dependents Get a Burial Flag?

No. The burial flag is issued only for the veteran, not for a spouse, child, or dependent. However, some state veterans cemeteries do offer free or reduced-cost burial for eligible spouses and dependents, even though the flag itself won't be provided for them. The VA's burial benefits eligibility page lists the full scope of who qualifies for what.

Common Mistakes Families Make with the Burial Flag

These are the errors that most often cause delays or missed benefits:

  • Not mentioning veteran status to the funeral home. If the family doesn't tell the funeral director, no flag request gets submitted. Always mention military service during the first meeting.
  • Assuming a less-than-honorable discharge means no eligibility. Some discharge characterizations can be reviewed and upgraded. Don't give up before checking.
  • Waiting too long to request the flag. While there's no hard deadline, processing is fastest when done during funeral arrangements. Post-funeral requests take longer.
  • Not knowing about state-level benefits. The federal flag is only part of what's available. State burial allowances, cemetery benefits, and memorial services can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
  • Losing the DD-214. Keep copies of all military discharge papers in a safe, known location. If the veteran is still living, request a copy now rather than after a death.

How Is the Flag Displayed and Folded at the Service?

The U.S. flag is draped over the casket with the union (blue field of stars) at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. During the service, a military honors detail or designated pallbearers fold the flag into the traditional triangle shape. The folded flag is then presented to the next of kin, usually by the highest-ranking military member of the honors detail.

If the veteran is being cremated, the flag is not burned with the remains. Instead, it is displayed near the urn during the memorial service and given to the family afterward.

Quick Checklist for Families

  1. Gather military documents – DD-214, NGB-22, or any separation papers. If missing, request records from the National Personnel Records Center immediately.
  2. Tell the funeral director that the deceased was a veteran during the first call or meeting.
  3. Ask about the full range of state and federal benefits – not just the flag, but burial allowances, cemetery options, and headstones.
  4. Confirm discharge status if there's any doubt. Contact a county veterans service officer or Veterans Service Organization for help.
  5. Designate who will receive the flag after the service. The VA releases it to the next of kin by default, but the veteran can pre-designate someone else.
  6. Coordinate with your state's veterans affairs office to find out about additional benefits specific to where the veteran lived or will be buried.

Tip: Keep the DD-214 and the burial flag together in a protected case after the service. If the family later applies for VA pension, home loan benefits, or other veteran-related services, having the DD-214 accessible saves significant time.