Veterans
With great gratitude, Ryan's Funeral Services Ltd. thanks the Canadian Armed Forces for protecting and defending our country.
The Canadian Government extends the Funeral and Burial Program benefits to the honorable soldiers who have suffered war-related injuries prior to their passing, and for those who have died during battle. Veterans Benefits are made available to former members of the Armed Forces, which includes the Air Forces, Naval, and Army. Benefits are provided by the Last Post Fund (LPF), a non-profit organization, on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).
The Funeral and Burial Program compensates eligible Veterans’ families for up to $7,376, covering the costs for grave marking and burial.
Who is eligible for the Funeral and Burial Program?
- Veterans whose death was related to their military service
- Veterans who have service eligibility and whose estates cannot pay for some or the entire funeral and burial costs. In this case, the Veteran’s estate must meet certain criteria to be eligible for financial assistance. A means test looking at assets and liabilities is done at the time of death to determine if there is a financial need.
A Veteran must also have been:
- a Canadian Armed Forces or Merchant Navy Veteran of the Second World War
- a Canadian Veteran of the Korean War who served in the theatre of operations, or has been part of special forces designated to go to the Republic of Korea before October 31, 1953,
- a Veteran who served in the Canadian Armed Forces and who is receiving a disability benefit, an Earnings Loss benefit or a Canadian Forces Income Support benefit from Veterans Affairs Canada
- an Allied Veteran who served with Allied Forces in the Second World War or Korean War. He or she must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years, or lived in Canada prior to enlisting and must have been living in Canada at time of death.
- any medical costs of the deceased person's last sickness that were not otherwise paid by the Minister and that are not insured under a private or provincial health care plan;
- the costs of the following funeral services:
- urn or casket
- preparation of the remains
- death notices
- transportation
- grave plot
- cremation or burial
- ceremonial services
- if necessary, the cost of any special preparation of the remains for viewing;
- if required, the cost of providing a single grave and reasonable costs of opening and closing the grave and its perpetual care;
- if a grave liner is required by the authorities of the cemetery, municipality or province, the cost of a decomposable or non-decomposable grave liner;
- the cost of cremating the remains; and
- a military style grave marker (upright or flat granite, or in certain cases, flat bronze) conforming to the standards of Veterans Affairs Canada.
Applying for the Funeral and Burial Program
An application for assistance can only be made after the death of the Veteran. The person responsible for funeral arrangements should complete and application by contacting the Last Post Fund.
If the Veteran’s eligibility is determined before funeral arrangements were made, the Last Post fund will contact the funeral home directly to provide standard services.
If the family contacted the Last Post Fund after arrangements have been made, the eligible family may be reimbursed for eligible costs. Note, however, that there is a time limit of one year after the Veteran’s passing for apply for assistance.
To file an application, get in touch with the Last Post Fund Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4PM through their toll-free number: 1-800-465-7113.
For more information about Veterans’ benefits, click on the following links:
Source: Veterans Affairs Canada