Veteran Services

Veterans and Their Families

Honoring Those Who Served


At Nichol Funeral Home, we deeply honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. We recognize that our freedoms are made possible by their patriotism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protect others.


Our team is proud to support veterans and their families by providing compassionate guidance and expert assistance in securing the benefits available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We are here to ensure every veteran is honored with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Woman in black coat holds folded American flag at a funeral, surrounded by mourners and white flowers.

Veterans Benefits and Funeral Expenses

Many people believe the federal government covers all funeral expenses for veterans, but this is not the case. Still, your loved one may be eligible for certain benefits in recognition of their service to our country. To help guide you, we’ve provided answers to some of the most common questions about federal, state, and local veterans’ benefits below.

Determining Eligibility for Veteran's Benefits

To determine eligibility for federal, state, or county veterans’ benefits, a military discharge document (Form DD-214) is required. The discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable to qualify.



If you do not have a copy of this paperwork, we can help you obtain it. Because the process can take time, we encourage families to keep discharge documents in a safe and easily accessible place.

Federal Benefits

For eligible veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides, at no charge:

  • United States Flag

Veterans discharged under conditions other than dishonorable are entitled to one United States flag, which may be placed with the casket or urn.


  • Veterans’ Marker (Headstone)

The Department of Veterans Affairs provides a government headstone or marker, at no cost, for eligible veterans.



  • Presidential Memorial Certificate

Veterans with an honorable discharge may receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate, signed by the sitting president at the time of application.

State Benefits

For eligible veterans, the state of Pennsylvania provides, at no charge:

  • Pennsylvania Veterans’ Death Certificates

The Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records provides up to 10 free certified death certificates for a veteran, their spouse, or dependent children.


Processing for these free copies usually takes 4–6 weeks or longer. For immediate needs—such as life insurance claims, bank accounts, or other urgent matters—we can obtain certified copies from the local registrar. These copies are available at a cost of $20 each.



County Benefits

For eligible veterans, many Pennsylvania counties provide additional benefits. These include:

  • Pennsylvania Veterans’ Death Certificates

The Pennsylvania Department of Vital Records provides up to 10 free certified death certificates for a veteran, their spouse, or dependent children.


Processing for these free copies usually takes 4–6 weeks or longer. For immediate needs—such as life insurance claims, bank accounts, or other urgent matters—we can obtain certified copies from the local registrar. These copies are available at a cost of $20 each.


  • County Benefit

This monetary benefit is available to eligible wartime veterans.

Washington County - $75

Greene County - $75

Allegheny County - $100


  • Marker Allowance

The county will also provide funding to go toward the installation of a marker foundation for a wartime veteran.

Washington County - $100

Greene County - $100

Allegheny County - $100




It is important to remember that these benefits are not available to all veterans. 

Eligible veterans must reside in the county and have served during wartime.

We can assist in determining if your loved one’s service took place during an eligible time period.


National Cemetery Benefits

The federal government sponsors a nationwide system of National Cemeteries for veterans. When choosing a National Cemetery, additional benefits are available to veterans and their spouses.


  • The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies

Burial in a VA National Cemetery is available for honorably discharged Veterans and their spouses at no cost to the family including:

  • Gravesite
  • Grave-liner (when required)
  • Opening and closing of the grave
  • A headstone or marker
  • Perpetual care


For Veterans, benefits also include a burial flag and full military funeral honors.

In addition to traditional burial, the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies offers options for cremated remains including burial or placement in a columbarium.



Learn more about the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies

Sign for the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, with a background of white headstones.