Veterans funeral benefits in Tennessee — what families need to know

June 19, 2026

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Veterans funeral benefits in Tennessee — what families need to know

Veterans funeral benefits in Tennessee — what families need to know


If your loved one served in the United States military, there are funeral and burial benefits available to them — and to your family. Many families do not know these benefits exist, or assume the process is too complicated to navigate while grieving. Here is a clear breakdown of what is available and how to access it.


What benefits are available


Burial in a national cemetery. Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for burial at no cost in a national cemetery. The nearest national cemetery to Chattanooga is the Chattanooga National Cemetery on Bailey Avenue. Eligibility is based on the veteran's service record.


Burial allowance. The VA provides a burial allowance for eligible veterans — the amount varies based on the circumstances of death and whether the veteran was receiving VA benefits at the time of passing.


Presidential Memorial Certificate. A signed certificate expressing the nation's gratitude for the veteran's service, available at no cost to the next of kin.


Burial flag. An American flag is provided to drape the casket or accompany the urn of an eligible veteran. The flag is presented to the next of kin at the time of burial.


Headstone or marker. The VA will provide a headstone, marker, or medallion for eligible veterans at no cost.


Military funeral honors. A military funeral honors ceremony — at minimum, the folding and presentation of the flag and the playing of Taps — is available for all veterans with an honorable discharge.


What you need


To access these benefits, you will need the veteran's DD-214 discharge papers. If you cannot locate the DD-214, we can help you request it from the National Personnel Records Center — it takes time, so starting early is important.


How we help


At Covenant Funeral & Crematory, coordinating veterans benefits is part of what we do. We will verify eligibility, coordinate military honors, and help your family access every benefit your loved one earned. It is the least we can do.


If you have questions about veterans funeral benefits in Tennessee, call us at 423-485-0911. We are here any time.

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When a loved one passes, families in Chattanooga are often overwhelmed by decisions that need to be made quickly. One option that more families are choosing is direct cremation — and for good reason. Direct cremation is the simplest form of cremation. There is no formal funeral service beforehand, no embalming, and no casket purchase required. Your loved one is cremated shortly after passing, and the remains are returned to your family, typically within a few days. At Covenant Funeral & Crematory, our direct cremation starts at $1,195 — and includes everything your family needs. There are no hidden fees and no pressure to add services you don't want. Many families choose direct cremation because it gives them the freedom to hold a memorial on their own terms — whether that's a gathering at home, a celebration of life at a meaningful location, or a private moment with close family. If you have questions about direct cremation or want to understand all of your options, we're always available to talk — no obligation, no pressure. Call us anytime at 423-618-3436.