"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself." — Joseph Campbell

Planning a veteran's funeral is a thoughtful way to ensure their service and sacrifice are honored with dignity. At Veterans Legacy Center, we specialize in assisting veterans and their families in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties with preneed funeral planning. Here's how we can help:

Understanding Preneed Funeral Planning

What is Preneed Planning?

Preneed funeral planning involves making arrangements for burial or cremation in advance. This proactive approach allows veterans and their families to make informed decisions about their final arrangements without the emotional and financial stress of last-minute or no planning.

Benefits of Preneed Planning

Peace of Mind: Ensures your wishes are respected and alleviates the burden on your loved ones.

Financial Security: Locks in today’s prices for services and products, protecting against future cost increases.

Personalized Arrangements: You can personalize your service, ensuring it reflects your life and legacy.

VA Burial Benefits

Veterans are entitled to several burial benefits, including:

• Grave Marker: A government-provided headstone or marker.

• Presidential Memorial Certificate: A certificate signed by the current President.

• Burial Flag: A United States flag for the casket or urn.

• Military Funeral Honors: Folding and presenting the flag and playing "Taps."

• Burial Space and Services: The VA provides burial space, opening and closing of the grave, and a vault or grave liner.

However, the VA does not cover the cost of a casket, cremation, or funeral home services. This is where our expertise comes in.

Rising Costs of Burial and Cremation

The cost of burial and cremation services has been steadily increasing. On average, a funeral with burial can cost between $7,000 and $12,000, while cremation services typically range from $2,000 to $7,000, depending on if you want a viewing with services and a rental casket. Planning can help mitigate these rising costs by securing today’s prices for future services and providing financial relief for your loved ones.

Preneed Funeral Arrangements

Pricing and Policies: Preneed funeral arrangements are priced through funeral homes and crematories in your area. Policies are issued through life insurance companies contracted with these funeral homes and crematories to guarantee today’s prices. Funeral prices can rise 6 to 10 percent annually if not locked in. With a preneed plan, the funeral home receives payment from the insurance company within 48 hours of a veteran's and their loved one’s passing. It is done this way so you won’t have to worry about the funeral home or crematory going out of business and not honoring your arrangements.

Funeral Homes and Crematories: Service Corporation International (SCI) usually purchases a funeral home or crematory that goes out of business. Service Corporation International (SCI) is one of North America's most prominent funeral, cremation, and cemetery providers. They own and operate numerous funeral homes, cemeteries, and other service locations. SCI offers various services, including pre-need planning, at-need arrangements, and memorialization options. They focus on helping families plan and carry out meaningful tributes to their loved ones, ensuring that all aspects of the funeral and cremation process are handled with care and professionalism. SCI will ensure your preneed is honored, and they have to do it by law.

Payment Options: You can make payments on a preneed plan or pay in full, ensuring your final wishes are handled in advance. The fees are usually paid over a 3, 5, or 10-year period. However, you can pay your Preneed off whenever you want.

Portability: If you move to another state, your preneed plan can and will transfer to any funeral home or crematory you choose in the United States. If married, you and your spouse will receive a policy number specifically covering your selected services, whether for burial with a casket or cremation arrangements.

Insurance Providers: Major insurance companies that issue preneed policies include Forethought Life Insurance Company (aka…Global Atlantic Financial Group), Homesteaders Life Company, National Guardian Life Insurance Company, Great Western Life Insurance Company, and Security National Life Insurance Company.

Life Insurance vs. Preneed Plans

Life Insurance: Most people have some life insurance, which typically pays out to beneficiaries 90 to 180 days after a death claim is submitted. The process involves sending a certified copy of the death certificate to the insurance company, which the funeral home provides. However, it can take a long time for a life insurance company to send a check to your beneficiary.

Preneed Plans: Unlike life insurance, a preneed plan locks in the price of funeral services and answers all questions regarding burial or cremation preferences. Preneed plans are prepaid, ensuring the funeral home is paid within 48 hours of your passing. This approach guarantees today’s prices and ensures all your final wishes are handled in advance. It is the preferred method of handling your final wishes.

How the Veterans Legacy Center Can Help

At Veterans Legacy Center, we guide you through the entire preneed planning process:

Eligibility Assistance: We help you complete the pre-need eligibility form and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted to the National Cemetery intake center. They usually want your DD214 and marriage certificate on file.

Comprehensive Planning: We assist with all aspects of the funeral, including the arrangement of caskets, cremation, and funeral home services.

Coverage Gaps: We provide solutions for expenses not covered by the VA, such as transportation of remains, memorial items, and personalized funeral services.

Representation Across Counties: We represent all funeral homes and crematories in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino counties. The VA does not handle prearrangements, so a funeral home or crematory must make them. We ensure all necessary steps are taken care of, easing the process for your family.

Dedicated Family Service Counselors: Our dedicated family service counselors can answer any questions, guide you through every step of the process, and provide all these services for free.

Serving Veterans Across Southern California Regions

We proudly serve veterans and their families in the:

Los Angeles County

Orange County

Riverside County

San Diego County

San Bernardino County

Our mission is to ensure every veteran receives the honor and respect they deserve. Planning can secure your legacy and provide your family’s peace of mind.