Canadian Veterans Benefits

For the dedication of the honorable individuals who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Canadian Government provides funeral and burial benefits for those who died during battle or have died due to war-related injuries.

According to, Veterans Affairs Canada, there are benefits provided for veterans who have died and whose loved ones are without the financial resources to provide for a funeral and burial. These benefits are delivered from a non-profit organization called the Last Post Fund (LPF). They deliver this program on behalf of the Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

To qualify for assistance under the Funeral and Burial Program, both service-related and financial eligibility criteria must be met. Before approving assistance, the Last Post Fund will conduct a short interview with the veteran’s next of kin, executor or another responsible person to establish eligibility. When contacting the Last Post Fund for assistance, we recommend you have a veteran’s military service and financial information on hand for the application process.

These benefits are provided for the following:

• Former members of the Canadian Armed Forces (Naval, Army, Air Forces)
• Allied Veterans who served with Allied Forces of the Second World War or Korean War (Have lived in Canada for 10 years or lived in Canada prior, or the death occurred in Canada)
• Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans of the Second World War or Korean War

Eligibility

In the case of a veteran with a spouse or dependent children (or both), the combined assets of the couple are considered, excluding the family home, one vehicle and income received during the month of death.  All liabilities, including funeral and burial costs, are then deducted from their total assets. To qualify, their combined net asset value cannot be greater than $12,015.

In the case of a single veteran, when the net value of the estate is not sufficient to pay off all existing liabilities, including the cost of funeral and burial services, the veteran is deemed to be eligible for assistance.

Types of Application For Assistance

Standard funeral services may be provided when the Last Post Fund is contacted, and eligibility determined before firm arrangements are made with a funeral home. In this case, the Last Post Fund will contract directly with the funeral home.

When arrangements for funeral and burial are made by a Veteran’s estate, family or another person/organization, an application for reimbursement (partial or full) may be made within one year. This reimbursement is subject to the amounts set out in the Veterans Burial Regulations.

Benefits Included

The current maximum rate payable toward funeral service costs such as professional services, casket and an urn is $7376 + tax. Over and above this amount, the cost of a cemetery plot, opening and closing costs, and the actual cost of cremation may be covered up to the maximum allowed.

Grave Marker

A grave marker may be provided and installed for those Veterans who are entitled to receive benefits when no other marker has been placed or ordered privately. 

We thank the Canadian Armed Forces for defending our country, their dedication, and many sacrifices. If you have any more questions regarding benefits provided for Veterans, please contact, Arbutus Funeral Service, here.