Veterans are Australia’s brave men and women who have risked their lives to protect their fellow Australian’s in times of war and conflict. They performed an honourable service to our country, it is no wonder that following their service we wish to acknowledge their sacrifice and honour their service through ceremony and remembrance.
When a Veteran passes away, there are options for the family to honour their military participation as well as support available from the Department of Veterans Affairs to help with funeral expenses.
Assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs
Before planning a funeral service for your Veteran loved one, it is advised to contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to understand if you are eligible for funeral assistance and bereavement payment. Funeral assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs is available to help families meet the cost of the funeral. The assistance available depends on whether the person’s service is covered by the VEA, MRCA or SRCA.
Once the Department of Veterans Affairs has been notified about the death of a pension recipient, depending on circumstances, bereavement payments may be payable. A bereavement payment is a one-off, non-taxable payment designed to help with the costs that may follow the death of a pensioner or member/former member.
Honouring Veterans through Funeral Services
Hetherington Funerals are experienced in working with Veterans and their loved ones to create a funeral service honouring their military involvement and honour.
A Poppy Service is often held for members of the Australian Armed Forces. This includes a short reading by a member of the Returned Services League of Australia, the laying of red poppies on the coffin by all present and the playing of the Last Post. Be sure to speak with your Funeral Director at Herington Funerals to discuss the options available to you for the service and final disposition.
Commemoration
For eligible Australian Veterans, an official commemoration may be provided in a cemetery or a crematorium at the site of interment, or in an Office of Australian War Graves Garden of Remembrance. When you notify Department of Veterans Affairs about a death, they will be able to provide you with additional information about services through the Office of Australian War Graves.
Hetherington Funerals was established in 1999 by John and Mary Hetherington. Hetherington Funerals has grown to become a successful funeral service provider in Western Australia. Their hard earned virtuous reputation is due to the sensitive and courteous client service it provides all of its valued clients. We, at Hetherington Funerals, consider it an honour to assist families in these circumstances, and thus we promise to do everything we can to ensure that your experience is as stress-free as we can make it.
Whether you need to plan a funeral now or wish to pre-plan for the future, Hetherington Funerals are here. For more information or advice please contact us on (08) 9459 2846, submit an enquiry on our contact page or look at our services here.