Veterans
Paying tribute to those whom have served our country. 
Military Funeral Honors is a way to show gratitude to those who have faithfully defended our country. This ceremonial paying of respect is the final demonstration a grateful Nation can provide to the veteran’s families. The tradition of Military Funeral Honors began in ancient times. The funeral honors protocol of today, traces its roots back to these ancient ceremonies as well as to historical American experiences.
The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery opened in May of 2000. The cemetery is situated on a 638.5-acres that overlooks Mountain Creek Lake. With rolling hills to provide a picture perfect setting. The Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery has a Public Information Center where visitors can obtain information from an automated KIOSK or from staffed volunteers seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The KIOSK contains the names of veterans and their dependents buried in the cemetery and will generate a printed map with the name of the decedent and their grave location. For more information please visit http://www.cem.va.gov/CEMs/nchp/dallasftworth.asp.
How Much Should You Expect to be Charged for Military Honors
Military Funeral Honors are provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to the family.
What Can You Expect
The core elements of the funeral honors ceremony, which will be conducted on request, are:
• Flag folding
• Flag presentation
• Taps
The veteran’s parent Service representative will present the flag.
What Kind of Notice Must You Give
The Services request must be at least 48 hours prior.
How can you learn more about Military Funeral Honors? An web site is a direct link to available. It is located at: www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil and may be accessed by the general public. This web site is a source of detailed information with direct links to related military and veteran sites sponsored by the Department of Defense.
Who is Eligible
• Military members on active duty
• Military retirees
• Members and former members of the Selected Reserve
• Eligible U.S. veterans of any war
• Other U.S. veterans who served at least one term of enlistment and separated under conditions other than dishonorable.
Further clarification on eligibility is available in Title 10 and Title 38, United States Code on this web site: http://www.militaryfuneralhonors.osd.mil
Social Security Benefits & Eligibility (for more information you can visit www.ssa.gov.
• A widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled.
• A divorced widow or widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted 10 years, or if caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled.
• Unmarried children up to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school full time).
• Children who were disabled before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled.
• Dependent parent or parents 62 or older.
Death Payments
A one time payment of $255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits. This payment is paid in the following order:
• A surviving spouse who lived in the same household at of death.
• A surviving spouse eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
• A child or children eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
How to Apply
In order to receive benefits you may apply at any Social Security office or, if you wish, you may apply by phone at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment for you or arrange for the local Social Security office to take your claim by telephone.
SOCIAL SECURITY TELESERVICES
To speak with a representative, call between the hours of 7:00am and 7:00pm on regular business days. All other times you may leave a message and for a call back.